Signalman
LE

Ten Hamilcars carrying bulldozers, cranes, graders and engineering stores of the US 878th Airfield Construction Battalion were slated to land on 19th September. The lift was delayed and was finally binned on the 21st. As you say, I think it was very much a case of trying to get all the toys out of the box. I expect that Deelen was considered to be the better option, but the plan was there.
Yes, 52 (L) Div were an interesting formation. Being Mountain troops, they were ideal for re-purposing as a light 'Air-Sea Deployable' Division. Their Recce Regiment even still had Valentine tanks, as they could be fitted into smaller and lighter classes of landing craft (and left in the UK when they finally deployed in a conventional role). I think it was Peter White who joked that having trained for mountain warfare, they first saw combat below sea level (on Walcheren).
Yes, 52 (L) Div were an interesting formation. Being Mountain troops, they were ideal for re-purposing as a light 'Air-Sea Deployable' Division. Their Recce Regiment even still had Valentine tanks, as they could be fitted into smaller and lighter classes of landing craft (and left in the UK when they finally deployed in a conventional role). I think it was Peter White who joked that having trained for mountain warfare, they first saw combat below sea level (on Walcheren).