 Operation Varsity was therefore planned with these three airborne divisions in mind , with all three to be dropped behind German lines in support of 21st Army Group as it conducted its amphibious assaults to breach the Rhine . However , during the earliest planning stages , it became apparent that the 13th Airborne Division would be unable to participate in the operation , as there were only enough combat transport aircraft in the area to transport two divisions effectively . The plan for the operation was therefore altered to accommodate the two remaining airborne divisions , the British 6th Airborne and the US 17th Airborne Division . The two airborne divisions would be dropped behind German lines , with their objective to land around Wesel and disrupt enemy defences in order to aid the advance of the British Second Army towards Wesel . 
