 The start of the operation was a disaster . Many of the aircraft carrying the paratroopers from North Africa were shot down , or were damaged and turned back , due to both friendly fire and enemy action . The evasive action taken by the pilots scattered the brigade over a large area , and only the equivalent of two companies of troops were landed in the correct locations . Despite this and the defence by German and Italian forces , the British paratroops captured the bridge . Resisting attacks from the north and south , they held out against increasing odds until nightfall . 
