On March 24th 1945 over 40 Horsa gliders took off from Earls Colne Airfield to take part in Operation Varsity. The operation included a total of 1,300 British and American gliders, as well 1,500 allied aircraft, taking part in the now famous Rhine Crossing.
78 years later, Cllr Andrew Hensman was honoured to be invited as Chairman of Braintree District Council, to take part in the remembrance service, dedicated to those airmen who flew from Earls Colne Airfield. The service took place at Markshall's permanent memorial in the grounds of the estate at Coggeshall, Essex.
Many veterans took part in the service, joining the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst and Armed Forces personnel in laying wreaths at the memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives taking part in the operation, as well as members of the Glider Pilot Regiment who died during WWII.
Included with those attending the ceremony were 30 soldiers from Wattisham, members of the Colchester Army Band and representatives from the Gilder Pilots Association.
Anyone interested in visiting the memorial will find it situated through the Arboretum, about a 30 minute walk from the Visitor's Centre - there is limited parking that can be organised by making prior contact with the Estate Office 01376 563796.
