Operation Varsity

Published: March 2011

We invite you to join the Glider Pilot Regimental Association and Army Air Corps for a commemorative service at Marks Hall Memorial Site marking the 66th Anniversary of Operation Varsity on Thursday 24th March 2011.

Each year the Glider Pilot Regimental Association holds a memorial service to commemorate Operation Varsity.  The Operation on 24 March 1945 was part of the boldest, most successful and also the last airborne operation of World War II, a vital part of what became known as "The Rhine Crossing".th

Forty three gliders were flown from Earls Colne Airfield in an operation which in total included over 1,500 aircraft and 1,300 gliders, bo American and British - the largest single lift of airborne forces ever undertaken.th

Each year survivors from the Association, in conjunction with the Army Air Corps, return to the Estate to hold a memorial service dedicated to those pilots lost during the Operation.

The Service of Remembrance starts at 11.00am.  All visitors are welcome, please park in the car park, you will need to allow half an hour to walk to the Memorial Site, although there will be transport available up until 10.30am if required.

The Visitor Centre will be open from 9.30am for hot drinks, and will remain open until after the service for homemade soup and cake in the Tea Room.