Operation Varsity Service of Remembrance

Published: March 2010

Each year the Glider Pilot Regimental Association holds a memorial service to commemorate Operation Varsity.

The Operation on 24th 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".

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

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 will take place at the Memorial Site, at 11.00am.

Please park at the Visitor Centre, no admission charges will apply.  Visitors need to arrive by 10.30am at the latest to allow time to walk to the Memorial Site.

For more information please contact the Visitor Centre on 01376 563796.