Today is the 65th annivesary of OPERATION VARSITY, and a Service of Remembrance was once again held at Marks HALL for the GPR, unlike last year the weather was kind and it was well attended, I have posted some pictures of the day, at the end of the service there is a fly past of one large glider and two Appache helicopters, more pictures to follow, LOFTY
Nice pics, Lofty. I put a reminder on the website calender to do a thread yesterday on Operation Plunder & then totally forgot to do it.
Wonderful pictures Lofty. Think I was standing near you yesterday? BBC Look East gave coverage last night of the 65th Commemoration and Remembrance Service at Marks Hall, Earls Colne and Operation Varsity. You can catch this on i-player BBC Look East. Fantastic coverage for the Veterans' in attendance from The Glider Pilot Regiment. "Nothing is Impossible" Lindsay
Great photos, Lofty. Lindsay, welcome to the Forum. The coverage from Look East starts at 22 mins 07 secs. Will probably only be available until tomorrow evening. Steve W.
All this is new to me Steve ... but, glad to know you are there to help! BBC Look East are sending me a copy CD showing the coverage of the Service and events yesterday at the 65th Commemoration of the GPR and Operation Varsity at Marks Hall, Earls Colne. Yet another piece of History to sit in the Archives! All the best Steve, Lindsay
All this is new to me Steve ... but, glad to know you are there to help! BBC Look East are sending me a copy CD showing the coverage of the Service and events yesterday at the 65th Commemoration of the GPR and Operation Varsity at Marks Hall, Earls Colne. Yet another piece of History to sit in the Archives! All the best Steve, Lindsay I was the pilot of the glider this year and last year, but have no footage of how it was for you guys on the ground. How was it for you, could we do it better? does any one have any video footage? I see on some discussions it is stated that it was a civilain glider and hardly note worth. This is in fact and Army Glider operating out of Wattisham we focus on keeping gliding available to service person. Any feed back on if any one appriecates us continuing with the glider flypast each year would be welcome.
Hi etdf, it goes without saying, how much the GP enjoy seeing a glider at the service,however getting a picture of the SILENT INVADER is a whole new ball game, you dont know quite when its coming you only now its been when you see it dissapear, i do think i have some vidio of it last year, would it not be possible via radio contact to announce its imminent arrival so its seen and enjoyed by everyone. By the way this is not a critisism just a thought, i think the support you chaps give to the GPR is fantastic, well done and thank you, on behalf of everyone
Hi etdf found video of last year with glider on tow only. try to put it on here cant make work, its only a short clip but you are welcome to a copy, pm me and I will see you get it regards lofty.
Unfortunately the BBC Look East team were caught-out by the helicopters approaching from one direction, whilst you came in on another flight path over the Memorial Site at the 65th Commemoration and Service of Remembrance for the Glider Pilot Regiment and Operation Varsity, held at Marks Hall, Earls Colne, last week. The film crew were unable to focus their cameras in time and sent apologies that BBC Look East were unable to include coverage of the glider fly-pass in the programme shown later that day. The Glider Pilot Regiment, together with all those who took part in Operation Varsity, send sincere thanks to you, and all at AAC Wattisham Air Base, for making this glider fly-pass possible. Long may this tribute continue please. You came over very low this year! The sound and feel of the air was, for someone like me, haunting ..... how Glider Pilots flew heavy loaded Horsa Gliders directly through the fog of War, to land on hostile enemy occupied territory, is quite inconceivable ..... my personal thanks to you for honouring all Glider Pilots with the fly-pass. A photograph taken last year of you and your glider can be seen in the August 2009 edition of the GPRA magazine: The Eagle. Hope we all will see you again next year. Lindsay Aspin
A service was again held at Marks Hall today the 22nd remembering Operation Varsity (24th) and the GPR. the weather was very kind and the proceedings well attended, Marks Hall have done a lot of planting of trees and shrubs around the Memorial area, and when a little more established their effort will be well rewarded,they are to be thanked for that, have added a few pictures of the proceeding. lofty
Thank you Lofty for posting the photographs ... unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the GPR Service this year. The Memorial Site is truly located at a beautiful spot and it's good to hear that Marks Hall are planting further trees and shrubs. In time the area around the Memorial will become an even more tranquil place to remember all those who lost their lives on Operation Varsity, the Rhine Crossings, March 24th, 1945. Best wishes, Lindsay
