In Memoriam - Lt. Robert Stoddart Preston KIA 24 March 1945 Operation Varsity 18 Platoon B Company 2 OXF & BUCKS Coup de Main, Glider CN2 Time of landing 10.21
Very nice Parade by troops of 4 Regiment Army Air Corp, at Marks Farm memorial in Essex close by Earls Colne air field from where Gliders took off . Gideon paraded along with the Glider Pilot Association Standard , and Standards of several Airborne Regimental Associations . Parachute Regiment Band and Fly past by Two Apaches. Very impressed by the turn out of all Ranks of 4 Regiment. The Officers and Snco's ( Some with impressive medal displays) moved around chatting to all the spectators and the Old and Bold. The Grandson of Major Howard (.of Pegasus Bridge fame) was present wearing his Grandfathers Medals. At the time the Chief of the Imperial Staff General Sir Alan Brooke wrote. My heartiest congratulations on their (The Glider Pilots) wonderful performance in operations connected with the crossing of the Rhine. The skill and bravery displayed by them in this magnificent action of Airborne Forces will pass down history as one of the highlights amongst the deeds of the valour of this war. We will remember them
good day jpp.jm.yesterday.09:11am.operation varsity:remembering this day on the seventieth anniversary.lt.robert stoddart preston.k.i.a.march.1945.may he rest in peace.regards bernard85.