Operation Varsity tribute returns to Markshall Estate

The crowds gathered for the annual Operation Varsity tribute at Markshall Estate in Coggeshall.

It is a memorial service held every year within the estate, to pay homage and respect to those who were a part of Operation Varsity 77 years ago, which was the single largest lift of airborne forces ever undertaken.

On March 24, 1945, a force of 440 gliders of the Glider Pilot Regiment, towed by 440 tug aircraft of the Royal Air Force, took off from airfields across East Anglia, including Earls Colne.

Their load included troops of the 6th Airlanding Brigade, Jeeps, Locust tanks, bulldozers and anti-tank guns with ammunition.

Their contribution towards the invasion of Germany was to capture and hold the town of Hamminkeln, along with three vital bridges over the River Issel.

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Due to the concentrated anti-aircraft defences and the drift of smoke screen laid to cover the land offensive nearby, many of the gliders failed to reach their allocated landing zones.

Of the 402 gliders which reached the battle area, 37 were destroyed by fire and only 88 remained undamaged.

In addition, 102 glider pilots were killed and a further 102 were wounded.

Many of the tug aircraft from 38 and 46 Group Royal Air Force were shot down or damaged. 43 aircrew were killed and 153 were wounded.

Each year Markshall Estate commemorates the event by inviting the forces associated with the assault, dignitaries, and members of the public to the memorial to lay wreaths and remember those involved.

On the day, crowds met before walking through the arboretum in glorious sunshine.

They included Second World War veterans and their families, representatives from the Glider Pilot Regiment, the mayor and mayoress of Colchester and the High Sheriff of Essex, as well as other schools and authorities.