FAMILIES will have the chance to enjoy a remarkable flypast by Second World War planes paying tribute to D-Day heroes.

More than 35 Douglas DC-3/C-47 planes will pass over Southend on Wednesday, June 5.

They will take to the skies from Imperial War Museum in Duxford before flying over the town.

The “Dakotas” will be escorted by a number of Second World War fighters, and will set course for Caen-Carpiquet Airport in Normandy.

They will be passing over in line with the pier at 2.29pm and will descend on Caen-Carpiquet Airport where they will be on display on June 7 and 8.

The fly-by will be a unique experience according to retired squadron leader Joseph Marsden, a former Vulcan pilot and member of the Southend Vulcan Restoration Trust.

Mr Marsden, 69, said: “This is the biggest gathering of Dakota aircraft since the war. I think it’s essential we keep history alive like this.

“About 30 of the aircraft came across from America last week, landing at Duxford ahead of flying over to France.

“They will be dropping re-enactment parachutists to re-enact D-Day. I encourage everyone to try to see the planes. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Organisation Daks over Normandy revealed the historic route the squadrons will take.

At approximately 1.40pm on Wednesday, the aircraft will take off from Duxford. They will set course for Normandy, flying over Colchester, Southend, Maidstone and Eastbourne before heading out over the Channel.

They will pass Le Havre and then the historic UK Drop Zone at Sannerville, where the skies will be filled with paratroopers jumping from military planes, as they descend in honour of the troops who did the same 75 years ago on June 6, 1944 when almost 160,000 Allied troops stormed the Normandy beaches to start the liberation of Western Europe. Dakotas were among the aircraft to support the airborne assault.