Glider society to host remembrance service in Staffordshire
The Glider Pilot Regiment Society will hold its annual service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire this month to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Battle of Arnhem, and other Second World War operations.
Officially formed in 1942, the Glider Pilot Regiment was an elite unit of the British Army.
It was made up of volunteers from other parts of the Army. Only those who achieved the highest standards were selected for flying training, initially on powered aircraft before progressing to gliders. Training was perilous and many volunteers were killed in flying accidents.
Those who made it went on to fly huge unpowered aircraft, capable of carrying troops, jeeps, artillery and even tanks.
This year marks the 75th Anniversary of many of the Regiment’s operations.
With less than 50 veterans of the Regiment left, the Glider Pilot Regiment Society is focused on ensuring that the bravery of these pilot soldiers is not forgotten and in particular commemorating those whose lives were lost.
The service is open to all members of the public and is free to attend. It starts at 11am on May 11.
Visit gliderpilotregiment.org.uk or e-mail info@gliderpilotregiment.org.uk for more.
