Operation Varsity
RAF RIVENHALL'S PART IN THE LARGEST EVER AIRBORNE OPERATION
Operation Varsity
RAF RIVENHALL'S PART IN THE LARGEST EVER AIRBORNE OPERATION
RAF RIVENHALL'S PART IN THE LARGEST EVER AIRBORNE OPERATION
RAF RIVENHALL'S PART IN THE LARGEST EVER AIRBORNE OPERATION
Operation VARSITY, which took place on 24th March 1945, was the largest Airborne operation ever to be conducted in one day.
It involved the coordinated drop of over 16,000 paratroopers and glider troops from both the British 6th Airborne Division and American 17th Airborne Division across the river Rhine, Germany.
It was carried out in conjunction with Operation PLUNDER, the largest ever river crossing, which saw the Allied ground forces push directly into Germany. It was the beginning of the end of World War 2 in Europe.
Eleven airfields in Essex and Suffolk were used to launch the 6th Airborne Division, the 17th Airborne Division took off from improvised airfields in France.
RAF Rivenhall was one of those Essex airfields that saw sixty gliders and tugs take off that day. Many who flew from Rivenhall did not survive - this is their story.
Sutable for all ages to enjoy.