DOZENS of people gathered to pay a touching tribute to the heroes of a Second World War air force mission vital to bringing an end to the war.

More than 70 veterans, families, staff and members of the local community gathered at Marks Hall Gardens and Arboretum on Thursday to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Operation Varsity.

The huge operation was the single largest lift of airborne forces ever undertaken.

On March 24, 1945, a force of 440 gliders and 440 aircraft of the Royal Airforce took off from airfields across East Anglia, including Earls Colne.

Bringing with them troops, vehicles and ammunition, the forces were tasked with holding the town of Hamminkeln, along with three vital bridges over the River Issel.

Of the 402 gliders that reached the battle area, only 88 remained undamaged. 102 pilots were killed and a further 102 were injured and a further 43 aircrew were killed and 153 wounded.

The service on Thursday was led by Reverend Chris Davey of Coggeshall Parish.

Representatives from the Parachute Regiment Association and the Glider Pilot Regiment Society gathered to pay their respects along with guests George Courtauld OBE and Peter Wilkin and trustees Graeme Fraser Steele and Meriel Barclay.

The younger generation were represented by pupils from Soaring High Montessori Primary School and Honywood Community Science School alongside many other members of the local community.

Rebecca Lee, General Manager at Marks Hall, said: “It is very important to the staff and Trustees to mark this occasion.

“The memorial site at Marks Hall is a special place and we know that many friends and family look forward to coming here to pay their respects and to remember.

“We are especially delighted to welcome the younger generation along to this event, to pay their respects to among many, the brave Glider pilots who took off from the airfield at Earls Colne.”

During the Second World War Marks Hall was the headquarters of the RAF’s 296 and 297 Squadrons, which were based at nearby Earls Colne Airfield.

After the war, the estate created a memorial site within the Arboretum.