For anyone interested in attending the Memorial service for the GPR at Marks Hall this year it will be held on the 21st of March starting at eleven AM. It was traditionaly always on the 24th, the anniversary of Operation Varsity, however this year that was not possible. regards lofty
Thank you Lofty for posting information about the GPR Memorial Service held every year at Marks Hall, Earls Colne. Unfortunately, this year I am unable to attend. Remembering all those who lost their lives during Operation Varsity, 24th March, 1945 - the largest single Airborne Operation in history. Lindsay
For anyone interested in attending the Memorial service for the GPR at Marks Hall this year it will be held on the 21st of March starting at eleven AM. It was traditionaly always on the 24th, the anniversary of Operation Varsity, however this year that was not possible. regards lofty BUMP
A good turn out today, although it was bitterly cold, the veterans were well looked after by the military, as were the guests, the day went well. better pictures to follow. lofty
A good turn out today, although it was bitterly cold, the veterans were well looked after by the military, as were the guests, the day went well. better pictures to follow. lofty Nice to see. Look forward to seeing those other pics.
Thank you Lofty for posting your photographs' covering the GPR Remembrance Service held at Marks Hall, Earls Colne: glad to hear that the day went well, despite the cold weather. Remembering tomorrow - 24.03.45. - all those who lost their lives during Operation Varsity, the largest single Airborne Operation in history, the Rhine Crossings. For those WW2 Talk members who may be interested:- Below is a photograph of Captain H.M.R. Norton (Rex Norton), B Squadron, 1 Wing Glider Pilot Regiment. KIA 24.03.45. Aged 23. This photograph has only recently come to light via a Norton family relative. With the kind permission of Steve Wright (GPRgt), page 202 from Steve's book, The Last Drop (Operation Varsity), shown below, is a fitting tribute to Rex and his service with the GPR recorded by a fellow comrade. On that same day in 1945 my father was also nearby when Rex lost his life. He wrote to my mother from the battlefield :- ... been a party as you can guess, but thank God we managed to keep everything under control. My chaps made such a grand show. This is our first day this (proper) side of the river and reaction is a funny thing. Just realising now the empty beds we have. So sorry to say that poor old Rex Norton is not coming back. God, it's a hellish business, he was hoping to get married after this show .... Thanks again Lofty and all the best. Lindsay
Operation Varsity Lofty, Thank you for sharing the day with us. Could you or Lindsay fill me in on the interesting sculpture of the eagle (?) on the pedestal that can be seen in the one photo? My Father as a Para took part in Operation Varsity. I only have hints of what he experienced, but for him it was particularly devastating with the loss of many good friends. In memory of all the young men who died on that day ... Regards ...
Hi Cee, the eagle is part of the Lectern used by the clergy to hold the bible for readings, and is likely brought to the site from the local church for the occasion. I have no idea why an Eagle, but they are prevalent in many Churches I have visited, regards lofty
Thanks Lofty, Isn't that curious? I immediately thought of the GPR beret badge. Perhaps from your info rather than an eagle we are looking at a Phoenix. "Phoenix: The Phoenix is a mythical creature said to build a nest when old, and set it on fire. It would then rise from the ashes in victory. Because of these myths (believed by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Orientals), the bird came to symbolize Christ." Regards ...
Hi all, more pictures of the day as promised, pictures provided by STAN50 a member here. regards lofty
Great pics Lofty, thanks very much for posting and once again, sorry for the balls up . By the way, how did the scones go? ........
Hi Lindsay, I can add the following to your post taken at Reichwald Forest Cemetery, which is the main cemetery for Operation Varsity... Regards Tom
Thank you Tom. I'll get in touch with Rex Norton's relative and forward the photographs of Rex's Memorial stone. All the best, Lindsay
