Operation Market Garden 80th anniversary service Chilbolton

More than 200 people attended a church service to 80 years since Operation Market Garden and the sacrifices made by the thousands of troops who took part in the mission.

The service was organised by St Mary the Less, Chilbolton and held at Chilbolton Airfield from where hundreds of airborne troops flew out in September 1944 and many never returned.

A marquee had been set up for the service but it quickly filled up, with many more people standing outside, despite rain and thunder.

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The parade marching (Image: Diocese of Winchester)

The event was led by Rev’d Kevin Rogers from the Downs Benefice.

He said “I'm really touched by the number of people who have come along to the service, who have no affiliation with the church.

"I think it's honouring an era where people really gave everything, but I think it is also a stark reminder that we're facing incredible challenges ahead and that faith is going to be so important going forward, especially for our younger generations.

"We want to remember and not let this happen again."

RAF Chilbolton played a major role in World War II, having opened in 1940, it was used by the RAF and later by the United States Army Air Force.

The airfield was a base for Hurricane and Spitfire squadrons during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

On September 19, 1944, 40 American C-47 Dakotas towing Waco CG-4 gliders, loaded with troops and equipment, took off as part of “Operation Market Garden”.

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80 years since Operation Market Garden (Image: Diocese of Winchester)

The aim was for three Allied airborne divisions to drop into Holland and secure territory and bridges around Eindhoven, Nijmegen and Arnhem.

This would create a corridor for ground troops to advance into German’s industrial heartland.

The mission succeeded in capturing the Dutch cities of Eindhoven and Nijmegen but failed at Arnhem with the loss of thousands of lives.

The service was organised by Andrew Kent, chairman of Chilbolton PCC who said: “Unfortunately a lot of our airborne forces never came back.

"They were young men aged 18 to 23. In those days a lot of troops and Air Force personal were billeted with families in the village. It had quite a big impact.

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British and US forces took part in Operation Market Garden (Image: Diocese of Winchester)

"Chilbolton as an airfield was quite important during World War II.

"You can imagine villagers coming out of their houses and seeing hurricanes and spitfires taking off over their heads and going off to the Channel to defend the country.

"I think it’s important for us as the church to honour and remember people who fought and particularly those who died, to ensure that we have the freedom that we have today.”

The service was attended by a number of serving and retired members of the military, members of the Royal British Legion and the Parachute Regiment Association.

There was a parade of standards and a march past, with the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson taking the salute.

Music was provided by the band and corps of drums of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force. There were hymns, prayers and readings and an act of remembrance with the laying of wreaths.

Also attending the service was Major Brad Hoelscher, a U.S Exchange Officer with the Land Warfare Centre.

He said: "My previous assignment was 2nd Brigade 101 Airborne Division so being able to represent my old unit at a very special ceremony here is truly an honour.

"These ceremonies are always extraordinarily important because it carries on the legacy and the story, so that we don't ever forget.

"The weather could have been better, but it just goes to show you the dedication of those involved, to brave thunder and lightning and pouring rain to participate in this service.

"It’s a very special year, the 80th anniversary, and there are not many veterans left, so I think this is our duty to them."