A pilot regiment which fought in key battles in World War II is to be celebrated in a community remembrance service.
The Glider Pilot Regiment (GPRS) played a central role in the invasion of Sicily, D-Day and the Battle of Arnhem throughout the Second World War.
Established in 1942, it was formed of volunteers from other sections of the Army.
They underwent a "gruelling" training regime before they were allowed to fly aircraft behind enemy lines.
Lindsey Aspen, from Marks Hall Aboretum, said: "These men were subject to a training process that ensured only the best candidates progressed.
"Flying training initially took place on powered aircraft, before progressing to small, Hotspur gliders, and eventually the huge Horsa and Hamilcar gliders which were capable of carrying troops, jeeps, artillery pieces and even tanks into enemy occupied territory."
The regiment disbanded in 1957, but this weekend families are invited to remember them in a service at Marks Hall Arboretum in Coggeshall.
Those who wish to attend should meet at the visitor centre at 10am on Saturday (March 24) to allow time to walk to the Memorial site.
The day, completely free to attend, centres around celebrating one particular battle, Operation Varsity.
What is Operation Varsity?
Operation Varsity was the largest airborne operation in history.
Between 6am and 7.50am on March 24, 1945, a force of 440 gliders of the Glider Pilot Regiment, towed by 440 tug aircraft of the Royal Air Force, took off from airfields across East Anglia, including Earls Colne.
Their load included troops of the Sixth Airlanding Brigade, Jeeps, Locust tanks, Bulldozers and Anti-tank guns with ammunition.
Their contribution towards the invasion of Germany was to capture and hold the town of Hamminkeln, along with three vital bridges over the River Issel.
Due to the concentrated anti-aircraft defences and the drift of smoke screen laid to cover the land offensive nearby, many of the gliders failed to reach their allocated landing zones.
Of the 402 gliders that reached the battle area, 37 were destroyed by fire; only 88 remained undamaged.
102 glider pilots were killed and a further 102 were wounded. Many of the tug aircraft from 38 and 46 Group Royal Air Force were shot down, or damaged.
43 aircrew were killed and 153 were wounded.
The Operation was part of the boldest, most successful and also the last airborne operation of World War II, a vital part of what became known as “The Rhine Crossing”.
Complimentary tea and coffee will be on offer prior to the service.
Members of the GPRS will be in attendance to meet guests and members of the public and will be on hand to answer queries and talk about the history of Operation Varsity and the Regiment.
For more information, visit the Glider Pilot Regiment website.