D-Day 80: Event at Saltby Airfield to honour US airmen

American troops from the 82nd Airborne Division check their equipment on D-Day (June 6, 1944)

A service will be held at a former World War Two airfield to honour US airmen who took part in D-Day.

Saltby Airfield, near Grantham, will host the event from 10:30 to 15:00 BST on 8 June - two days after the 80th anniversary of the action.

In 1944, Saltby was home to America's 9th Troop Carrier Command, flying paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division to Normandy.

The event is free to attend.

Former RAF Saltby played a key role in June 1944

Organisers said as well as the service of commemoration there will be military re-enactors, an Army field kitchen and several talks in the gliding club's clubhouse.

Talks will feature demonstrations on equipment carried into battle by both US troops and their British counterparts.

Airfield access and talks must be booked separately.

What were the D-Day landings?

Senior military representatives from the US are expected to attend the event, which is being organised by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC), Saltby Airfield History Group and the Buckminster Gliding Club.

Councillor Richard Dixon-Warren, SKDC's armed forces' champion, said: "RAF Saltby played a critical role in the invasion of Europe and we are delighted to help tell the story of the American contribution that helped turn the tide of war."

Booking information for the talks can be found on the council's website.

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