A Memorial Service was held at Double Hills, Paulton, on Sunday, 7th September, to commemorate those who lost their lives when a glider fell from the skies seventy years ago.

23 servicemen were killed, becoming the first casualties in Operation Market Garden, which had hoped to speed the end of the war. This year was a special occasion, as it was the 35th observance of the crash and the seventieth anniversary of the crash itself.

The event, a big occasion for Paulton, was attended by over 500 people, local residents mainly, but also some of the last few veterans from WW2 and their families. Members of the armed forces were present, including those of 676 Squadron, Army Air Corps. The event was organised by Peter Yeates, who has done so much to keep this commemoration alive. The service was led by Rev. Guy Edwards, Vicar of Paulton, together with Rev. Audrey Simpson, Paulton Methodist Minister. A special moment was when there was an Army Air Corps flypast overhead during the service.

The exhortation was made by Gail Garlick, representing the Royal Navy.

Wreaths were laid in honour of those who had died. In particular, those laid by Lt Col John Humphreys, who parachuted into Arnhem, Petty Officer Ken Sturdy, who was beach master at Normandy, and glider pilot, Arthur Shackleton, were particularly poignant.

A wreath was also laid by Les Wild, Chair, and Anne Lyons, Vice-Chair, of Paulton Parish Council, and respects were paid by Martin Veal, Chair of B&NES.

The Head of the British Army, General Sir Brian Wall, who should have taken the salute, was unable to be present due to the ongoing crisis in Syria and Iraq. Instead, Chelsea Pensioner, Lt Col John Humphries took his place.