Parachute and glider troops who risked their lives serving in the British Airborne Forces during the Second World War are to be commemorated by the Yorkshire Air Museum.

The museum, at Elvington, near York, is gearing up for a special event to mark the 60th anniversary of Winston Churchill's call to establish such a force, and many veterans are due to attend.

The airborne forces got off to a gutsy beginning in 1940, being established against a backdrop of inadequate equipment and a slow start in relation to the Germans.

They were used to significant effect in the war in Europe and in the Mediterranean, where their ferocious fighting spirit won them the nickname the Red Devils.

Their method was to drop troops ahead of the main advancing forces to seize major targets and maximise the element of surprise.

The famous Red Berets soon became synonymous throughout the world as the epitome of elite forces.

On June 25, the museum is calling all former airborne and special forces veterans to come to a special day of events at Elvington.

The event is being held at the museum in conjunction with the Parachute Regiment Association, the Glider Pilots' Regiment Association and the Airborne Assault Normandy Trust.

The day will include the opening of the new Airborne Forces Museum by Lieutenant General Sir Michael Gray as well as displays, a march-past and a visit by the Battle of Britain memorial flight.

Admission is free for veterans.

www.yorksairmuseum.freeserve.co.uk

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