NEWSLETTER MARCH 2025
By 1945, The USAAF had left the Earls Colne airfield & Marks Hall HQ – so the RAF moved in….
Operation Varsity – 24th March 1945 – the “last drop” – the largest single airborne operation that the world has ever seen – over 16000 men leaving from multiple airfields in Essex
to cross the River Rhine with the air element being coordinated from Marks Hall, the HQ of 38 Group adjacent to the airfield.
With these 16,000 men, there was ONE woman – WAAF Officer Rosemary Britten. Her participation was kept quiet for nearly 50 years!
However, following the Museum’s extensive research, we will be revealing her exciting story – this is simply one story not to be missed!kept quiet for nearly 50 years!
The SAS in Essex
In 1945, Earls Colne would have witnessed the iconic SAS jeeps driving through the village en route between their Brigade HQ and their bases before deploying on operations. These were the “rogue heroes”, the SAS “Originals”- elite soldiers who played a crucial role in the war.
SAS Speakers
Wednesday, 19th March, Graeme Cooper, son of SAS Original Johnny Cooper, volunteered at age 18, the youngest member of the SAS.
Colne Valley Golf Club
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EKLJ
Thursday, 20th March – Tony Rushmer, author and biographer of SAS soldier Reg Seekings – one of the first soldiers to reach the horror of the Belsen Concentration camp.
Essex Country Club
https://www.theessexgolfandcountryclub.com/events/march-2025/operation-varsity-80th-anniversary/
(Photos: Rosemary Britten: Johnny Cooper & Reg Seekings)
Also Happening in March
The museum, along with The Four Colnes Horticultural Society and Olivers Plants
are heading a working party on Thursday 13th March 10.00 – 12.00 to prepare the beds for planting
which will take place on Saturday 15th March 10.00 – 12.00.
If you’d like to help, please come along at those times. Bring gloves, tools and wellies!