In this special morning of exclusive talks and demonstrations, we will be looking at the story of the British Airborne Forces in the Second World War, from their training and preparations to their assault of Sicily in 1943, through to D-Day and Arnhem.
With experts, veterans and demonstrations of kit and weapons, this will be a rare opportunity to hear and learn more about some of Britain’s wartime special forces.
9.25am | Introduction by James Holland |
9.30am | The Red Devils over Sicily
Peter Caddick-Adams discusses the role of British Airborne forces over Sicily, from the preparation, to the execution and to the lessons learned. |
10.00am | Foreign Fields: the Red Devils
The Foreign Fields Living History Group explain and demonstrate the kit, weapons and tactics used by the British Airborne Forces in World War II |
10.30am | Coffee |
10.45am | The Red Devils over Normandy
Stuart Tootal discusses the D-Day operations with 9 Para veteran, Fred Glover. |
12.00pm | The Red Devils at Arnhem
Al Murray has had a life-long fascination with Operation MARKET GARDEN and in this talk discusses the operation and how and why it fell short of its aims. |