(IWM CH 13078)
Discover the untold backstories from 1944 of the Airborne Forces from the United Kingdom, United States and Poland who trained in or flew from South Kesteven in Lincolnshire on military operations that changed the course of history.
The South Kesteven Airborne Trails link historically significant sites, telling the story of how Airborne Forces were trained and sent into battle.
Images of paratroopers floating from the sky into the heat of battle for D-Day and Operation MARKET GARDEN are enshrined in print, podcasts, film and countless websites. But where had these elite Airborne warriors left from?
Follow in their footsteps and find out. Visit evocative airfields, cherished churches, stay in wartime accommodation still welcoming visitors today – and read their stories.
Be inspired by the unique bond that carried the Airborne soldiers through the hell that they would face in helping liberate western Europe - forging true 'Bands of Brothers'.
See the map of Airborne Heritage sites below and click on the buttons beneath for more information.
1. RAF Fulbeck: US Airborne troop departures
2. Fulbeck Hall: elements of HQ British 1st Airborne Division
3. Fulbeck Manor: elements of HQ British 1st Airborne Division
4. St Vincent's Church, Caythorpe: Memorial to Airborne Signallers
5. Marston Hall: residence of Commander of US IX Troop Carrier Command
6. RAF Barkston Heath: British and US Airborne troop departures
7. St Vincent's Hall: HQ US IX Troop Carrier Command HQ
8. Ropsley Heath: British training drop zone
9. RAF Folkingham: US Airborne troop departures
10. Harlaxton Manor: units of the British 1st Airborne Division
11. RAF Saltby: British, US and Polish troop departures
12. Stoke Rochford Hall: HQ 2nd Parachute Battalion of the British 1st Airborne Division
13. Easton Hall: 'A' Company, 2nd Parachute Battalion of the British 1st Airborne Division
14. RAF North Witham: US Pathfinders flew from here to Normandy on D-Day
15. Grimsthorpe Castle: HQ 1st Parachute Battalion of the British 1st Airborne Division
16. Rock House, Stamford: HQ 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade
Airborne Heritage Cycling and Driving Trails
South Kesteven offers a chance to cycle and drive along roads familiar to long-gone wartime troops.
Where once quiet lanes echoed to military boots, South Kesteven’s roads now offer a choice of cycling and driving routes, each focusing on a different aspect of the Allied Airborne forces gathered here in preparation for the liberation of Europe.
Easton Walled Gardens
Places to Stay
South Kesteven has many wonderful places to visit and stay. During World War II, troops were billeted at every significant property across the district, from stately homes to castles and manor houses.
Some, echoing with history, are still welcoming visitors today, many remarkably unchanged from what Airborne forces would have called their temporary homes in 1944.
All Trails (alphabetical order)
Troops load folding bicycles onto a Horsa glider
Cycle or Drive through the pages of Airborne history
Follow in Polish Footsteps
Other Resources
Men of the 1st Parachute Battalion at Barkston Heath, 17 September 1944. (Paradata/Airborne Assault Museum)
Airborne History on the Internet
North Witham, 5 June 1944: Pathfinders of the 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, and aircrew of the C-47 that would fly them to Normandy just hours later. (US Army photo, public domain)