RAF Saltby: Flags fly proudly over Memorial
Former RAF Saltby has a permanent memorial to its illustrious RAF and Allied Airborne Forces' heritage, and British, American and Polish flags are flown above the memorial on World War II anniversary milestones.
Saltby airfield, photographed by a reconnaissance aircraft of the US 7th Photographic Group on 18 April 1944. (US Air Force)
In 1944, Saltby was home to the 314th Troop Carrier Group of the US IX Troop Carrier Command. On D-Day, 6 June 1944, its aircraft flew paratroopers of the US 82nd Airborne Division, including Brigadier General James Gavin, to Normandy. During Operation MARKET GARDEN, they dropped British and Polish and paratroopers into battle at Arnhem, including Lieutenant Colonel John Frost - whose men held the bridge at Arnhem - and Major General Stanislaw Sosabowski, commander of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade.
Commemorative services and events are regularly held at the memorial, which is on a public footpath close to the main runway and the Buckminster Gliding Club. The memorial comprises three large rocks, the one in the centre inscribed with a dedication, the outer two carrying inscribed images of a Handley Page Hampden and a C-47 aircraft. Next to the memorial is an interpretation board with further information about the airfield's role during World War II.
For more information on the history of Saltby airfield, click here: