Retrace steps of US D-Day paratroopers

People will be able to retrace the steps of US paratroopers on an ex-World War Two airfield as part of free guided walks.

The former RAF North Witham site, in Lincolnshire, which is now Forestry-England owned Twyford Wood near Colsterworth, was once home to US paratroopers who were some of the first to land in France ahead of the main D-Day invasion on 6 June 1944.

Hosted by South Kesteven District Council, the walks will take place on 5 and 18 June, guided by military heritage specialist Brian Riley.

Councillor Bridget Ley, the council's armed forces champion, said: "It is incredible to think that such a significant mission was planned and executed from an airfield on our doorstep."

The walking routes will follow the runways, which are still intact, and, at 21:54 BST on 5 June 1944, saw the first of 20 Douglas C-47 Skytrain aircraft take off to fly under enemy radar on their way to Normandy.

Within an hour, the US Airborne assault on Normandy was in full swing, the council said.

The walks will last about two and a half hours and will start at 17:30 from the main Twyford Wood car park.

They have been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Soldiers from the Sky project, celebrating the county's Airborne Forces during World War Two.

The event is free but tickets must be booked via Eventbrite.

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