THE seventieth anniversary of D Day was celebrated with a vigil at the Down Ampney memorial on June 5 to remember, recognise and respect the former military men who flew from RAF Down Ampney as part of Operation Tonga.

Operation Tonga was a crucial phase of D-Day with an objective to occupy, secure and hold a bridgehead on the eastern flank of the landings on Sword Beach to prevent a German counter attack.

This vigil was held between 9.30-10.30pm on June 5 to coincide with the wartime Double British Summertime of the take off of aeroplanes from Down Ampney.

It was led by the Reverend John Swanson and included readings of High Flight, For the Fallen and the Airborne Collect.

Chairman of Down Ampney Village Hall David Job thanked all who attended the vigils to remember the sacrifice the young men made seventy years ago.