VSC Special Event: 80th Anniversary of ‘Operation VARSITY’

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, the VSC is proud to host the first in a series of commemorative events, beginning with a special talk by Military Historian and Battlefield Guide, Mike Peters on Thursday, 27th March 2025.

This insightful evening will focus on Operation VARSITY, the largest single airborne operation in history, involving over 16,000 paratroopers and thousands of aircraft. Mike Peters will provide an in-depth analysis of the mission, examining the critical lessons learned following the defeat of the 1st (British) Airborne Division at the Battle of Arnhem just six months earlier. He will also explore the crucial role of RAF crews, particularly those from the 6th (British) Airborne Division, who flew aboard 243 C-47 aircraft and gliders.

With an extensive 34-year career in the Army Air Corps, Mike Peters brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, making this an event not to be missed.

Event Details

📅 Date: Thursday, 27th March 2025
🕢 Time: 18:30 (arrival) for 19:00 (start) 20:30 (finish)
📍 Venue: The Carisbrooke Hall at the VSC
💷 Cost: £10 Members | £15 Non-Members, to include a welcome drink

Tickets can be booked through the Members’ Portal or directly via our Membership Team by telephone: 0207 616 8312 or by email: mem@vsc.co.uk.

If you would like to book a table in the ‘Grill’ restaurant following the talk, this can be done by contacting the Food & Beverage team on 0207 616 8351 or by emailing catering@vsc.co.uk.

Upcoming Commemorative Events at the VSC

This special talk is the first in a series of events paying tribute to the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War:

🕊️ 8th May 2025 – VE 80 Lunch and Tea Dance
🎖️ 15th August 2025 – VJ 80 Lunch
🌺 9th November 2025 – 80th Anniversary Remembrance Sunday (Bookings now open in the ‘Grill’ restaurant)

We encourage as many members as possible to join us for these important commemorations.

We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit to the VSC.

Mike Peters Bio

Mike Peters is a Military Historian and Battlefield Guide. His interest in all things military began in his childhood, fuelled by Commando Comics, films and Airfix Models. He enlisted into the Army Air Corps as a Junior Leader in Chester in 1980.

Army life was all that he expected, Mike had a full and eventful career spanning 34 years. During his time in the AAC he was employed as a Soldier and as an Officer in both aircrew and groundcrew roles. He deployed on Operational tours in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Gulf War 1, Bosnia, Kosovo, Gulf War 2 and Afghanistan.

Throughout his time in the military Mike led groups of fellow soldiers on battlefield studies all over Europe. Since leaving the Army in 2013 he has continued to lead tours, serving over 10 years as the Chair of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides. He is a published Author and an active podcaster.

Bouncing the Rhine – Operation VARSITY, 24th March 1945

In early March 1945 the Allies stood prepared for the final drive into Hitler’s Germany. Standing in their way were the River Rhine and, on the opposite bank, desperate German troops ready to fight to the last man to defend the sacred barrier of the Rhine and their homeland. Montgomery’s overall plan for the Rhine crossing, was codenamed Operation PLUNDER.

The First Allied Airborne Army would play a prominent role in the operation that would penetrate the final barrier between the Allies and the North German Plain. Success would enable a drive into the heartlands of Hitler’s Third Reich. Airborne forces were a vital component of Monty’s meticulous plan. The airborne component of the crossing was codenamed Operation VARSITY.

Operation VARSITY was the largest single airborne operation in history. Despite its size and its success, VARSITY is often overlooked, or at best, glossed over. Launched in the wake of the failure of Allied Airborne Forces during Operation MARKET GARDEN and the shattering defeat of 1st (British) Airborne Division at Arnhem just six months earlier, the Rhine crossing offered the sternest test. Arguably, the future of Airborne forces after WWII rested on the outcome.

Eighty years ago on Sunday, 24 March 1945, over 16,000 men were inserted by glider and parachute into western Germany. Around 8000 of those came from the 6th (British) Airborne Division, flying aboard 243 C47 aircraft and 440 gliders. A slightly larger number of mostly untried American airborne troops arrived at the same time in what was to be the second test of the First Allied Airborne Army.

But unlike Arnhem, British, Canadian and American soldiers would be landing in the same general area split into two sectors. The British and Canadian’s major objectives were the village of Hamminkeln, the Diersfordt wood and the river Issel. With the nearby ground troops already advancing in amphibious vehicles, VARSITY proved to be a complete success. It was the final airborne operation of the war in Europe, with the Germans suing for peace just over a month later.

Mike Peters will examine Op VARSITY in detail highlighting the lessons learned in the aftermath of Arnhem. He will also explain the role of the RAF aircrew that augmented the Glider Pilot Regiment that had been badly decimated at Arnhem.