base also participated in the Arnhem
campaign (Operation Market Garden).
On September 17th aircraft from
Saltby parachuted over 1,100 men
north of Renkum in two separate
waves. On September 18th British
forces were deployed from the base,
with 800 Polish troops on September
19th.
Over the winter of 1944-45 the base
was involved in regular reinforcement
and supply drops as part of the
Ardennes campaign; before leaving for
Poix, France, in March 1945. Saltby
briefly returned to RAF control with
1665 Heavy Conversion Unit (HCU)
followed by a brief spell of American
operations with a detachment from
the 349th TCG flying British troop to
Norway in May 1945.
USAAF personnel at Saltby
In the early 1970’s aviation returned
with the formation of the Buckminster
Gliding Club, now flourishing with
a good reputation in the UK gliding
community.www.buckminstergc.co.uk
Its connections with the armed
forces remain strong. During the 2000’s
a Community Local History Group was
established between the gliding club
and local people. It displays history
boards and plaques in the club house
and raised funds and secured grants
for the impressive Saltby Memorial
- officially dedicated on the 2nd
September 2007.
To see the memorial, follow directions
to the gliding club. This is a private
road and open most days but please
respect the speed limits - and stay off
surrounding crops.
The Saltby memorial
33