London Stansted remembers historic role on D-Day anniversary

On June 6, 1944, allies reconquered the Nazi-occupied parts of northern France.

Named George Washington Field at the time, London Stansted was an essential base during World War II, hosting the 344th Bomb Group, the 'Silver Streaks'.

London Stansted began life as a American Airforce Second World War base in 1943 (Image: London Stansted Airport)

It was the ninth largest US Air Force base in East Anglia, housing four B-26 Marauder squadrons.

Shortly after 4am on June 6, 56 Marauders flew out from the airfield, leading 600 aircraft of the 9th Air Force.

Their mission was to attack heavy coastal gun batteries on the Cherbourg peninsula and the neighbouring Normandy invasion beaches.

Stansted was home to the 344th Bomb Group (Image: London Stansted Airport)

The Silver Streaks’ actions facilitated the successful invasion by the Allied troops, enabling them to penetrate Normandy's beaches.

The 344th Bomb Group received a Distinguished Unit Citation in July 1944 for their relentless support on D-Day and throughout the Allied invasion.

Nick Millar, London Stansted's operations director, said: "London Stansted is extremely proud of its illustrious past and its origins as a US airforce base in 1943.

B-26 Marauders at Stansted (Image: London Stansted Airport)

"The airfield is widely recognised and acknowledged as playing a critical role on D-Day and the subsequent Allied victory in Europe.

"While most people now know the airport as home to some of the most successful and popular airlines operating today, such as Ryanair, Jet2.com, and Emirates, we should never lose sight of our history or ever forget the hugely significant role the airfield played during World War Two."

Stansted’s pivotal role is regularly honoured.

In 2013, the airport held a spectacular flypast and ceremony to commemorate its 70th anniversary (Image: London Stansted Airport)

In July 2009, four legendary American WW2 veterans from the 'Band of Brothers' attended the unveiling of a commemorative display in the terminal.

The veterans were Buck Compton, Donald Marlarkey, Ed Tipper and Bradford Freeman, members of Easy Company (the 506th Infantry Regiment).

Meanwhile, in July 2013, the airport celebrated its 70th anniversary with a ceremony and flypast.

In 2009, four American World War II veterans, members of the legendary ‘Band of Brothers’, were the guests of honour at the unveiling of a display to celebrate Stansted's origins as a wartime airfield (Image: London Stansted Airport)

Retired 344th Bomb Group flying ace, Major Edward W Horn, travelled from America specifically for the event.