Ref. 29566-33AN expert on World War Two has been commissioned to write a booklet about the role of Down Ampney airfield during the war.

Geoff Simpson, 57, who lives in Cheshire, is a frequent writer, lecturer and broadcaster on subjects connected with the war.

He has been commissioned by the Co-Operative Group, which owns the Down Ampney agricultural estate, near Cricklade, where the remains of the airfield lie.

Geoff said: "I want to speak to people who may have served at the base, or even people who lived in the villages nearby, who have any interesting stories.

"This base was built with the invasion of Europe in mind many people served here so I am sure there will be many people who have memories of it."

He plans to publish the booklet in time for the 60th anniversary of Operation Market Garden the Allied operation to capture bridges on the Rhine, in Holland, which falls in September this year.

"My key interest is not the machines or the equipment but the people," said Geoff.

"I find it amazing people in the war adapted to what was a tumultuous event so I am looking forward to hearing some of the stories about life at this airfield."

The airfield was once home to two squadrons of Dakota aircraft, which took part in the infamous Operation Market Garden.

The plan by British commander, Field Marshall Montgomery aimed to capture key bridges across the Rhine and shorten the war by several months.

But, out of the 10,000 British troops dropped at Arnhem, 1,200 were killed and more than 6,500 were taken prisoner.

Rebecca Jam, of the Co-Operative Group's Property Division said: "Each September veterans who served at Down Ampney return to reflect on the part played by personnel and aircraft from the airfield in the Battle of Arnhem.

"Their fallen comrades are always in their thoughts and last year we arranged for a new memorial to be placed at the airfield."

"Now we feel it would be appropriate to mark the 60th anniversary by producing a written reminder of the wartime deeds."

If you have any memories call Geoff on 0161 483 1790 or e-mail GeoffSimpson@compuserve.com.

Anthony Osborne