Tribute lights the skies for personnel that served and died in the second world war battle of Arnhem
Two men paid tribute to personnel that served and died in the second world war battle of Arnhem.
David Willey, of Lincoln, and Tim Sheldon, of Collingham, acquired two non-working searchlights used in the battle and spent the last 18 months restoring them.
In a display lasting 35 minutes, the searchlights beamed across the sky, watched by many people in the Collingham area.
David and Tim believe the lights are American General Electric carbon arc 60ins searchlights from Holland, and are the only working second world war GE searchlights in the UK.
When new, the searchlight beams would reach up to 24,500ft and be visible from up to 25 miles away.
The battle of Arnhem, immortalised by the film a Bridge Too Far, was the bold attempt to carry the Allied land army over bridges captured by airborne troops.
L-R David Willey and Tim Sheldon with one of two searchlights, owned by Tim Sheldon of Collingham, that they have restored as a tribute to Arnham. 081019DD2-3. (18844726)
The plan was hatched in the local area.
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