PUPILS at St John’s Green Primary School in Colchester got an insight into military life on a visit to Colchester Garrison.

The youngsters received an insight into the history and role of Colchester’s airborne soldiers and met and interacted with soldiers.

During the visit, the children were shown around the camp’s Dakota gate guardian, the transport aircraft used during Second World War airborne operations.

They also heard from curators of the Museum of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces specifically about the 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion’s attack on the Merville Gun Battery in Normandy.

In addition, the children learned about Pegasus which is the defining emblem of British airborne forces since their formative days.

Another activity was watching the British Army Band Colchester prepare for the Brigade’s Freedom of Colchester parade.

Those interested in mechanical engineering also got to learn about the skills of 8 (Parachute) Field Company Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers – REME.

The visit ended with the soldiers, schoolchildren and staff joining together at the Dakota for a wreath laying ceremony remembering the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought and died on D-Day