A FORMER soldier from Benfleet joined hundreds of veterans for a mass parachute drop in the Netherlands to mark the 75th anniversary of Operation Market Garden during the Second World War.

Colin Flynn, 61, served with British airborne forces in the 1980s.

Colin joined UK, US and Polish troops for the emotional and moving experience.

He was accompanied by a 97-year-old veteran to take part in the jump.

British, US and Polish forces dropped behind enemy lines in 1944 but failed in their bid to secure eight bridges and open up a route into Germany.

About 35,000 troops landed by parachute and gliders in what was then the largest airborne operation in history.

Prince Charles joined the commemorations, along with Princess Beatrix of The Netherlands, although not the jump.

Taxi driver Colin, who works for ABC Taxis in Benfleet, said: “It was a real honour to have been invited to join other veterans.

“We jumped in the shadows of heroes.

“It was very emotional – a strange and wonderful feeling to be picked up by a 1944 Dakota that was on that very raid.

“It still had bullet holes from the 20millimetre cannons.

“Jumping out of a plane that was there on that day 75 years ago, over the same air space was a really strange feeling.

“75 years ago they would’ve been being shot at.

“They must’ve been terrified.

“It made me think how lucky we are to be free.”

In order to be allowed to participate, Colin, who enjoys skydiving as a sport, had to re-classify on military parachutes and in doing so won his Dutch wings.

Colin’s wife, Jacky Flynn, said: “It was a really good atmosphere – really friendly and welcoming.

“It was strange seeing it all happening in front of you.

“It honoured the memory of people who have been there and done that.

“They were all in period Second World War uniform.

“I feel very privileged and humbled to have been a part of the experience.”