THE National Trust is holding an event to remember Dinton’s role in a momentous time in history: D-Day.

Visitors to this quiet parkland in the village of Dinton, near Salisbury, would never suspect that 75 years ago it was a busy campsite with thousands of brave servicemen preparing for the liberation of Europe.

Paul Rowland, area ranger for the National Trust Wiltshire Landscape, says:“Visitors to Dinton Park today enjoy a tranquil, Georgian landscape that’s great for nature. But 75 years ago there were 3000 US servicemen camped here, training on Salisbury Plain and preparing for the invasion of Europe.”

On 29 May visitors to Dinton Park will be able to experience a little of what life was like for the soldiers and villagers in spring 1944.

Paul added: “So very little is left to see of what was going on in this place back then and given this year’s anniversary, we want to shine a light on the immense operation that this pretty village and special parkland played a part in.”

There will be talks on Wiltshire’s aviation history, a tour of Dinton camp and a talk showing recent research using drones to locate evidence of Dinton’s wartime past.

In addition there will be a 1940’s style tea-room, films from the period, an Anderson shelter to explore, a small re-enactment group with weapons, kit and vehicles and family games.