MEMBERS of an iconic military unit have vowed their spirit will live on after holding their final bash in Dorchester.

Members of the Swedebashers came together for a final time at the Keep Military Museum and unveiled a plaque to remember the 'remarkable unit', whose troops flew gliders into Normandy on D-Day.

Among the veterans attending the event with their families was Jim Black, who served in Normandy.

He said he found great comfort and friendship in being a member of the Swedebashers and told of his own experience on D-Day.

Jim said: "We landed at Normandy by barges, there were not enough gliders.

"We boarded the landing craft on June 5, 1944 and we landed on the beaches then we made our way to Pegasus Bridge.

"Everything happened so quickly. So much happened.

"We did meet a lot of resistance, until we got to the outskirts and then we held the line between Caen and the coast for six to eight weeks."

The Keep Military Museum is the home of the regiments of Devon and Dorset and its Curator Chris Copson said: “The Swedebashers were a remarkable unit by any standards.

"Not only did they go to war in gliders – a remarkably risky undertaking – on both D-Day and at the crossing of the Rhine, but on the ground they fought with courage and determination.

"The battalion’s capture of Hamminkeln was carried out in the best airborne tradition.

"After the war, their Old Comrades Association was particularly strong for many years in a way that few other OCAs managed.

"There is a real poignancy to the thought that this is their last meeting.”

The battalion was commanded by General Paul Gleadell and during his time and The Swedebashers were his pride and joy.

On his death the Old Comrades Association was kept going by his family until they felt it was time to bring it to a close.

General Gleadell’s daughter Katrina Thompson said "This plaque at the Keep will be in memory of all that this association meant to so many.

"Many of our remaining very dear vets were unable to attend because of distance and ill health but they sent wonderful messages of support which were read out at the ceremony.

"My father would be extremely proud."