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Discovered on my second visit, after the very overgrown hedge had been cut back. A partly buried World War II Type 22 Pillbox, possibly outer defence for RAF Snetterton Heath airfield (USAAF Station 138).
The Type 22 Pillbox is a regular hexagon in plan with embrasures/loopholes in five of the six faces and a half or full-height entrance, sometimes with a porch to protect the entrance. The loopholes are suitable for either rifle or light machine gun. Some have a low entrance that allows an extra loophole above. Each wall is about 6ft long and was generally built to the bulletproof standard of 12 inch thick walls, although there is a shellproof versions with walls around 40 inches thick which is commonly found on airfields. Internally there is either a Y or T-shaped anti-ricochet wall (the top of the Y/T is nearest to the entrance) the internal wall also helps support the roof. The roof is sometimes covered with earth and vegetation to camouflage its appearance. The Type 22 Pillbox is the second most common pillbox type with 1,347 recorded as being extant. It is easily confused with the common Type 24 Pillbox, which is an irregular hexagon and the less common octagonal shape.
RAF Snetterton Heath airfield was constructed by Taylor Woodrow Ltd, in 1942 at a cost of £950,000 to Class-A specifications. The main runway was 6,000ft long with two secondaries of 4,200ft each. Originally thirty-six hardstands of the ''frying pan'' type were constructed as when work started, the base was intended for RAF use. When rescheduled for the USAAF, the number was increased to fifty, all of them being on the south and eastern side of the airfield as a railway line and the A11 road restricted dispersed locations. Total area of concrete laid in its construction was 530,000 square yards with storage provided for 144,000 gallons of fuel.
The airfield was allocated for USAAF use in 1943, designation was Station 138, Station ID 'SN'. At one stage, it was planned to add an air depot, known as Eccles on the northern side of the airfield, access being across the A11. Four additional T-2 Hangars were constructed on this site. Apparently a reduction in the number of heavy bombers being sent to the U.K led to this depot becoming surplus to Eighth Air Force requirements and construction was stopped before all facilities were completed. From 13th September 1943 though 18th June 1945, RAF Snetterton Heath served as Headquarters for the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing of the 3rd Bomb Division.
The airfield was used by the USAAF Eighth Air Force 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) which arrived at RAF Snetterton Heath from Lake Charles AAB, Louisiana on 3rd June 1943. The 386th Bomb Group was assigned to the 3rd Bombardment Wing and flew Martin B-26B/C Marauder twin-engine Medium Bombers. Its Operational Squadrons were:
▪︎337th Bombardment Squadron (AW)
▪︎338th Bombardment Squadron (BX)
▪︎339th Bombardment Squadron (QJ)
▪︎413th Bombardment Squadron (MZ)
After the war, the airfield was used by No. 262 Maintenance Unit RAF between December 1945 and November 1948. At the end of 1948 the airfield was closed and fell into disuse. With the end of Military control, RAF Snetterton Heath was privately purchased in 1952 with a view to using the runways and perimeter tracks as a motor racing circuit. The first motor cycle meeting was held in 1953 and the first motor races the following year.
Information sourced from –
Canada - Armed Forces Bristol Fairchild Bolingbroke IVT (Canadian Built Bristol Blenheim MK IV)1942. The Royal Air Force's first all - metal monoplane bomber , built 1936. Photograph taken November 2011 whilst on a visit to East Fortune Airfiled East Lothian
▪︎Turret Instructional Building 31, Type 'A' (Airfield Site) Air Ministry Drawing Number 11023/40▪︎
Originally known as RAF Bury St Edmunds Airfield, Rougham Airfield is situated 3 miles east of the Suffolk market town of Bury St Edmunds. The airfield was built between 1941 and 1942, and had three intersecting concrete runways. The main runway was approximately 2,000 yards long, and ran in an east to west direction. It was designed for a United States Army Airforce unit (U.S.A.A.F) Bomb Group. Fifty concrete hardstands were constructed just off the encircling perimeter track. Two T2 type Hangars were erected, one on each side of the airfield, accommodation was provided for some 3,000 personnel in Nissen Huts and other temporary type buildings.
The airfield was opened in September 1942 and was used by the U.S.A.A.F Eighth Air Force, and given the designation Station 468 (BU). The first U.S.A.A.F group to use Bury St. Edmunds airfield was the 47th Bombardment Group (Light) arriving from Greensboro A.A.F North Carolina in mid-September 1942. The 47th was equipped with the Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber, but the group quickly moved to RAF Horham, as Bury St. Edmunds was still under construction. On 2nd November the 47th was ordered to North Africa, departing for Medina Air Field 15 miles south of Casablanca in Morocco. The 322nd Bombardment Group (Medium) arrived in December 1942 from Drane Army Airfield, Florida, a satellite installation of nearby MacDill Field, where the 322nd originally began their pre-deployment training. The group was assigned to the 3rd Bomb Wing and flew Martin B - Z6B/C Marauders.
Ongoing construction at RAF Bury St. Edmunds forced two of the group's squadrons to locate to RAF Rattlesden. The group's aircraft did not arrive until late in March 1943. Once operational, the 322nd flew two low-level bombing operations from RAF Bury St. Edmunds. The first, on the 14th of May when it dispatched 12 planes for a minimum-level attack on an electrical generating plant near Ijtnuiden. This was the first operational combat mission flown by B-26's. The second was a disastrous mission to the Netherlands on Monday, 17th May, when the group sent 11 aircraft on a similar operation from which none of the aircraft penetrating the enemy coast, returned. Sixty crewmen were lost to flak and interceptors. Group morale was not improved when, on the 29th of May, a B-26 crashed onto the airfield killing the crew and damaging a hangar. After these missions, the group was re-equipped and trained for medium-altitude operations for several weeks before returning to combat operations.
On the 13th of June, the 322nd moved to RAF Andrews Field in Essex. The 94th Bombarment Group (Heavy) arrived from RAF Earls Colne on the 15th of June 1943. The 94th was assigned to the 4th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a 'Square-A'. The group flew the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign and served chiefly as a strategic bombardment organization throughout the war.
The 94th flew its first mission on the 13th of June 1943, bombing an airfield at Saint Omer. After that, the group attacked such strategic objectives as the port of St Nazaire, shipyards at Kiel, an aircraft component parts factory at Kassel, a synthetic rubber plant at Hanover, a chemical factory at Ludwigshafen, marshalling yards at Frankfurt, oil facilities at Mersburg, and ball-bearing works at Eberhausen. The 94th took part in the campaign of heavy bombers against the enemy aircraft industry during ''Big Week'' between the 20th and the 25th of February, 1944. Prior to ''D-Day'' on June 1944, they helped to neutralize V-Weapon sites, airfields, and other military installations along the cob Industrial Estate.
The T2 hangars are still in use, for storage, the Control Tower was used for many years as a private dwelling, and has now been restored and is used as a museum. The airfield, once again known as Rougham Airfield, now has two grass runways available for civil use. Gliding and model aircraft flying are frequent and several open-air events are organised each year.
Information sourced from – military-history.fandom.com/wiki/RAF_Bury_St_Edmunds
The partially buried remains of an hexagonal type structure, there's appears to be no evidence of having a covering or a roof. The reinforced concrete walls are 6 inches thick, there are really bad cracks in sections of the wall, and broken sections of concrete lay nearby. The two large embrasures or openings, one of which the top section has broken away, these would probably have been for a close defence role. The rear entrance has a wall for protection, the overall condition is very poor, almost in a ruinous state.
The World War II Light Anti-aircraft (LAA) Weapons Pit, was a defensive position built to protect vulnerable points like airfields, factories, or towns from low-flying enemy aircraft. The pits typically housed rapid-firing machine guns or small-caliber cannons.
Construction and purpose: LAA Weapons Pits varied in their construction and features depending on the location, the weapon, and whether they were temporary or permanent.
Earthwork breastwork: Many simple LAA positions were earthwork pits or foxholes, which provided cover for the gun crew from ground-level attack and flying debris. A weapons pit might also be paired with a nearby slit trench for additional crew shelter.
Concrete emplacements: More permanent installations, particularly those protecting vital installations, were often built with concrete or brick. These offered greater protection and provided a stable platform for heavier guns like the Bofors.
Attached pillboxes: In some cases, a weapons pit was integrated with a pillbox. The open section of the pillbox provided a mounting for an LAA machine gun, while the enclosed area gave the crew better protection from ground attack.
Raised towers: To get a better field of fire over surrounding structures or terrain, some Bofors guns were mounted on concrete or steel towers.
Predictor pits: More advanced LAA emplacements, particularly for Bofors guns, included a separate, circular pit for a predictor. This equipment used radar or optical data to calculate a target's course and speed, and then relayed firing corrections to the gun crew.
Common weapons: Two common British LAA weapons used in these pits were the Lewis gun and the Bofors gun.
Lewis gun: A light machine gun, the Lewis was used as an improvised LAA weapon, often mounted on a pintle to enable an anti-aircraft role. Lewis gun pits could be as simple as a circular earthen depression or a concrete pipe pit. The gun required a two-person crew for effective operation: one to fire and one to load the ammunition drum.
Bofors 40mm gun: The standard LAA cannon for the British Army, the Bofors fired 40mm shells at a high rate to take down aircraft of any size. In static positions, the Bofors gun was fixed to a central concrete pedestal, or "holdfast," which was surrounded by a low wall with recesses for ammunition. Because Bofors guns were effective against low-flying aircraft but could also target ground forces, their pits were positioned strategically to defend against both types of attacks.
Canada - Armed Forces Bristol Fairchild Bolingbroke IVT (Canadian Built Bristol Blenheim MK IV)1942. The Royal Air Force's first all - metal monoplane bomber , built 1936. Photograph taken November 2011 whilst on a visit to East Fortune Airfiled East Lothian
Building 26 – Power House and Booster House.
▪︎MARTLESHAM HEATH AIRFIELD – “The Cradle of British Aviation”▪︎
Martlesham Heath has enjoyed a long and varied aviation history, over many different periods of peace and war. They have attempted to summarise this into a number of key highlights.
For more information, facts, figures and insights please visit the MHAS Museum – They look forward to your visit !
▪︎World War I – Early beginnings –
The Royal Flying Corps came into being on 13th March 1912 and the Central Flying School was established at Upavon in Wiltshire at around the same time. Upavon soon began to expand its activities and in 1915 the Armament Experimental Flight of the Experimental Flying section of the Central Flying School was moved to Orfordness in Suffolk. Soon it became apparent that the Aircraft Testing Flight, which was still at Upavon, should be sited nearer to the Armament Flight.
Under the leadership of Henry Tizard, a technical officer, a survey was carried out to locate a suitable site, close to Orfordness and a railway station to London, capable of containing both the Armament Experimental Flight and the Aircraft Testing Flight. Martlesham Heath was chosen and thus began the aviation history of this area. The new airfield was dedicated on the 16th January 1917 but prior to its dedication, in late 1916, the Aeroplane Experimental Flight moved in and the new airfield was named as the Aeroplane Experimental Station.
▪︎Between the Wars –
On 1st April 1918, the RFC merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force, with Martlesham’s importance continuing to grow, eventually being renamed the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) in 1924. The A&AEE carried out the evaluation and testing of over 400 different aircraft types, both military and civilian, during the inter-war years and much of the armament and other equipment that would later be used during the Second World War tested over Orfordness.
▪︎World War II – The Battle of Britain 1940 –
The A&AEE moved to RAF Boscombe Down on 9th September 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War and RAF Martlesham then undertook a key role in the “Battle of Britain”, becoming the most northerly station of No. 11 Group RAF Fighter Command. During the course of the battle several squadrons rotated through RAF Martlesham operating Bristol Blenheim's, Boulton Paul Defiants and Hawker Hurricane's.
During the latter stages of the ''Battle of Britain'', the German Luftwaffe targeted many RAF Fighter Command airfields and RAF Martlesham came under attack on the 15th August 1940, with the resulting extensive damage taking a full day to repair. On 11th November 1940 shortly after the end of the ''Battle Of Britain'', one of RAF Martlesham’s resident Hurricane squadrons (257) were involved in air to air combat with elements of the Italian Air Force’s Regia Aeronautica over the coast near Harwich claiming a number of Fiat BR.20 bombers and CR.42 biplane fighters destroyed.
▪︎World War II – On to the Offensive 1941–1942 –
During 1941-42 RAF Fighter Command operated a policy whereby their squadrons were regularly rotated to ensure that they did not become ‘battle weary’. This meant that often a squadron might only be based at an airfield for a few weeks and during this time RAF Martlesham saw around 30 different units stationed there. The RAF had an international flavour to it and squadrons of Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Poles, Czechs, Belgians and Norwegians were all based there.
As the Hawker Hurricane became obsolete these squadrons were primarily equipped with newer marks of the Supermarine Spitfire such as the Vb and at least four squadrons of the RAF’s new fighter bomber, the Hawker Typhoon. In early 1941 the RAF were mainly engaged in Home Defence duties, patrolling the coast line against German raiders or protecting convoys. By early 1942 however RAF Fighter Command’s primary objective was to take the war to the enemy over occupied Europe. This new offensive saw the RAF’s fighter squadrons embarking on a variety of routine operations, each type given a specific codename.
''The Eagle Squadrons'' – The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (71, 121 and 133), formed with volunteer pilots from the United States prior to America's entry into the war in December 1941. Under American law, it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations. In doing so, they lost their citizenship. Even so many American citizens volunteered to fly with the Royal Air Force before America officially entered the war in December 1941. Although all three squadrons flew from RAF Martlesham only 71 Squadron were based at there on a permanent basis.
''AirSea Rescue'' – Sharing the airfield with the fighter squadrons between 1942 and the end of 1944 was an Air Sea Rescue unit - 'A' Flight, of 277 Squadron. The unit flew a variety of aircraft including Supermarine Walrus flying boats, Boulton Paul Defiants, Westland Lysander's and a number of ‘war weary’ Spitfire Mk. II’s & VB’s.
''Famous Faces'' – A number of ‘high profile’ pilots served at RAF Martlesham Heath with the most notably were Douglas Bader, Robert Stanford Tuck, Peter Townsend and John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway the last known surviving ''Battle Of Britain'' pilot.
▪︎World War II – Enter the USAAF 1943–1945 –
In 1943, RAF Martlesham Heath became one of a group of grass-surfaced airfields earmarked for use by fighters of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force. The airfield was assigned the USAAF designation Station 369 and subsequently ‘hardened’ through the laying of asphalt runways, on top of a base of compressed sand.
The Control Tower (now the museum), a USAAF requirement, was built to centralize aircraft and vehicle movements. During this period, the RAF jointly occupied the airfield, with 56 Squadron flying Hawker Typhoon's attacking targets in Europe and shipping in the North Sea as well as 277 Squadron continuing to provide their Air Sea Rescue Role. The airfield was first used by the P-47 Thunderbolt’s of the 356th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF in October 1943, arriving from RAF Goxhill after a period of training. The 356th Fighter Group consisted of three squadrons:
▪︎359th Fighter Squadron (OC)
▪︎360th Fighter Squadron (PI)
▪︎361st Fighter Squadron (QI)
The 356th flew combat from October 1943, initially operating as escorts for the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberator's of the 8th Air Force’s Bomb Groups. From early 1944 they began undertaking bombing and strafing missions against a range of targets in occupied Europe and these intensified in the run up to the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. The 356th also played a critical role in support of ''Operation Market Garden'' (the Arnhem operation) in September 1944 to neutralize enemy gun emplacements, suffering heavy losses in the process. For this action they were awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.
The 356th relinquished their Thunderbolt’s in November 1944 to be replaced by the P-51 Mustang. Unlike the P-47’s which carried no unit markings other than squadron codes, the 356th‘s Mustang's were among the most strikingly marked in the 8th AF and carried a red/blue diamond pattern on their engine cowlings as well as spinners, canopy rails and rudders in the individual squadron colours of Yellow for the 359FS, Red for the 360FS and Blue for the 361FS.
Between the first mission on 15th October 1943, and their final mission on 7th May 1945, the 356th was credited with destroying 277 enemy planes, probably destroying 23 more, and damaging a further 192. In addition, although exact numbers are unknown they were credited with the destruction of hundreds of vehicles, trains, rail cars, tanks, bridges, buildings, flak emplacements, munitions and fuel dumps, barges and a host of other ground targets. The 356th lost 122 aircraft in action and 71 pilots made the ultimate sacrifice either in combat or due to accidents. By October 1945 the 356th had left RAF Martlesham for home and the unit was formally deactivated on 10th November 1945.
▪︎Postwar - A return to aircraft research & development role –
With the departure of the USAAF, the airfield reverted to the RAF in a research and development role, although significantly scaled down from the pre-war days. In the immediate postwar years, Fighter Command squadrons were in residence at RAF Martlesham but the proximity to Ipswich and the physical limitations on lengthening the runways restricted jet operation. In an effort to improve the station and allow jet aircraft to operate the main runway was extended in 1955, by the addition of concrete aprons at the ends of the main runway.
The Blind Landing Experimental Unit and the Bomb Ballistics Unit both became operational in September 1945 at RAF Martlesham. The two units eventually merged and were finally moved from RAF Martlesham airfield to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough and Bedford.
The Battle of Britain Flight moved to the airfield in 1958 and left in 1961. It consisted of Hurricane's and Spitfire's but without a Lancaster. Much later It was renamed “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.” once the Lancaster joined the unit. Following this, the airfield reverted to care and maintenance status, and passed the time as a Gliding and air experience unit for Air Training Corps (A.T.C), flying mainly at weekends. the Air Ministry closed the facility on 25th April 1963.
▪︎Today - A new role and focus –
RAF Martlesham Heath has now become a flourishing residential and industrial area, but much evidence of the airfield still remains. Nearby, on the old RAF parade ground, stands a memorial erected to the memory of 73 members of the 356th Fighter Group who lost their lives in World War II. Alongside is a memorial to those of the RAF (British and Commonwealth and Dominion Air Forces (French, Czech, Polish, Norwegian etc.) who flew with or worked alongside the RAF. In between the two memorials is a special one remembering the Scientists and Engineers from the British Aircraft industry, who mostly died in flying accidents whilst testing and helping develop aircraft at RAF Martlesham Heath. The Control Tower, built in the Second World War, has now been repurposed to become the location of the MHAS Museum since 2000 – keeping the story of the airfield alive.
Information sourced from – Airfield History share.google/cU9HNPi0fsN4QAm0u
Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK - July 14th, 2018: Belgian Air Force Lockheed Martin General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon completes its Aerobatic Display at Fairford International Air Tattoo RIAT
Building 1 – Station Offices, Air Ministry Drg No: 1446/24-1762/26.
▪︎MARTLESHAM HEATH AIRFIELD – “The Cradle of British Aviation”▪︎
Martlesham Heath has enjoyed a long and varied aviation history, over many different periods of peace and war. They have attempted to summarise this into a number of key highlights.
For more information, facts, figures and insights please visit the MHAS Museum – They look forward to your visit !
▪︎World War I – Early beginnings –
The Royal Flying Corps came into being on 13th March 1912 and the Central Flying School was established at Upavon in Wiltshire at around the same time. Upavon soon began to expand its activities and in 1915 the Armament Experimental Flight of the Experimental Flying section of the Central Flying School was moved to Orfordness in Suffolk. Soon it became apparent that the Aircraft Testing Flight, which was still at Upavon, should be sited nearer to the Armament Flight.
Under the leadership of Henry Tizard, a technical officer, a survey was carried out to locate a suitable site, close to Orfordness and a railway station to London, capable of containing both the Armament Experimental Flight and the Aircraft Testing Flight. Martlesham Heath was chosen and thus began the aviation history of this area. The new airfield was dedicated on the 16th January 1917 but prior to its dedication, in late 1916, the Aeroplane Experimental Flight moved in and the new airfield was named as the Aeroplane Experimental Station.
▪︎Between the Wars –
On 1st April 1918, the RFC merged with the Royal Naval Air Service to become the Royal Air Force, with Martlesham’s importance continuing to grow, eventually being renamed the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) in 1924. The A&AEE carried out the evaluation and testing of over 400 different aircraft types, both military and civilian, during the inter-war years and much of the armament and other equipment that would later be used during the Second World War tested over Orfordness.
▪︎World War II – The Battle of Britain 1940 –
The A&AEE moved to RAF Boscombe Down on 9th September 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War and RAF Martlesham then undertook a key role in the “Battle of Britain”, becoming the most northerly station of No. 11 Group RAF Fighter Command. During the course of the battle several squadrons rotated through RAF Martlesham operating Bristol Blenheim's, Boulton Paul Defiants and Hawker Hurricane's.
During the latter stages of the ''Battle of Britain'', the German Luftwaffe targeted many RAF Fighter Command airfields and RAF Martlesham came under attack on the 15th August 1940, with the resulting extensive damage taking a full day to repair. On 11th November 1940 shortly after the end of the ''Battle Of Britain'', one of RAF Martlesham’s resident Hurricane squadrons (257) were involved in air to air combat with elements of the Italian Air Force’s Regia Aeronautica over the coast near Harwich claiming a number of Fiat BR.20 bombers and CR.42 biplane fighters destroyed.
▪︎World War II – On to the Offensive 1941–1942 –
During 1941-42 RAF Fighter Command operated a policy whereby their squadrons were regularly rotated to ensure that they did not become ‘battle weary’. This meant that often a squadron might only be based at an airfield for a few weeks and during this time RAF Martlesham saw around 30 different units stationed there. The RAF had an international flavour to it and squadrons of Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Poles, Czechs, Belgians and Norwegians were all based there.
As the Hawker Hurricane became obsolete these squadrons were primarily equipped with newer marks of the Supermarine Spitfire such as the Vb and at least four squadrons of the RAF’s new fighter bomber, the Hawker Typhoon. In early 1941 the RAF were mainly engaged in Home Defence duties, patrolling the coast line against German raiders or protecting convoys. By early 1942 however RAF Fighter Command’s primary objective was to take the war to the enemy over occupied Europe. This new offensive saw the RAF’s fighter squadrons embarking on a variety of routine operations, each type given a specific codename.
''The Eagle Squadrons'' – The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (71, 121 and 133), formed with volunteer pilots from the United States prior to America's entry into the war in December 1941. Under American law, it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations. In doing so, they lost their citizenship. Even so many American citizens volunteered to fly with the Royal Air Force before America officially entered the war in December 1941. Although all three squadrons flew from RAF Martlesham only 71 Squadron were based at there on a permanent basis.
''AirSea Rescue'' – Sharing the airfield with the fighter squadrons between 1942 and the end of 1944 was an Air Sea Rescue unit - 'A' Flight, of 277 Squadron. The unit flew a variety of aircraft including Supermarine Walrus flying boats, Boulton Paul Defiants, Westland Lysander's and a number of ‘war weary’ Spitfire Mk. II’s & VB’s.
''Famous Faces'' – A number of ‘high profile’ pilots served at RAF Martlesham Heath with the most notably were Douglas Bader, Robert Stanford Tuck, Peter Townsend and John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway the last known surviving ''Battle Of Britain'' pilot.
▪︎World War II – Enter the USAAF 1943–1945 –
In 1943, RAF Martlesham Heath became one of a group of grass-surfaced airfields earmarked for use by fighters of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force. The airfield was assigned the USAAF designation Station 369 and subsequently ‘hardened’ through the laying of asphalt runways, on top of a base of compressed sand.
The Control Tower (now the museum), a USAAF requirement, was built to centralize aircraft and vehicle movements. During this period, the RAF jointly occupied the airfield, with 56 Squadron flying Hawker Typhoon's attacking targets in Europe and shipping in the North Sea as well as 277 Squadron continuing to provide their Air Sea Rescue Role. The airfield was first used by the P-47 Thunderbolt’s of the 356th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF in October 1943, arriving from RAF Goxhill after a period of training. The 356th Fighter Group consisted of three squadrons:
▪︎359th Fighter Squadron (OC)
▪︎360th Fighter Squadron (PI)
▪︎361st Fighter Squadron (QI)
The 356th flew combat from October 1943, initially operating as escorts for the B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberator's of the 8th Air Force’s Bomb Groups. From early 1944 they began undertaking bombing and strafing missions against a range of targets in occupied Europe and these intensified in the run up to the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. The 356th also played a critical role in support of ''Operation Market Garden'' (the Arnhem operation) in September 1944 to neutralize enemy gun emplacements, suffering heavy losses in the process. For this action they were awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation.
The 356th relinquished their Thunderbolt’s in November 1944 to be replaced by the P-51 Mustang. Unlike the P-47’s which carried no unit markings other than squadron codes, the 356th‘s Mustang's were among the most strikingly marked in the 8th AF and carried a red/blue diamond pattern on their engine cowlings as well as spinners, canopy rails and rudders in the individual squadron colours of Yellow for the 359FS, Red for the 360FS and Blue for the 361FS.
Between the first mission on 15th October 1943, and their final mission on 7th May 1945, the 356th was credited with destroying 277 enemy planes, probably destroying 23 more, and damaging a further 192. In addition, although exact numbers are unknown they were credited with the destruction of hundreds of vehicles, trains, rail cars, tanks, bridges, buildings, flak emplacements, munitions and fuel dumps, barges and a host of other ground targets. The 356th lost 122 aircraft in action and 71 pilots made the ultimate sacrifice either in combat or due to accidents. By October 1945 the 356th had left RAF Martlesham for home and the unit was formally deactivated on 10th November 1945.
▪︎Postwar - A return to aircraft research & development role –
With the departure of the USAAF, the airfield reverted to the RAF in a research and development role, although significantly scaled down from the pre-war days. In the immediate postwar years, Fighter Command squadrons were in residence at RAF Martlesham but the proximity to Ipswich and the physical limitations on lengthening the runways restricted jet operation. In an effort to improve the station and allow jet aircraft to operate the main runway was extended in 1955, by the addition of concrete aprons at the ends of the main runway.
The Blind Landing Experimental Unit and the Bomb Ballistics Unit both became operational in September 1945 at RAF Martlesham. The two units eventually merged and were finally moved from RAF Martlesham airfield to the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough and Bedford.
The Battle of Britain Flight moved to the airfield in 1958 and left in 1961. It consisted of Hurricane's and Spitfire's but without a Lancaster. Much later It was renamed “The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.” once the Lancaster joined the unit. Following this, the airfield reverted to care and maintenance status, and passed the time as a Gliding and air experience unit for Air Training Corps (A.T.C), flying mainly at weekends. the Air Ministry closed the facility on 25th April 1963.
▪︎Today - A new role and focus –
RAF Martlesham Heath has now become a flourishing residential and industrial area, but much evidence of the airfield still remains. Nearby, on the old RAF parade ground, stands a memorial erected to the memory of 73 members of the 356th Fighter Group who lost their lives in World War II. Alongside is a memorial to those of the RAF (British and Commonwealth and Dominion Air Forces (French, Czech, Polish, Norwegian etc.) who flew with or worked alongside the RAF. In between the two memorials is a special one remembering the Scientists and Engineers from the British Aircraft industry, who mostly died in flying accidents whilst testing and helping develop aircraft at RAF Martlesham Heath. The Control Tower, built in the Second World War, has now been repurposed to become the location of the MHAS Museum since 2000 – keeping the story of the airfield alive.
Information sourced from – Airfield History share.google/cU9HNPi0fsN4QAm0u
RAF Watton opened in 1937 it was used by both the RAF and USAAF during World War II. During the war it was used primarily as a bomber airfield, being the home of RAF Bomber Command squadrons until being used by the United States Army Air Forces Eighth Air Force as a major overhaul depot for Consolidated B-24 Liberator bombers and as a weather reconnaissance base. After the war, it was returned to RAF use until being turned over to the British Army in the early 1990's. It was closed then put up for sale. RAF Watton was a permanent RAF station built by John Laing & Son in 1937, and first used as a light bomber airfield housing for varying periods by RAF Bomber Command. The following squadrons and units were based at RAF Watton at some point during this time:
▪︎No. 18 Squadron RAF between 21st May 1940 and 26th May 1940. The squadron operated the Bristol Blenheim IV before moving to RAF Gatwick.
▪︎No. 21 Squadron RAF from 2nd March 1939 with the Blenheim I before upgrading to the Blenheim IV in September 1939. The squadron had detachments at RAF Bassingbourn, RAF Horsham St Faith and RAF Bodney before all of the squadron moved to RAF Lossiemouth on 24th June 1940 however this was not for long as on 30th October 1940 the squadron moved back to RAF Watton and had detachments at RAF Bodney, RAF Manston, RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Luqa. The squadron moved to Luqa on 25th December 1941.
▪︎No. 34 Squadron RAF was based at RAF Watton between 2nd March 1939 and 12th August 1939 with the Blenheim I before leaving for the Far east.
▪︎No. 82 Squadron RAF between 22nd August 1939 and 21st March 1942. The squadron operated the Blenheim I alongside the Mk IV until September 1939 when the Mk I was discontinued and the Mk IV started as the main type, 82 Squadron had detachments at RAF Odiham, RAF Lossiemouth, RAF Tangmere and RAF Luqa. The squadron then moved to the Far east.
▪︎No. 90 Squadron RAF reformed here on 3rd May 1941 with the Boeing Fortress I with an detachment at RAF Great Massingham before moving to RAF West Raynham on 15th May 1941.
▪︎No. 105 Squadron RAF between 10th July 1940 and 31st October 1940 operating the Blenheim IV before moving to RAF Swanton Morley.
▪︎No. 17 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF until July 1943.
In 1943 RAF Watton was turned over to the United States Army Air Forces Eighth Air Force for use as an air depot. The airfield was originally grass surfaced but, during the American tenure, the airfield had a 2,000 yd long concrete runway constructed. A concrete perimeter track was built and a total of fifty-three hardstandings, of which forty-one were spectacle and twelve of the frying-pan type.
The four original C-type hangars, arranged in the usual crescent on the northern side of the airfield, were backed by the permanent buildings of the pre-war RAF camp. Additional hangars were added and three blister hangars at dispersals. The construction of the airfield necessitated the closure of two public roads. RAF Watton was given USAAF designation Station 376.
Under the American tenancy, RAF Watton was expanded to become the 3rd Strategic Air Depot, which was the major overhaul and repair of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator's of the 2nd Air Division. The air depot complex was adjacent to RAF Watton airfield and built in the village of Griston to the south, bordering the B1077 road. However, the depot was known officially as Neaton, given USAAF designation Station 505, a village located to the north of Watton town. The 3rd Strategic Air Depot remained operational until the American departure in July 1945.
RAF Watton was also the home of the 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance) which was formed at RAF Watton as the 802nd Reconnaissance Group in February 1944. The unit was renamed the 25th on 9th August 1944. Its operational units were:
▪︎652d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) B-17F/G, B-24J.
▪︎653d Bombardment Squadron (Light) de Havilland Mosquito Mk XVI.(WX)
▪︎654th Bombardment Squadron (Special) de Havilland Mosquito Mk XVI (BA), North American B-25 Mitchell, Martin B-26G Marauder, Douglas A-26 Invader.
The 652d Bomb Squadron originated as a provisional weather reconnaissance unit that was formed at RAF St Eval in Cornwall with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresse's on 8th September 1943 for conducting meteorological fights over the Atlantic Ocean. In November 1943 the unit moved to RAF Bovingdon after flying 231 weather sorties. At RAF Bovington, the squadron was reorganized as the 8th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron on 28th March 1944, then transferred to RAF Watton on 12th April 1944.
The 653d and 654th Bomb Squadron's were established at RAF Watton on 12th April for special weather reconnaissance missions over enemy-occupied territory in advance of bomber formations and visual coverage of target strikes. Pilots for the Mosquito's came from former Lockheed P-38 Lightning of the 50th Fighter Squadron transferred from the 342d Composite Group based in Iceland.
From RAF Watton the 25th continued weather flights over the waters adjacent to the British Isles and occasionally to the Azores to obtain meteorological data along with night photographic missions to detect enemy activity; and daylight photographic and mapping missions over the Continent. Also, the group occasionally engaged in electronic-countermeasure missions in which chaff was spread to confuse enemy defences during Allied attacks. The 25th Bomb Group moved to Drew AAF, Florida during July–August 1945 and was inactivated on 8th September 1945. The group flew a total of 3,370 sorties for the loss of 15 aircraft.
After the war, RAF Watton reverted to RAF control on 27th September 1945. It was used by various flying units of RAF Signals Command, No. 199 Squadron RAF, for example being based at RAF Watton in the early 1950's with Mosquito NF36's operating with the Central Signals Establishment, and in 1953 116 Squadron operated with Avro Lincolns, a Hasting and a number of Mk. II Avro Anson's. The last three Lincoln's serving with No. 151 Squadron on signals duties were withdrawn in March 1963. The following squadrons and units were based at Watton at some point during this time:
▪︎No. 51 Squadron RAF reformed at RAF Watton on 21st August 1958 with the English Electric Canberra Mk. B.2 and B.6 and the de Havilland Comet C.2(R). The squadron also started the Handley Page Hastings C.1 from February 1963 however shortly after this on 31st March 1963 the squadron moved to RAF Wyton.
▪︎No. 97 Squadron RAF reformed here on 25th May 1963 with the Vickers Varsity T.1, Canberra Mk. B.2 and the Hastings C.2. On 2nd January 1967 the squadron was disbanded here.
▪︎No. 98 Squadron RAF between 1st October 1963 and 17th April 1969 with the Canberra B.2 before moving to RAF Cottesmore.
▪︎No. 115 Squadron RAF between 1st October 1963 and 9th April 1969 when the squadron moved to RAF Cottesmore. The squadron operated the Varsity T.1, Vickers Valetta C.1, Hastings C.2 and Armstrong Whitworth AW.660 Argosy E.1.
▪︎No. 116 Squadron RAF between 1st August 1952 and 21st August 1958. The squadron reformed here when 'N' Calibration Squadron was redesignated with the Avro Anson C.19, Avro Lincoln B.2, Hastings C.1 and the Varsity T.1. 116 Squadron was renumbered to 115 Squadron on 21st August 1958.
▪︎No. 151 Squadron RAF reformed here on 1st January 1962 being designated from the Signals Development Squadron. 151 Squadron operated the Lincoln B.2, Hastings C.1 & C.2, Varsity T.1 and the Canberra B.2 before being disbanded on 25th May 1963 still at RAF Watton.
▪︎No. 192 Squadron RAF reformed at Watton on 15th July 1951. The squadron operated the Mosquito PR 34, Lincoln B.2, Boeing Washington B.1, Canberra B.2 & B.6, Varsity T.1 and the Comet C.2(R). 192 Squadron were disbanded on 21st August 1958 still at RAF Watton.
▪︎No. 199 Squadron RAF reformed here on 15th July 1951 operating the Lincoln B.2 and the Mosquito NF 36 before moving to RAF Hemswell on 17th April 1952.
▪︎No. 245 Squadron RAF reformed at RAF Watton on 21st August 1958 with the Canberra B.2 before moving to RAF Tangmere on 25th August 1958.
▪︎No. 263 Squadron RAF operated Bristol Bloodhound Mk. I anti-aircraft missiles from 1st June 1959 to 30th June 1963.
▪︎No. 360 Squadron RAF formed here on 23rd September 1966 with the Canberra B.2, B.6 and T.17 before moving to RAF Cottesmore on 21st April 1969.
▪︎No. 527 Squadron RAF reformed here on 1st August 1952 as a redesignation of 'R' Calibration Squadron. The squadron operated the Mosquito B.35, Anson C.19, Lincoln B.2, Gloster Meteor NF 11 & NF 14, Varsity T.1, Canberra B.2 & PR 7 and the Meteor NF 11 before being disbanded here on 21st August 1958.
▪︎No. 24 (Air Defence Missile) Wing RAF.
▪︎No. 2724 Squadron RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4038 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4179 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4183 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4219 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎No. 4220 Anti-Aircraft Flight RAF Regiment.
▪︎Air Defence Missile Operations Training School (January 1960 – January 1961) became the Surface-to-Air Missile Operational Training School (June 1961 – January 1964)
▪︎Electronic Warfare Engineering and Training Unit (January 1971)
▪︎Electronic Warfare Support Wing (July 1965 – April 1969) became Electronic Warfare Support Unit (April 1969 – January 1971)
▪︎Ground Controlled Approach Operators School (September 1946 – March 1952)
▪︎Radio Warfare Establishment (April 1945 – September 1946) became CSE
▪︎RAF Watton Flying Club.
▪︎Signals Command Air Radio Laboratories (July 1965 – January 1969) became Signals Air Radio Laboratories (January 1969 – January 1971)
By the 1970's, the aircraft at RAF Watton had been replaced by technology and, at the beginning of 1973, the Matelo system of HF communication was supplied to Strike Command by Marconi Communications Systems. In 1969, 1970, 1989 and 1990 RAF Watton was the location of the annual Royal Observer Corps summer training camps when up to 400 observers per week attended specialist training. For the latter two years RAF Watton had already closed for active RAF use and was on a care and maintenance basis, temporary support catering and security staff being drafted in from nearby stations to support the ROC presence.
With the installation of secondary surveillance radar (SSR) at RAF Watton, the station became one of the five units in the joint military/civil National Air Traffic Services Organisation with Eastern Radar until the 1980's. Then in the 1990's, the airfield came into use by the Army in connection with the nearby Stanford Training Area (STANTA). In December 1990 Hockley Estate Agents on behalf of Defence Estates put up for sale the entire 157 post war NCO Married Quarter site located on the south side of the Norwich Road. The successful tenderer was Roger Byron-Collins' Welbeck Estate Group who, since 1980, has acquired 36 former MoD sites from HM Government including near to Watton the MoD sites at RAF West Raynham and RAF Sculthorpe. This entire married quarter estate were subsequently developed by Wallsend Properties.
The site was home to 611 VGS (Volunteer Gliding Squadron) flying Viking Gliders for the Air Cadet Organisation. 611 VGS ceased operations in April 2012, following the sale of most of the airfield to private landowners. A large part of the site has been developed into the Blenheim Grange housing estate, which is actually officially part of Carbrooke.
Information sourced from – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Watton
RAF Thorpe Abbotts is a former Royal Air Force station located 4 miles east of Diss, Norfolk. The station was built for the RAF use but handed over to the United States Army Air Forces in 1943 and upgraded for heavy bomber squadrons.
RAF Thorpe Abbotts was built during 1942 and early 1943 for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a satellite airfield for RAF Horham but the rapid buildup of the Eighth Air Force resulted in both airfields being handed over to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The thirty-six hardstandings originally planned were increased to fifty. Two T-2 hangars were erected, one on the east side of the flying field and one on the south side adjacent to the technical site. This and several of the domestic sites were in woodland stretching south and bordering the A143 Diss to Harleston road.
Thorpe Abbotts was given USAAF designation Station 139, (TA).
The 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrived at RAF Thorpe Abbotts on 9th June 1943, from Kearney AAF Nebraska. The 100th was assigned to the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a ''Square-D''. Its operational squadrons were:
▪︎349th Bombardment Squadron (XR)
▪︎350th Bombardment Squadron (LN)
▪︎351st Bombardment Squadron (EP)
▪︎418th Bombardment Squadron (LD)
The group flew the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign. In combat, the 100th operated chiefly as a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended. The group gained the nickname ''The Bloody Hundredth'' due to its heavy losses during eight missions to Germany when the group experienced several instances where it lost a dozen or more aircraft on a single mission, whereas most units suffered losses in consistent small amounts.
From June 1943 to January 1944, as part of the Combined Bomber Offensive the 100th Bomb Group concentrated its efforts against airfields in France and naval facilities and industries in France and Germany. The 100th BG received a Distinguished Unit Citation for seriously disrupting German fighter plane production with an attack on an aircraft factory at Regensburg as part of the Schweinfurt–Regensburg mission on 17th August 1943.
On 10th October 1943, the bomb raid that the 100th BG made on Münster, ended up with the only surviving 100th BG B-17 that went out on the raid, the ''Royal Flush'' (s/n 42-6087) commanded that day by Robert Rosenthal and flown by his regular crew, returning safely on just two working engines and both waist gunners seriously wounded, to RAF Thorpe Abbotts.
''Masters of the Air'' is a 2024 American war drama miniseries created by John Shiban and John Orloff for Apple TV+. It is based on the 2007 book of the same name by Donald L. Miller and follows the actions of the 100th Bomb Group, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber unit in the Eighth Air Force in eastern England during World War II. Masters of the Air recounts the story of the 100th Bomb Group during World War II and follows bomber crews on dangerous missions to destroy targets inside German-occupied Europe, especially the doomed october 10th 1943 mission to Münster Germany, when only one B-17 flown by Robert Rosenthal came back.
The Bloody 100th bombed airfields, industries, marshalling yards, and missile sites in western Europe, January – May 1944. Operations in this period included participation in the Allied campaign against enemy aircraft factories during ''Big Week'' 20th – 25th February 1944. The group completed a series of attacks against Berlin in March 1944 and received a second Distinguished Unit Citation for the missions.
Beginning in the summer of 1944, oil installations became major targets. In addition to strategic operations, the group engaged in support and interdictory missions, hitting bridges and gun positions in the transportation plan preparations for the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. The unit bombed enemy positions at Saint-Lô in July and at Brest in August and September. Other missions were striking transportation and ground defences in the drive against the Siegfried Line, October – December 1944; attacking marshalling yards, defended villages, and communications in the Ardennes sector during the ''Battle of the Bulge'', December 1944 – January 1945; and covering the airborne assault across the Rhine in March 1945.
The 100th Bomb Group received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for attacking heavily defended installations in Germany and for dropping supplies to French Forces of the Interior, June – December 1944. The 100th BG flew its last combat mission of World War II on 10th April 1945 which was number 306. In December 1945, the group returned to Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Group personnel were demobilized and the aircraft sent to storage. The unit was inactivated on 21st December 1945 and redesignated as the 100th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy).
After the war, the airfield was transferred to the RAF on 27th June 1946. After many years of inactivity, RAF Thorpe Abbotts was closed in 1956. With the end of military control, the airfield was largely returned to agricultural use with most of the perimeter track, runways and hardstands removed. A small airstrip was built on a part of the former perimeter track which is used for light aircraft. The control tower was restored in 1977 and was turned into the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum. Several World War II era buildings remain in various states of decay.
Information sourced from – RAF Thorpe Abbotts - Wikipedia share.google/cnLUbGXlEH5WRKeVi