December Departure at Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum
Commemorating the departure of the 94th Bomb Group from the UK in 1945
Location
Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum, The Control Tower, Bury St Edmunds IP32 7QB
Telephone
07931 971771- Next Event
- 8th December 10:00am
- Event Finishes
- 8th December 1:00pm
About this event
This annual event commemorates the departure of the 94th Bomb Group from the UK in 1945.
The event starts at 10ma, with a small service at 11am.
There will be a light buffet and refreshments available after the service.
All are welcome to attend.
About the Venue
Award-winning Museum dedicated to preserving the memory of all who served with the 8th USAAF at RAF Bury St Edmunds during WW2, housed in the original control tower and other period buildings.
Uncover the history of the men and women who served here and how they fit into the story of The Mighty Eighth that will be told in a new 9-part Apple TV+ series Masters of The Air, starring Austin Butler in January 2024.
Bury St Edmunds was home for thousands of American airmen and women during WWII and a visit to Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum is like taking a trip back in time. Full of artefacts, maps, photo's, aircraft relics and memorabilia. Friendly guided tours and a welcoming Vintage Tea Room with home made cakes and refreshments.
RAF Bury St Edmunds, now Rougham Airfield and known in WWII by the USAAF as Station 468, not only welcomed 3,000 GIs during WWII but the Glenn Miller Orchestra, legendary comedian Bob Hope and Hollywood movie star Clark Gable, who all visited to entertain the troops.
It was home for the 94th Bomb Group (and for a shorter time the 322nd and 47th Bomb Groups) of the USAAF 8th Airforce, whose contribution to the Allies’ strategic bombing offensive helped turn the tide of war against the Nazis and free occupied Europe.
The 94th Bomb 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.
Come along and delve into the history of this fascinating period of time.
Discover more about the airbase in our Masters of the Air Guide.
The museum is now closed for the season and will reopen on Sunday 30th March 2025 10am to 4pm. Visits outside of the season are available all year round by appointment.
Opening Hours
April to October open every Sunday, 10am till 4pm. Visits outside of the season are available all year round by appointment.
Free entry but donations greatly appreciated.
The Museum is also available for hire for larger groups/parties, lectures etc.
In 2023, Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum won an Acquisition International Business Excellence Award for Best Historical Aviation Institution.