Although built by the RAF between 1941 and 1942 and known as ‘RAF Bury St Edmunds’, it was always intended for the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) as a bomber base taking part in the strategic air offensive against Germany, 1942-45.

As with all museums of its type, it is a memorial to a certain generation of young men and women who took part in the most momentous conflict in our history, many of whom did not return home. The exhibits on display at the museum are not just those related to military aviation hardware; there are also the most wonderful and moving personal stories on display. Although surviving veterans of the USAAF, like our own RAF, are now well into their nineties, the museum is still delighted to be visited each year by such folk and their families.

I was pleased to receive the help of our Club’s newest member, Mrs Eastwood (who also brought along her two young sons). But I must especially thank Mrs Wendy Sage of the Rougham Tower Association for facilitating our visit and Mr Graham Sage and Mr Clifford Fullam for volunteering to give up their time to act as our personal, expert tour guides.

Although Mosquito aircraft did not operate from Rougham, there is a remarkable story about a damaged Mosquito that actually landed at night just outside the airfield on what is now the A14! If you would like to know more, you can visit the museum and find out - it is open every Sunday, Easter to October.