RAF Mendlesham: A Neighboring Airfield

RAF Mendlesham was a Royal Air Force (RAF) airfield located near the village of Mendlesham, Suffolk, England. The airfield was built in 1942 as a Class A airfield, and was used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) as a base for their B-24 Liberator aircraft.

History of RAF Mendlesham

RAF Mendlesham was constructed in 1942 as a Class A airfield, with three concrete runways and a range of facilities to support the operation of heavy bomber aircraft. The airfield was designed to accommodate a single squadron of aircraft, and was intended to provide a safe and secure location for aircraft to take off and land.

Use by the USAAF

The USAAF used RAF Mendlesham as a base for their B-24 Liberator aircraft, which were used for bombing missions over Europe. The airfield was home to the 34th Bomb Group, which flew over 200 missions from the airfield.

Relationship with the 490th Bomb Group

The 490th Bomb Group, which was based at RAF Eye, often used RAF Mendlesham as a diversionary airfield. This meant that aircraft from the 490th Bomb Group would sometimes land at RAF Mendlesham instead of RAF Eye, in order to avoid congestion or bad weather.

Facilities and Infrastructure

RAF Mendlesham had a range of facilities and infrastructure to support the operation of heavy bomber aircraft. The airfield had three concrete runways, as well as a range of taxiways, aprons, and hardstands. The airfield also had a range of buildings, including hangars, maintenance facilities, and accommodation for aircrew and ground personnel.

Today

Today, RAF Mendlesham is a private airfield, and is home to a range of light aircraft and general aviation activities. The airfield still retains many of its original features, including the concrete runways and taxiways.

Photos and Memories

We are proud to share a selection of photos and memories from RAF Mendlesham, showcasing the airfield and its history.

  • View our photo gallery to see images of RAF Mendlesham and the 34th Bomb Group.
  • Explore our archives to learn more about the history of RAF Mendlesham and the USAAF.

Preserving the History of RAF Mendlesham

The 490th Bomb Group is committed to preserving the history of RAF Mendlesham and the men and women who served there. We work closely with historians, researchers, and veterans to ensure that the stories of RAF Mendlesham are preserved for future generations.

Visit RAF Mendlesham Today

RAF Mendlesham is located near the village of Mendlesham, Suffolk, England. The airfield is private, but visitors are welcome by appointment. Please contact us to arrange a visit.

We hope you will join us in remembering the history of RAF Mendlesham and the USAAF.