Old Buckenham Airfield was built by Taylor Woodrow Ltd, in 1942 / 43. The airfield was built to a standard design with a main runway 2,000 yards long, direction NE - SW and 50 yards wide. There were two secondary runways of 1,400 yards long. All runways were constructed of concrete. Once completed Old Buckenham became the home for the 453rd Bomb Group. From December 1943 until May 1945 they flew 259 missions over enemy territory in B24's. They delivered some 15,804 Tons of Bombs but sadly lost 58 aircraft and the lives of 366 aircrew. There is a memorial to the 453rd in front of the present day clubhouse. James Stewart served as Executive Officer at Old Buckenham during the spring of 1944. The 453rd were taken off operations on the 12th April 1945. Most of the pictures to follow of the wartime airfield appear to have been taken over the course of a single day and as such provide a fascinating snapshot of activity at Station 144 - the home of the 453rd Bomb Group. This RAF Halifax was landed at Old Buckenham after receiving a bomb through the fuselage. The fuselage was replaced and the aircraft was flown out to continue operational service! Pictured above is the Halifax pilot (centre) and an American officer (left) he served with whilst training in the USA and happened to be serving with the 453rd at Old Buckenham.

Old Buckenham Airfield was built by Taylor Woodrow Ltd, in 1942 / 43. The airfield was built to a standard design with a main runway 2,000 yards long, direction NE - SW and 50 yards wide. There were two secondary runways of 1,400 yards long. All runways were constructed of concrete.

Old Buckenham Airfield was built by Taylor Woodrow Ltd, in 1942 / 43. The airfield was built to a standard design with a main runway 2,000 yards long, direction NE - SW and 50 yards wide. There were two secondary runways of 1,400 yards long. All runways were constructed of concrete.