Lavenham Airfield sits within a rich landscape of WWII aviation heritage across East Anglia. These organisations and resources will help you explore further.
487th Bomb Group
487th Bomb Group Association – The official association of veterans and their families. The site holds mission records, personnel rosters, and an extensive archive of photographs and personal accounts from those who served at Station 137.
Museums & Heritage Centres
American Air Museum, Duxford – Part of the Imperial War Museum, the American Air Museum at Duxford is the national museum of USAAF heritage in the UK. Its digital archive holds extensive records, photographs, and interview material relating to all 8th Air Force groups, including the 487th.
100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, Thorpe Abbotts – A volunteer-run museum dedicated to the ‘Bloody Hundredth’ — the 100th Bomb Group, one of the most decorated and most costly units of the 8th Air Force. A model of what a heritage airfield museum can be.
Memorials & Cemeteries
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial – The resting place of 3,812 American servicemen, many of them 8th Air Force airmen who died flying from East Anglian bases. The Memorial Wall commemorates a further 5,127 who were lost at sea or whose remains were never recovered.
Heritage Networks
Military Aviation Heritage Networks (East Anglia) – A directory of aviation heritage sites across East Anglia, covering WWII airfields, museums, memorials, and associated collections. An invaluable starting point for anyone wishing to explore the region’s aviation history.
Further Research
Army Air Corps Library and Museum (487th Records) – Holds personnel rosters and historical records for the 487th Bombardment Group. Accepts donations of wartime memorabilia, uniforms, and documents for preservation.
Local Interest
Love Lavenham – Everything you need to know about Lavenham for your visit.