RAF Bury St Edmunds
The airfield was originally and is now again known as Rougham as it is located north of that village between the A14 and the main railway line between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich.
History
It was built during 1941 and 1942 with three intersecting concrete runways. The main runway of 2,000 yards was aligned approximately E–W. It saw extensive use during the Second World War.
The following units were here at some point:
- 94th Bombardment Group
- 322nd Bombardment Group
- 331st Bombardment Squadron
- 332nd Bombardment Squadron
- 333rd Bombardment Squadron
- 410th Bombardment Squadron
Current use
With the end of military control, Bury St Edmunds airfield's concreted areas were broken up with most of the site being returned to agriculture.
The old technical site has been developed into the Rougham Industrial Estate. The T2 hangars are still in use for storage. The control tower, used for many years as a private dwelling, has been restored and is operated as an aviation museum dedicated to the 94th bomb group. The museum is open to the public every Sunday from Easter until October, admission free.
The museum site is also home to the Bury St Edmunds Amateur Radio Society BSEARS radio club.
The airfield, once again known as Rougham has been returned to agriculture.
The airfield was closed in June 2023.
See also
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
Citations
- ^ "Bury St Edmunds II (Rougham)". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ^ Museum, Rougham Control Tower Aviation. "Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum". Rougham Control Tower Aviation Museum. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ^ "Skyward Flight Training Closure". Skyward Flight Training. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
Bibliography
- Freeman, R. Airfields of the Eighth - Then and Now. After the Battle. London, UK: Battle of Britain International Ltd., 2001. ISBN 0-9009-13-09-6.
- Maurer, M. Air Force Combat Units of World War II. USAF Historical Division. Washington D.C., USA: Zenger Publishing Co., Inc, 1980. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.
- Bury St Edmunds - Rougham airfield
- Bury St. Edmunds Airfield
- USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to present