BlythWeb Notes on the Halesworth Airfield War Memorials
Close to the Halesworth Airfield
Museum stand three fine memorials to those American Servicemen who served at Halesworth Airfield during WWII.
These memorials
are thoughtfully sited in beautifully kept bays of grass and gravel, each enclosure
hedged and with flagpoles completing the setting. Seats are provided for visitors. Etched into the memorials are
depictions of aircraft, squadron badges and the layout of the airfield itself, all skilfully executed.
Operational from 1942 until just after end of the War in 1945, this base was home to brave young men who served the allied forces flying fighters and bombers from the three runways of the airfield.
The memorial to the 56th Fighter Group (Zemke's Wolfpack) [below] carries a plaque commemorating that this Group established a record of combat performance unequalled in US Airforce Fighter history, while the memorial to the 489th Bomb Group records these servicemen who played important parts in the historic events of D-Day in June 1944 [right]. The third memorial is dedicated to the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron who rescued downed allied aircrew from the North Sea [left].
Inscription
The Inscription on the stone reads as follows:
ZEMKE'S WOLFPACK
56th
FIGHTER GROUP
THIS 8th AIR FORCE GROUP WAS STATIONED
HERE AT HALESWORTH AIR STATION 365
JULY 8, 1943 UNTIL APRIL 18, 1944
THE 56th GROUP, KNOWN AS ZEMKE's WOLFPACK,
ESTABLISHED A RECORD OF COMBAT PERFORMANCE
UNEQUALED IN U.S. AIRFORCE FIGHTER HISTORY.
This momument is dedicated to the pilots, the ground
force officers and men of the 56th Group and the
supporting units of the 33rd Service Group
by the people of Halesworth
You can also read our extensive report about the Halesworth Town War Memorial.
Some Favourite Websites For November 2024:
Hare Lodge Self Catering – Two expansive but affordable pet friendly Self Catering
Two New England-style barn conversions at Hare Lodge in Peasenhall. Tastefully decorated with relaxation in mind and a comfortable sitting room, country kitchen and downstairs shower room.
North Manor Farmhouse – Ensuite B&B accommodation in beamed Suffolk farmhouse close to the Suffolk coast and Southwold
Two B&B rooms, both with en-suite. Guest lounge with open fire. Discount for stay exceeding three nights. Sorry, dogs not accepted.
Stoneware Birds – Life-sized handmade and unique British birds, now available to buy online.
A charming unique gift or a treat for oneself. See the website to know how each one is made. Now available to buy online. Each bird is an individual creation, varying in choice from the perky wren to the plump bullfinch together with other well-loved British birds. Which will you choose?
Halesworth Millennium Green – The largest Millennium Green in England
Halesworth Millennium Green is a magical place to explore in all seasons and weathers. Come and find your favourite corner amongst the meadows, woodlands, rivers, ponds, heathland, orchard and along the historic route of the old railway and the even older navigation.
The Southwold Railway Trust – Open days at the Southwold Railway Steamworks project
The Southwold Railway was a 3-foot gauge line running between Halesworth and Southwold, a distance of almost 9 miles. Opened in 1879 and closed in 1929, it is remembered for its tall-chimneyed steam engines. The Steamworks project aims to restore this line.