Losing more aircraft to accidents than enemy action, in over 170 bombing missions, the 34th never received any unit decorations.
Based at RAF Mendlesham (Station 156) in Suffolk, the memorial is dilapidated and vandalised and the brass plaque has been stolen. Plans are afoot to rectify this, but it takes time and money to honour the fallen.
Mendlesham is part of Trail 15 which tours central Suffolk, England.
RAF Mendlesham
B-26B of the 449th BS (322ndBG) – ‘Flak Bait‘ – went on to complete a total of 207 missions; more than any other American aircraft during World War II, a record only surpassed by a DH Mosquito of the RAF. This aircraft returned to United States after the war and is now housed in the Smithsonion National Air and Space Museum as a reminder and memorial.
Station 468, Bury St Edmunds (RAF Rougham) is now a museum and small active airfield that pays homage to the crews of the USAAF. Visit Trail 16 and see what remains.
Photo by MSGT Bernard Leroy Oligschlaeger (1921-1976) USAAF – Gunner/Radioman in 394th BG/586th BS
Downham Market Heritage Society
An archive of 20th century air traffic control photographs and other media sponsored by the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers http://gatco.org/
The Pathfinders & The World They Knew
Pathfinder Aircrew, their Friends, their Families, and the World they Knew
Master Bomber
Exploring around Blackpool, the Fylde Coast and surrounding area
The Dams Raid (Operation Chastise) and after
Louise Mabey
Exploring the history of the men buried in the RAF Section at Brookwood Military Cemetery
THE WWII JOURNEY OF GEORGE EDWIN FARRAR, B-17 GUNNER AND STALAG LUFT 4 POW
Scale Models, Real People, Extraordinary Stories
The best in WWII aviation history
USAAF Station 582
A dialogue focused on the fascinating past of England through the exploration of local military history.
Aviation Trails 