Halesworth Airfield Museum
Volunteer-run museum on the former Halesworth airfield, recording the American airmen who served there in the Second World War.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Halesworth airfield, near the village of Holton, was built from 1942 as a Class A bomber base close to the North Sea, with three runways, two hangars and accommodation for about 3,000 people. The first flying unit was the US 56th Fighter Group, which arrived in 1943 and left in April 1944. It was followed by the 489th Bomb Group, which flew B-24 Liberators on operations around D-Day and then on strategic bombing missions until November 1944.
In 1945 the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron flew from the base, and a fighter training group also used it. The airfield passed to RAF Bomber Command and then to the Royal Navy, which ran it as HMS Sparrowhawk until flying ended in February 1946.
The museum is run by volunteers and keeps alive the memory of the American personnel who served at Halesworth. It is linked to the veterans and families associations of the 56th Fighter Group, the 489th Bomb Group and the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron. It shows a large collection of Second World War items, many from the airfield itself, and holds a library and an archive that researchers can use. There is a memorial on the airfield, and the museum organises open days and remembrance services.
Highlights
- Collection of Second World War items from the airfield
- Stories of the American aircrews who served at Halesworth
- Library and archive for researchers, including 56th Fighter Group daily diaries
- Memorial on the former airfield
Permanent exhibition
- Halesworth Airfield collection – Wartime memorabilia from the airfield, stories of the American aircrews and a research library.
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Adults | free |
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Admission is free; the museum is run by volunteers.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Halesworth railway station
Halesworth railway station is on the East Suffolk line between Lowestoft and London, and there are local bus services; the museum is about one mile from the railway and bus stations.
By car, the museum is signposted from the A144 Norwich road, which runs from the A12; the postcode for satnav is IP19 8NH. If the flags are flying, the museum is open.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
There is an online shop. Refreshments such as tea and scones are served on special open days; no permanent café is mentioned.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The museum also runs open days, remembrance services and heritage open days. Visits outside normal opening hours can be arranged on request. |
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