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 March 2024:
1 Little Dingle Cottages – Self-catering accommodation for up to twelve people
This country cottage stands between Dunwich Forest and Dingle Marshes. Apart from the adjacent cottage it is quite isolated, being a mile from Dunwich village. Surrounded by open countryside, marshes, reedbeds and forest. Several major nature reserves are close by, with wildlife and birds to be seen on or near the property. Walks from the cottage. Parking. Pets by arrangement.
Lomax Antique Fairs – Southwold Spring Antique Fair 29th - 31st March 2024
Lomax Antique fairs attract exceptional dealers able to offer an eclectic mix of items at prices suited to both new and established collectors - their exhibitors are both welcoming and knowledgeable. Fair is at St. Felix School, Reydon
Pub Stops – Halesworth or Darsham Pub-Stops Guide
This web site is a light hearted attempted to travel the local rail network, from Halesworth or Darsham, stopping at fine pubs and where possible encouraging similar real ale loving folks to do likewise!
Symon Clarke Composer – Acclaimed classic and ensemble music
Symon Clarke has composed acclaimed music for a wide range of classical ensembles and soloists and created a body of original music for Javanese and Balinese gamelan. His works have been played by well-known performers around the UK and abroad.
The Halesworth Pet Store – Specialists in Animal Nutrition and Pet Care
Visit our shop or take advantage of our Free Local Delivery Service! We are experts in animal nutrition, catering for all quantities – from small bags to bulk deliveries amd we are happy to help with all of your requirements