The 306th Bombardment Group Museum

306th Bombardment Group Museum.The Museum is a memorial dedicated to the personnel of the 306th Bomb Group who operated from Thurleigh during WW2, as part of the Eighth Air Force 40th Combat Wing, 1st Air Division.
The Museum is an original building formally used by the 306th BG as a Small Arms Ammunition store.
We use it today to display artefacts to re-create the activities and atmosphere of the airfield and surrounding areas during the war years, as well as honour all those that lost their lives.

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OPENING TIMES

MUSEUM WILL BE OPEN: 26th May 2024

Opening Times:

26th May 2024 – October 2024

Sundays only opening 10:00 – 16:00

Admission is FREE

Appointments outside of opening hours can be requested via the Facebook Page

Thurleigh Station 111

306th Bombardment Group (Heavy)

The 306th deployed to Thurleigh in September 1942, the 306th was assigned to the 40th Combat Wing, 1st Air Division.

The Home of the 306th BG was in fact a small city itself, housing approximately 3,000 personnel.

Thurleigh Airfield just North of the village became an independent, self-sufficient entity, including housing, Gymnasium, Cinema, Chapel, Library and a Hospital.

Gunners of the 306th Bomb Group sit atop ammunition for a B-17 Flying Fortress.

Claims to Fame:

Oldest operational Bomb Group in the Eighth Air Force.
Stationed in England and at a single base longer than any other Group.
First 8th Air Force Bomb Group to complete 300 missions.
First 8th Air Force Bomb Group to bomb Germany 27-Jan-1943 Wilhelmshaven.
Princess Elizabeth named B-17F 42-102547 “Rose of York” at Thurleigh.
Medal of Honour to Sgt Maynard H. Smith 1-May-1943.
First Airman in VIII Bomber Command to complete a tour; TSgt M. Roscovich 5-Apr-43.