The 3rd Air Division: Elveden Hall was the Headquarters of this division of the 8th US Army Air Force. Broadly speaking it flew B17 Flying Fortresses out of Suffolk, but included some bases in Norfolk. Some units had short periods flying B24 Liberators. The famous `Bloody Hundredth', based at Thorpe Abbotts was typical of the units within the 3rd Air Division. From June 1943 to January 1944 it concentrated its efforts against airfields, submarine facilities and aircraft industries in France and Germany. January through May 1944, the Group bombed enemy airfields, industries, marshalling yards, V-1 missile sites, including participation in the Allied campaign against enemy aircraft factories during Big Week, February 20-25, 1944. Participated in the first daylight raid against Berlin (March 4, 1944) and completed a series of attacks against Berlin March 6, 8, 1944 for which the 100th Bomb Group was awarded a second Presidential Unit Citation. In the summer of 1944 oil installations became the major target. In October through December 1944, the Century Bombers attacked transportation, oil refineries and ground defenses in the drive against the Siegfried Line. They were involved in the December 24, 1944 mission to attack communication centers and airfields in the Ardennes sector during the Battle of the Bulge. January to April 1945, the Group concentrated on marshalling yards, bridges, factories, docks, oil refineries and ground support. Airfields included are Bury St Edmunds, Debach, Deopham Green Eye, Framlington, Great Ashfield, Horham, Knettishall, Lavenham, Mendlesham, Rattlesden, Snetterton Heath, Sudbury and Thorpe Abbot, which has one of the finest aviation museums in England.This book looks at the history and personalities associated with each base, what remains today and explores the favourite local wartime haunts where aircrew and ground crew would have sought well-deserved entertainment and relaxation. Other museums and places that are relevant will also be described and general directions on how to get them included.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
To anyone interested in war history this is a great read. Living in Suffolk local interest obviously played a great part in purchasing this item, as it is possible to locate the remains of quite a few of the bases mentioned within the covers. It almost makes the reading of the book three dimensional. My father in law flew Lancasters in Bomber Command during WWII but even he used to say the yanks were either very brave or very stupid to fly the way they did in tight formation in daylight, this book gives a very close insight into the kind of hazards and fears they faced, and a lot more. I can't fault it and would recommend anyone to further purchase the DVD of 'The Memphis Belle'through Amazon. Not the feature film (which was war film pulp.) but the documentary made by William Wilder during the war in 16mm film. This book plus Wilders documentary gives a pretty accurate description of what the US airmen in England during the war went through.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Mark Time
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A well written book from this respected aviation author. It gives an excellent overview of the Bases and operations of the 3rd Air Division based in Suffolk and Norfolk. A must for those who love visiting old airfields. Highly recommended.
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