RAF Ridgewell was the only long-term heavy bomber airfield of the Eighth Air Force in Essex. For United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) use, the number of hardstandings was increased to the fifty required by a US bomb group.

Explore the rich history of the Royal Air Force No. 90 Squadron and the U.S. Eighth Air Force’s 381st Bomb Group through our fascinating exhibits. The exists to remember those who served at RAF Ridgewell- Essex’s only long-term heavy bomber base during the Second World War.

Sep 30, 2019 · Built during 1941-42 as an RAF bomber station, Ridgewell operated as a satellite to RAF Stradishall until May 1943. It had three concrete runways, initially 36 pan hardstandings, and two dispersed T2 hangars.

The Ridgewell Airfield Museum exists to remember those who served at RAF Ridgewell- Essex’s only long-term heavy bomber base during the Second World War.

May 14, 2023 · This year marks the 80th anniversary of RAF Ridgewell turning operational, and with an Apple TV series about the Eighth Air Force (Masters of the Air, executively produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks) set to be aired in the spring, there is sure to be a surge in interest in bases such as Ridgewell.

Jan 21, 2008 · The Airmen of Ridgewell, which is divided into three parts, deals with the 51 missions of RAF 90 Squadron Operations within Number Three Group Bombing Command. It looks at the tragic and successful missions of the American USAAF 381st Bomb Group (H), which saw 3,500 airmen stationed at the site.

"In early June, Ridgewell and Earls Colne joined the list of twenty-eight British airfields that were to be transferred from the RAF to the 8th Air Force. They were required to accommodate the 3,700 aircraft then scheduled for American fighter and bomber operations.

360 Degree Aerial Video of RAF Ridgewell Airfield - 9 March 2025.

Apr 15, 2024 · RAF Ridgewell Airbase was originally a Royal Air Force (RAF) base located 60 miles northeast of London. In June of 1943 the US 8 th Air Force chose Ridgewell for the site of its 381 st Heavy bomb group.

Oct 4, 2024 · RAF Ridgewell was the only long-term heavy bomber airfield of the Eighth Air Force in Essex. For United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) use, the number of hardstandings was increased to the fifty required by a US bomb group.