It’s been all hands-on deck for the past few Saturdays as volunteers for the Museum have been busily preparing for the re-opening on Sunday April 12th.
Situated behind The Woodman Pub in Nuthampstead, the museum is dedicated to the USAAF 55th Fighter Group and the 398th Heavy Bombardment Group who were stationed there during WW II.
The numerous displays consist of uniforms donated by veterans and their families plus many interesting artefacts of which a great deal have been found on the old airfield, even pieces of bombs and a V2 rocket.
Entry is free, though donations are gratefully received. You can be sure of a warm welcome from volunteers who will talk on the history of Nuthampstead, living conditions, plus missions and of course describing ‘The Friendly Invasion.’
Originally two buildings, a Nissan hut was added late last year mainly thanks to veteran Leo Croce, who after a visit together with his daughter and son in law was so impressed made a large donation. Leo flew 35 missions from the base returning safely to the USA where he lived to his nineties, sadly passing recently.
A museum spokesman said: ‘We are really excited that this year we have more display space along with new items.  We are also planning to recreate living conditions on the base plus our star exhibit, a wing from a B17 that crashed at Station 131, Nuthampstead, is now properly on display.’
Please come along to our presentations, everyone welcome as your support is vital to enable the upkeep of the museum and to keep our history alive for future generations. All talks are at Barkway Village Hall, Barkway, SG8 8BS, 7pm for 7.30pm starts. A donation of £7.50 is suggested which includes light snacks.
The History of Nuthampstead and Local Villages A talk by Tom Doig – Our Local Historian
Tuesday 17th March, 2020
The D Day Bombers – The RAF/USAAF in Supporting The Normandy Campaign by local Author Steve Darlow
Tuesday 31st March, 2020
The D Day Landings – The Intelligence War A talk by Ian Thomson
Tuesday 14th April, 2020
The History of Nuthampstead Airfield A talk by our very own 55th/398th Historian Russ Abbey
Tuesday 28th April, 2020
There are also numerous memorial events coming up in the next two months:
Biennal Memorial Service at the 398th and 55th memorials
Saturday 23rd May, 2020, across from the Woodman Inn, Nuthampstead
Special Service at St George’s Church, Anstey
Sunday 24th May, 2020
Memorial Service, Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
Monday 25th May, 2020
