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 June 2021:
St James Village Orchard – A beautifully well kept natural space cared for and maintained by the community
At the western edge of the small Suffolk village of St James South Elmham is a triangular shaped field of about one acre, bounded on two sides by Metfield Road and Common Road and known as the Greshaw Green Enclosure. The St James Village Orchard Project has transformed the enclosure into a flourishing community orchard.
Jennie Jones – Southwold's own specialist Estate Agents for buying, selling or renting
Jennie Jones is one of the areas leading independent estate agents with offices in Southwold. They are a progressive independent firm who work closely with their clients to provide the highest standards of personal and professional service.
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
Hare Lodge Bed and Breakfast – An expansive but affordable pet friendly Bed and Breakfast
Offering four bed and breakfast rooms (two ground floor rooms with ensuite bathrooms, both with king size beds). Two rooms have the added luxury of their own lounge and kitchen with two bedrooms upstairs with views of the gardens. A fresh, delicious and locally sourced breakfast awaits you.
Alan Ross Removals – Alan Ross Removals
A long-established Suffolk-based company with a wealth of experience and offering competitive pricing for removals, haulage and storage. Residential and commercial relocation services offered.