93rd Bomb Group Memorial Museum Hardwick
Honouring ‘Ted’s Travelling Circus’ and the Legacy of the 93rd Bomb Group
Located at Station 104, Hardwick, the 93rd Bomb Group Memorial Museum tells the story of the most travelled B-24 Liberator group in the US Eighth Air Force. Housed in original wartime Nissen huts, the museum preserves the history of the 328th, 329th, 330th, and 409th Squadrons, as well as the 461st Maintenance Sub-Depot.
Known as ‘Ted’s Travelling Circus’, the 93rd Bomb Group flew 396 missions, including Operation Tidal Wave, the infamous raid on Ploiești, Romania, targeting German oil refineries. Today, the museum stands as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
History
With war looming in Europe, the British government requisitioned land across East Anglia for airfields, including Hardwick, constructed by John Laing & Son. When the 93rd Bomb Group arrived in England on 6th September 1942, they were initially based at RAF Alconbury before moving to Hardwick in December 1942.
As part of the Eighth Air Force, they played a vital role in strategic bombing missions over Germany and Nazi-occupied Europe, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for their operations in North Africa.
Key Achievements of the 93rd Bomb Group:
- 396 missions flown, including 49 from North Africa.
- 19,004 tons of bombs dropped during their deployment.
- 8,169 credited sorties, with 140 aircraft lost in action.
- First B-24 to complete 50 missions in the Eighth Air Force, the legendary ‘Bomerang’.
The group’s last mission took place on 25th April 1945, after which they gradually returned to the United States, marking the end of their distinguished service.
What to See and Do
- Restored Nissen Hut Museum – Step inside the wartime buildings that housed the 93rd Bomb Group personnel.
- Extensive WWII Displays – Artefacts, photographs, and accounts from aircrew, ground personnel, and support staff.
- Special Exhibits on ‘Ted’s Travelling Circus’ – Learn about their daring raids and deployment to North Africa.
- Operation Tidal Wave Exhibit – The Ploiești oil refinery raid remains one of the most dangerous missions of the war.
- Military Vehicles & Flypasts – Some open days feature vintage military vehicles and aerial flyovers.
- Canteen & Merchandise – Enjoy homemade rolls, cakes, and refreshments, with a selection of souvenirs available.
📜 Look out for: Veterans’ stories, rare mission records, and the museum’s collection of original flight gear from the B-24 Liberator crews.
📍 Address: 93rd Bomb Group Memorial Museum, Airfield Farm, Topcroft, Norfolk, NR35 2BG
📍 What3Words: ///butlers.joys.flopping
📧 Email (Curator): hardwickusaaf2@gmail.com
📞 Phone (Historian & Curator – Paul Thrower): 01508 531405
🌍 Website: www.93rd-bg-museum.org
📱 Facebook: 93rd Bomb Group Museum UK
✔️ Free on-site parking
✔️ Disabled parking available
✔️ Canteen serving hot and cold food, homemade cakes, and refreshments
✔️ Merchandise available (T-shirts, mugs, and souvenirs)
🕘 Public Open Days:
- Third Sunday of each month (May – October)
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
🚍 No public transport available – Visitors must arrive by car.
🎟️ Free Entry – Donations welcome
