390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum, Parham Airfield Museum
Preserving the Legacy of the 390th Bomb Group and the Resistance
Located on the former RAF Framlingham airfield, Parham Airfield Museum is home to the 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum and the Museum of the British Resistance Organisation. Dedicated to the brave men of the USAAF 390th Bomb Group, who flew B-17 Flying Fortress bombers during WWII, the museum also tells the fascinating story of Britain’s secret wartime resistance plans.
Set within original wartime buildings, the museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts, personal stories, and mission records, making it a must-visit for military history enthusiasts.
History
RAF Framlingham (Parham) was constructed in 1942 and became home to the 390th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force in 1943. The group, consisting of the 568th, 569th, 570th, and 571st Squadrons, carried out strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe.
During their service, the 390th Bomb Group completed over 300 missions, dropping thousands of tons of bombs on enemy industrial targets and military infrastructure. They earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for their role in raids on Germany’s aircraft production sites and were instrumental in the D-Day invasion.
After the war, the airfield was decommissioned, but thanks to dedicated volunteers, the Control Tower and associated buildings were restored, ensuring the history of the 390th BG and Britain’s wartime defences lives on.
What to See and Do
- 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum – Dedicated exhibits on the men and missions of the 390th BG, featuring uniforms, equipment, mission logs, and personal stories.
- Museum of the British Resistance Organisation – Discover Britain’s secret guerrilla army, trained to resist Nazi invasion.
- Original WWII Control Tower – Restored to wartime condition, offering a glimpse into airfield operations during the war.
- Interactive Displays & Personal Accounts – Learn about aircrews, ground personnel, and the secret resistance fighters.
- Memorial Garden – A quiet space honouring those who served at RAF Framlingham.
📜 Look out for: Annual memorial events and special exhibitions.
📍 Address: Parham Airfield Museum, Parham, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP13 9AF
📧 Email: info@parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk
📞 Phone: 01728 621373
🌍 Website: www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk
✔️ Free on-site parking
✔️ Disabled access available
✔️ Shop with aviation and military memorabilia
✔️ Light refreshments available
🕘 April – October:
- Sundays & Bank Holiday Mondays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesdays (June – August): 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📅 Private group visits available by arrangement
🚍 Limited public transport – Visitors should check travel options in advance.
🎟️ Free Entry – Donations welcome
