The control tower
100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, Thorpe Abbotts
Explore the Legendary Home of the ‘Bloody Hundredth’
Located on the original World War II airfield at Thorpe Abbotts, the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the 100th Bomb Group, one of the most famous units of the US Eighth Air Force. With its iconic control tower, immersive exhibits, and vast collection of wartime artefacts, the museum tells the powerful story of the men who served at this historic airbase.
GALLERY
The Friendly Invasion
Description
Contact
Facilities
Entry & Pricing
Opening Times
Nearby
Description
History
Thorpe Abbotts Airfield was built in 1942 and became operational in 1943 as home to the 100th Bomb Group, often referred to as the ‘Bloody Hundredth’ due to its high casualty rate in combat. Flying B-17 Flying Fortresses, the group carried out dangerous daylight bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe.
The airfield was visited by notable figures such as General Jimmy Doolittle and legendary entertainer Bob Hope, and it played a crucial role in the strategic air campaign. Today, the museum preserves the memory of the thousands of American personnel who lived and served here, many of whom never returned home.
What to See and Do
- Restored Control Tower – Walk through the heart of the base, where mission briefings took place, and aircrews prepared for flights.
- Authentic Museum Displays – Featuring wartime photographs, uniforms, equipment, and personal stories of the airmen stationed here.
- The Nissan Hut Exhibition – Home to a fascinating collection of Eighth Air Force memorabilia.
- Memorial Garden – A peaceful space dedicated to the memory of the fallen.
- WWII Military Vehicles – See a collection of original wartime transport.
📜 Look out for: Regular commemorative events, living history days, and guest speakers sharing first-hand accounts of wartime life.
Contact
📍 Address: 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, Thorpe Abbotts, Diss, Norfolk, IP21 4PH
📧 Email: info@100bgmus.org.uk
📞 Phone: 01379 740708
🌍 Website: www.100bgmus.org.uk
Facilities
✔️ Free on-site parking
✔️ Wheelchair access
✔️ Gift shop with WWII-themed books and souvenirs
✔️ Light refreshments available on open days
✔️ Guided tours available
Entry & Pricing
🎟️ Free Entry – Donations welcome
💼 Group visits and private tours available by appointment
Opening Times
🕘 Public Open Days:
- April – October:
- Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📅 Special Events:
- Commemorative services, historical talks, and themed weekends throughout the year.
🚍 No public transport available – Visitors must arrive by car.
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