DEOPHAM GREEN
Deopham Green airfield was built during World War II as a base for the US
Eighth Army Airforce in Europe. The site has now been returned to agricultural
use. Deopham Green is about 5.5 miles south west of Wymondham, between
Hingham and Great Ellingham. The airfield was constructed during 1942-43 by
John Laing & Sons Ltd to Class A specification for heavy bomber use. It had a
2000-yard main runway with two intersecting 1400-yard auxiliary runways, all 50
yards wide. A 50-feet wide perimeter track about 3.5 miles long connected the
ends of the runways. There were 50 looped or pan hardstandings; two type T2
hangars, one each side of the airfield; Mk II lighting on the main runway and
full technical facilities. There was temporary accommodation for 2900 men.
The airfield was occupied by the 452nd Bomb Group on 3rd January 1944
equipped with B-17 Fortresses carrying nine or ten crew members. Combat
operations began on 5th February 1944. The group flew 250 missions from
Deopham Green during the war and lost 110 bombers in this time. The group
suffered particularly high losses during the spring of 1944.
Eighth Army Airforce in Europe. The site has now been returned to agricultural
use. Deopham Green is about 5.5 miles south west of Wymondham, between
Hingham and Great Ellingham. The airfield was constructed during 1942-43 by
John Laing & Sons Ltd to Class A specification for heavy bomber use. It had a
2000-yard main runway with two intersecting 1400-yard auxiliary runways, all 50
yards wide. A 50-feet wide perimeter track about 3.5 miles long connected the
ends of the runways. There were 50 looped or pan hardstandings; two type T2
hangars, one each side of the airfield; Mk II lighting on the main runway and
full technical facilities. There was temporary accommodation for 2900 men.
The airfield was occupied by the 452nd Bomb Group on 3rd January 1944
equipped with B-17 Fortresses carrying nine or ten crew members. Combat
operations began on 5th February 1944. The group flew 250 missions from
Deopham Green during the war and lost 110 bombers in this time. The group
suffered particularly high losses during the spring of 1944.
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Below is what the control room
looked like.
looked like.
Below is the mission briefing room.
Quonset huts at Deopham Green
Aerial view of the airfield in 1946
Maine gate at Deopham Green Base
Detailed sketch of airfield
