At the west side of the intersection.

A short brick pillar with a plant bed on the top and a small brass plaque affixed on the front side. The plaque contains the dedication message inscribed in English in incised lettering. It commemorates the airmen of the 322^nd BG who were based at RAF Andrewsfield during World War II.

Andrews Field was the first of fourteen "Type A" airfields built by the United States Army Air Forces in the United Kingdom during the Second World War. Originally designated as "Great Saling", the facility was built by the United States Army 819th Engineer Battalion (Aviation), which began work on the field in July 1942.

When opened in January 1943, Andrews Field was assigned to the VIII Bomber Command of Eighth Air Force, however, it didn't receive its first combat group until May when the 4th Bombardment Wing 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) flying Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses arrived from RAF Grafton Underwood (AAF-106) in Northamptonshire. Replacing the 96th was the 322d Bombardment Group (Medium) which arrived from RAF Bury St. Edmunds on 12 June. The group was assigned to the 3d Bomb Wing and flew Martin B-26B/C Marauders. Operational squadrons of the 322d were:

• 449th Bombardment Squadron (PN)
• 450th Bombardment Squadron(ER)
• 451st Bombardment Squadron(SS)
• 452d Bombardment Squadron(DR)
• 1st Pathfinder Squadron (Provisional) (Attached) (1H)

The 322nd was the first B-26 group to enter combat (in May 1943) from the UK, during which its combat performance helped to prove the effectiveness of the medium bombers flying tactical combat missions.

In common with other Marauder units of the 3rd Bomb Wing, the 322d was transferred to Ninth Air Force on 16 October 1943. The group attacked enemy airfields in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands attacking the principal targets but the group also attacked secondary targets such as power stations, shipyards, construction works, and marshaling yards.

Beginning in March 1944 the 322nd bombed railway and highway bridges, oil tanks, and missile sites in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.

On 8 May 1944, one of the 322nd aircraft, nicknamed "Mild and Bitter" (serial 41-31819) became the first B-26 flying from England to complete 100 combat missions. Another B-26, "Flak Bait" (41-31773) survived to the end of hostilities with 202 missions to its credit, the only US bomber involved in combat over Europe to pass the 200 mark.

On D-Day, 6 June 1944 the 322nd Bomb Group attacked coastal defenses and gun batteries. Afterward, during the Normandy campaign, the 322nd pounded fuel and ammunition dumps, bridges, and road junctions, supporting the Allied offensive at Caen and the breakthrough at Saint-Lô in July.

From Andrews Field, the 322d received a Distinguished Unit Citation for the period 14 May 1943 – 24 July 1944. The group moved during September 1944, transferring to Beauvais (A-61) Airfield in northern France, and aiding the drive of the Third Army across France. 

The 1st Pathfinder Squadron (Provisional) was formed at Andrews Field in February 1944 and equipped with B-26s, carrying the Oboe radio transponder blind-bombing device. When the unit was formed the squadron consisted of 14 aircraft. The squadron was attached to the 322nd Bombardment Group but provided bad weather leads for all IX Ninth Bombing Command groups.

Another source of information: en.wikipedia.org

In memory of

The 322nd Bombardment Group (Medium)

449, 450, 451, 452

Bomb Squadrons U.S.A.A.F.

who flew b26 marauders from this field

Station 485 Great Saling (Andrewsfield)

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