On the north side of the three hedged USAAF war memorials along Sparrowhawk Road.

The Halesworth Airfield Museum houses an extensive collection of World War Two memorabilia, including many items specific to the airfield. The museum represents the history of the 489th Bomb Group (H), 56th Fighter Group, 5th ERS, and the US involvement from the Suffolk area in the Second World War. A dedicated alcove within Museum with wooden backboard on which is a cross and Crucifix, American and Union Jack Flags. On the shelf below are two A4 files commemorating the names of the aircrew who gave their lives during WW2. One file contains names from the 56th Fighter Group and the second contains names from the 489th Bomb Group.

Halesworth was constructed in 1942-1943. Initially planned as a bomber airfield, its location close to the Suffolk coast meant that it was in an ideal position to operate escort fighters, where the range was a critical factor. Consequently, the 56th Fighter Group with their P-47 Thunderbolts moved in - one of the most successful Fighter Groups in the USAAF. In April 1944 the fighters were replaced with the B-24 Liberators of the 489th Bomb Group, who occupied the airfield until November. The 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron occupied Halesworth from January 1945, equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts, CA-10 Catalinas, and lifeboat-equipped B-17s. The airfield was also briefly used as a training base for P-51 pilots before the end of the war in Europe. The Royal Navy took over Halesworth in August 1945, using it as a training base, before it was closed for flying in early 1946. It was sold in 1963.

Source of information: www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk, www.americanairmuseum.com

Source of photos: www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk, Imperial War Museum War Memorials Register