96th Bombardment Group Memorial at Snetterton
I've been meaning to photograph the striking memorial to the airmen of the USAAF that flew with the 9th Bombardment Group from Snetterton Heath during the second world war for a while but usually the light has been pretty bad when I travel to Snetterton. However yesterday, while I was in Norfolk for the latest rounds of the Dunlop Mini Miglia and Mini Miglia Challenges, the lighting was almost perfect as I left the track.
About the Sculpture
The immensely impressive memorial is set between two flagposts, flying the American and British flags. One of the 96th's B- 17 flying fortress' lifts off over the mound marking the edge of Snetterton racetrack, with a huge vapour trail from each of its four engines. The 96th Bomb Group decided to erect the memorial to supplement the memorial Learning Centre and Museum at New Eccles Hall School and chapel and stained glass window in the south nave of St Andrew Quidenham, unveiled in 1944, to achieve an outstanding memorial and lasting historical marker to the former airfield and the men who served there. Noting that it was particularly significant since, unlike many other former U.S.A.A.F. airfields Snetterton was a thriving commercial centre and race track which draws many visitors during the year. Following a competition among pupils at New Eccles Hall School, the home of the 96th Memorial Museum, the design submitted by the art master, Martin Rance was chosen. It shows a B- 17 flying fortress rising from four columns, resembling vapour trails, set on a trapezium base. The columns also represent the four squadrons attached to the Group and increase in their size represents the ratio of ground support needed to get each aircraft on it mission. The triangular form of the supports was to deter anyone from trying to climb it.
The 96th Bombardment Group
The 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrived on 12 June 1943 from RAF Andrews Field. The 96th was assigned to the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing (later, 45th Air Division), and the group tail code was a "Square-C". It's operational squadrons were:
337th Bombardment Squadron (AW)
338th Bombardment Squadron (BX)
339th Bombardment Squadron(QJ)
413th Bombardment Squadron (MZ)
The group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.
The 96th BG transitioned to operational status at Snetterton Heath after being used as a training unit. It entered combat in June 1943 and functioned primarily as a strategic bombardment organization throughout the war.
Information on RAF Snetterton Heath and the 96th Bombardment Group can be found HERE
Information on the memorial can be found HERE
ALL IMAGES ARE THE PROPERTY OF MACLEAN PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION.
About the Sculpture
The immensely impressive memorial is set between two flagposts, flying the American and British flags. One of the 96th's B- 17 flying fortress' lifts off over the mound marking the edge of Snetterton racetrack, with a huge vapour trail from each of its four engines. The 96th Bomb Group decided to erect the memorial to supplement the memorial Learning Centre and Museum at New Eccles Hall School and chapel and stained glass window in the south nave of St Andrew Quidenham, unveiled in 1944, to achieve an outstanding memorial and lasting historical marker to the former airfield and the men who served there. Noting that it was particularly significant since, unlike many other former U.S.A.A.F. airfields Snetterton was a thriving commercial centre and race track which draws many visitors during the year. Following a competition among pupils at New Eccles Hall School, the home of the 96th Memorial Museum, the design submitted by the art master, Martin Rance was chosen. It shows a B- 17 flying fortress rising from four columns, resembling vapour trails, set on a trapezium base. The columns also represent the four squadrons attached to the Group and increase in their size represents the ratio of ground support needed to get each aircraft on it mission. The triangular form of the supports was to deter anyone from trying to climb it.
The 96th Bombardment Group
The 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrived on 12 June 1943 from RAF Andrews Field. The 96th was assigned to the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing (later, 45th Air Division), and the group tail code was a "Square-C". It's operational squadrons were:
337th Bombardment Squadron (AW)
338th Bombardment Squadron (BX)
339th Bombardment Squadron(QJ)
413th Bombardment Squadron (MZ)
The group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.
The 96th BG transitioned to operational status at Snetterton Heath after being used as a training unit. It entered combat in June 1943 and functioned primarily as a strategic bombardment organization throughout the war.
Information on RAF Snetterton Heath and the 96th Bombardment Group can be found HERE
Information on the memorial can be found HERE
ALL IMAGES ARE THE PROPERTY OF MACLEAN PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CANNOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION.
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