About the MAA

The Mendlesham Airfield Association

The Mendlesham Airfield Association (MAA) stands as a dedicated guardian of the legacy of the 34th Bomb Group (BG), ensuring that the heroism, sacrifices, and contributions of the unit are preserved and promoted for future generations. Stationed at RAF Mendlesham from May 1944 to August 1945, the 34th BG flew B-24 Liberators and later B-17 Flying Fortresses in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe, playing a vital role in the Allied victory in World War II. The story of their bravery and camaraderie is at the heart of the MAA’s mission.

Formed by a small, passionate group of community members, the MAA took on the task of preserving the rich history of the 34th BG after recognizing how easily these important stories could be lost to time. Their efforts were first highlighted in 2005 when The Fleece Pub in Mendlesham created a tribute to the 34th BG, transforming a space known as the ‘American Room’ into a memorial filled with artifacts, documents, and photographs. That initial display brought together surviving aircrew and their families, offering them a chance to reconnect with the village and honour their service.

However, after The Fleece Pub closed in 2013, the valuable memorabilia from the American Room disappeared, leaving the legacy of the 34th BG in limbo. When the memorabilia was discovered in 2023, a determined group of individuals reformed the MAA with a renewed sense of purpose and a new chapter in their preservation efforts.

The MAA’s partnership with the Mid Suffolk Light Railway (Middy) Museum in Wetheringsett has been instrumental in bringing the 34th BG’s story back to life. The Middy railway, which played a supporting role in supplying RAF Mendlesham during the war, proved a fitting venue for a dedicated exhibition. In 2024, the Middy Museum welcomed the MAA to display the recovered artifacts in the Old Ticket Office for a trial season. The exhibition’s immediate popularity demonstrated the public’s enduring interest in the 34th BG’s story and the Middy graciously extended the exhibition for two additional seasons. Plans are also underway to expand the exhibit into a restored railway carriage, offering even more space to showcase the artifacts and stories.

Beyond the physical exhibition, the MAA has created this website to engage a wider audience, creating an interactive website to share the history of the 34th BG with visitors from around the world. This digital platform offers a living archive, combining photographs, personal stories, and historical context to ensure that the legacy of the 34th BG remains accessible to anyone with an interest in World War II history.

The MAA’s work is about more than preserving artifacts, it’s about honouring the memory of the airmen who flew into danger day after day and forging connections between the past and present. By safeguarding these stories, the MAA helps the local community, descendants of the 34th BG, and the public at large understand the bravery, sacrifice and enduring spirit of the men who served at RAF Mendlesham. Through their unwavering commitment, the Mendlesham Airfield Association ensures that the legacy of the 34th Bomb Group will continue to inspire future generations.