The Exhibition

The Mendlesham Airfield Association Exhibition at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum

Honouring the Legacy of RAF Mendlesham and the 34th Bomb Group

The Mendlesham Airfield Association Exhibition, housed within the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum (The Middy), brings to life the powerful story of RAF Mendlesham and the 34th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Forces. 

It is fitting that the exhibition is located here, as the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was once a lifeline for the airbase, transporting the munitions, fuel, equipment, and personnel essential for the success of the airfield’s operations. Today, these two wartime allies—the airfield and the railway—are reunited once more, ensuring their shared history is remembered.

Opened in 2024 and housed in the Old Ticket Office, the exhibition preserves and shares the history of the men who served, the missions they flew and the vital role the Middy played in keeping them operational during World War II Much of the exhibition was previously located in the Fleece Pub Mendlesham until its closure in 2013. The artefacts were recovered in 2023 prompting the development of the new exhibition.

Exciting Expansion: A New Carriage for the 34th Bomb Group Exhibition

The 34th Bomb Group Exhibition at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum (the Middy) is entering an exciting new phase with the addition of a dedicated railway carriage to enhance the display of audiovisual (AV) resources and other exhibition materials. This development marks a significant step forward in preserving and sharing the history of RAF Mendlesham and the 34th Bomb Group, providing an immersive experience for visitors.

A New Home for Interactive Storytelling

This expansion strengthens the connection between the exhibition and the Middy, reinforcing the vital role that transport infrastructure played during the war. The railway itself was essential for moving supplies and personnel, making the carriage a fitting tribute to this aspect of wartime logistics.

The railway carriage will serve as a multi-functional exhibition space, allowing for a more dynamic and engaging presentation of historical content. Alongside additional railway resources, visitors will have access to AV resources that bring to life the personal stories of airmen, the history of Mendlesham Airfield, and the wartime experiences of those who served. 

This expansion enables the exhibition to showcase:

• Documentary Footage & Personal Testimonies – Films and recorded interviews from veterans and their families.

• Archival Photography & Historical Documents – Digitised records, maps, and images that provide deeper insight into daily life on the airfield.

• Thematic Displays – Rotating exhibits focusing on different aspects of the 34th Bomb Group's history, such as specific missions, aircraft, and crew members.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

The addition of the carriage offers greater flexibility in how stories are presented, ensuring that the exhibition remains engaging for all ages. Whether visitors are interested in military aviation, local history, or personal narratives, the new space provides an opportunity to explore history through multiple mediums.

A Step Towards the Future

We hope that the introduction of the carriage is just the beginning. By combining traditional exhibits with modern technology, the exhibition will continue to evolve, ensuring that the stories of the 34th Bomb Group remain accessible and compelling for generations to come.

This exciting expansion would not have been possible without the support of the Middy and the dedication of those committed to preserving this important chapter of history. As work progresses, further updates will be shared, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the new space.