RAF Mendlesham Airfield
and the Middy

RAF Mendlesham and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway: A Wartime Connection

An Airfield at the Heart of the War

During World War II, RAF Mendlesham (Station 156) played a critical role in the fight against Nazi Germany. As a base for the 34th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Forces, it became a launch site for heavy bombers that conducted missions deep into enemy territory. These aircraft, flown by young American aircrews, were part of a vast effort to weaken the enemy’s strongholds and help bring an end to the war.

But keeping an airbase running was no simple task. Every mission needed fuel, bombs, spare parts, and supplies—all of which needed to be transported efficiently. This is where an unexpected local railway, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway (MSLR) — or “The Middy” — became a key part of Mendlesham’s war effort.

The Railway That Kept the Bombers Flying

A Supply Route Like No Other

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, originally built for rural farming communities, found itself playing a much bigger role when war came. Although small and unassuming, it became a vital transport link, delivering fuel, bombs, and essential supplies to RAF Mendlesham from larger railway hubs.

Without these supplies, bombers couldn’t take off, and missions couldn’t happen. Trains carried high-octane aviation fuel, ammunition, and equipment to Brockford station, just a mile from the airfield, where military lorries completed the final stretch. The railway's efficiency and effectiveness kept the airbase fully stocked and its aircraft ready for action.

During busy operational periods, extra trains ran overnight to ensure that planes were armed and fuelled, ready for the next morning’s missions.

More Than Just Cargo: Transporting Airmen and Crew

The railway wasn’t just about supplies—it also carried people. With nearly 3,000 American personnel stationed at Mendlesham, many used the Middy’s small trains to travel to nearby towns or connect to the wider rail network.

• Some took short trips to Ipswich or Stowmarket for a brief break from base life.

• Others travelled further to London on leave, experiencing England’s capital before returning to their wartime duties.

• The railway even connected different airfields, such as Horham, home to the 95th Bomb Group, helping coordinate operations between bases.

For many American airmen, their first experience of England was through the window of a steam train on the Middy on the way to their new home at RAF Mendlesham.

RAF Mendlesham’s Strategic Importance

Between May 1944 and April 1945, the 34th Bomb Group flew 170 missions, targeting German military infrastructure, transportation networks, and industrial sites. Their operations played a crucial role in weakening enemy forces and supporting major Allied campaigns—including the D-Day landings.

The proximity of the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway to the airfield allowed Mendlesham to maintain a constant state of readiness. Every mission depended on prompt deliveries of fuel, bombs, and equipment, and the railway ensured these arrived when needed.

However, war brought moments of tragedy as well as success. On 20 January 1945, a B-17 Flying Fortress named “Gallopin’ Ghost” crashed near the railway line after sustaining battle damage over Germany. Two crew members lost their lives, and the wreckage temporarily blocked the railway—a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who served. The full story is here.

A “Friendly Invasion” – The American Presence in Suffolk

When the 34th Bomb Group arrived in 1944, they brought more than just planes and firepower—they brought thousands of Americans into the quiet Suffolk countryside. This sudden arrival of U.S. servicemen was sometimes called a “friendly invasion”, as they became part of the local communities.

The railway became a meeting place where British villagers and American airmen crossed paths. Conversations were struck up on train journeys, friendships were formed, and cultural exchanges took place.

• Some locals welcomed American airmen into their homes for meals.

• Others attended dances and social events where friendships and even romances blossomed.

• Over time, the 34th Bomb Group and the local community became closely connected.

Even decades later, veterans of the 34th Bomb Group have spoken fondly of their time in Suffolk, remembering the warmth and kindness of the people they met during the war.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though RAF Mendlesham and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway are no longer active, their wartime connection is still an important piece of history.

It is truly fitting that the Mendlesham Airfield Association (MAA) and 34th Bomb Group Exhibition is now housed within the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, reuniting two wartime allies whose cooperation was essential during World War II. Just as the Middy once delivered vital supplies to keep the airfield operational, it now provides the perfect setting to honour and preserve their intertwined history.

Today, at Brockford Station, where trains once transported munitions, fuel, and personnel to support the war effort, the MAA Exhibition ensures that the airmen who served, the infrastructure that sustained them, and the local community that welcomed them are all remembered. 

Explore, Learn & Get Involved

To discover more about RAF Mendlesham and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, you can:

Visit the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum – Walk in the footsteps of history and see where the railway played its part in the war.

Learn about the 34th Bomb Group at the MAA Exhibition – Explore the incredible missions flown from Mendlesham.

Share a Story or Memory – Do you have a family connection to RAF Mendlesham or the Middy? We would love to hear from you!  Please contact the MAA with your stories.

By keeping these stories alive, we ensure that the legacy of those who served at RAF Mendlesham continues to inspire future generations.