The 100th Bomb Group was nicknamed the 'Bloody Hundredth' due to the exceptionally high loss rates experienced during its missions over Germany.
The museum is housed in the original control tower of Thorpe Abbotts airfield, the only major structure from the base left largely intact.
The collection includes a rare collection of original wartime aerial maps used for mission planning over occupied Europe.
Thorpe Abbotts airfield, now the museum grounds, was constructed in 1942 specifically to house heavy bomber squadrons.
The museum maintains a dedicated research library containing mission logs and individual service records for veterans of the 100th Bomb Group.
The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum is situated on the original site of the Second World War USAAF Station 139, the base of the 100th Bombardment Group. The museum occupies the original control tower, which has been restored to preserve its wartime role in managing B-17 Flying Fortress operations. It features extensive displays of artifacts, personal effects, and photographs related to the 'Bloody Hundredth' aircrews. The facility serves as a tribute to those who served, emphasizing the human stories behind the strategic bombing campaigns in Europe. The site includes reconstructed internal rooms that replicate the command environment used by American personnel between 1943 and 1945.
The restored exterior of the control tower with the original airfield layout in the background.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to explore the outdoor grounds where original runways and dispersals are visible.
Check the museum website for 'Fly-in' events or special reenactment days before visiting.
Plan to talk to the volunteer staff, as many have deep historical knowledge about specific aircrew missions.
Assuming the museum is a large, high-tech facility; it is a grassroots, volunteer-run historical site.
The museum is open seasonally from spring through autumn and is typically closed during the winter months.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site functions as a memorial to fallen airmen.
