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Eye World War Two Airfield home of the 490th Bombardment Group

Eye World War ll Airfield

Eye Airfield, an historic site built during the height of World War II in the 1940s. Constructed for heavy bombers, it served as the base for the US 490th Bombardment Group from 1944 to 1945. Explore the rich history and significance of this airfield, which played a crucial role in European theatre of conflict. Join us in honouring the legacy, those who served and pivotal moments that unfolded.

Eye World War Two Airfield the main runway. Built 80 Years ago for heavy bombers.

Eye Airfield

Eye Airfield remains a lasting tribute to the courageous personnel of the USAAF air crews and ground staff who served at the airbase over 80 years ago. Today, it is a thriving industrial estate and site of a power station. Visitors can explore three WWII walks, providing an opportunity to learn more about the history of this significant area. Come and discover the history that shaped our past.

Information board and leaflets about Eye World War Two Airfield

Airfield Orientation

The 490 Group is an incredible team of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience at the Eye Airfield walks. They work tirelessly to create informative leaflets and engaging information boards, ensuring that every guest has access to valuable insights during their visit. Their passion and commitment truly makes a difference in the community. Join us in appreciating their hard work and dedication!

Fuse Store

The Fuse Store is a remarkable piece of history, standing as the only original building remaining after the demolition of the Eye Airfield structures in 1961. This unique building features a Nissen Hut design, a utility style that was commonly used during the wartime period. With simple brick walls at each end and a roof made of curved corrugated galvanized steel sheets, the Fuse Store is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its time. Come explore this historical gem and discover its fascinating story

Orientation boards

Explore our airfield with ease! As you follow any of the designated walks, you'll encounter orientation boards strategically placed at key points. These boards provide valuable insights into the operations and management of the airfield, enhancing your experience and understanding. Enjoy your journey!

World War Two military vehicle owners hold meetings at Eye Airfield.

WW2 Military vehicles

After World War II, a significant surplus of military equipment became available. This surplus led to a surge in private collectors and enthusiasts acquiring military vehicles. The fascination with these historical machines continues to grow, as they represent a unique piece of history and engineering. Today, many collectors take pride in preserving and showcasing these vehicles for future generations.

The Frostbite Run

Join us for the Frostbite Run, an exciting event held every January, showcasing the incredible engineering of military vehicles that are over 80 years old. This gathering of enthusiasts in the Eye area celebrates the rich history and craftsmanship behind these remarkable machines. Don't miss the chance to witness these vintage vehicles in action and connect with fellow fans who share your passion!

USAAF 1942 military Jeep takes a tour of Eye Airfield

USAAF Jeep

Experience a piece of history with this USAAF Jeep, stationed at the vantage point overlooking the Eye Airfield. The owner takes it for a spin around the runway and taxiways, showcasing its enduring legacy. Once a vital part of daily operations at the airfield, this Jeep is a testament to the past and a thrilling ride for enthusiasts today. Join us in celebrating its storied journey!

A crew of B17 Flying Fortress from the USAAF 490 th Bombardment Group circa 1944

A B 17 Crew

The B-17 Flying Fortress crew captured in this photograph represents the bravery and dedication of those who served during a critical time in history Despite the challenges faced, including the loss of 22 aircraft during bombing raids over Europe, commitment to the mission remained unwavering. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these heroes at the Eye Airfield. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations

B 17 Flying Fortress

This captivating photograph captures the Eye Airfield, showcasing a Boeing B17 as it taxis down the runway, preparing for takeoff. Eye Airfield was known for operating iconic aircraft, including the Consolidated B24 Liberator and the Boeing Flying Fortress B17 G. The image evokes a sense of history and the remarkable engineering of these legendary bombers. Witness the power and grace of aviation as this B17 takes to the skies.

USAAF Aircraft

The Eye Airfield was specifically designed and built for heavy bombers, allowing iconic aircraft like the Consolidated B-24 Liberator and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress to take off and land effectively. The dedicated actions of the air crews and their aircraft played a crucial role in the lead-up to the D-Day landings, significantly contributing to the success of the operation.

Engineers Memorial

The Engineers Memorial, located at the east end of the taxiway. You can easily access the memorial via a footpath from Progress Way, just by the five-bar gate. Information about the memorial is displayed on a board at the site for your convenience. We invite you to take a moment to reflect and honour the contributions of engineers.

Memorial to the USAAF 490 Bombardment Group can be found on Progress Way. This was the site of the fuel dump.

490 Memorial

In honour of the brave men of the USAAF 490 Bombardment Group, who served at Eye Airfield from 1944 to 1945, we commemorate their courage and sacrifice. Known affectionately as the "Eye Boys," these heroes played a vital role in our history. A memorial, dedicated on May 28, 2016, stands as a testament to their legacy and the enduring spirit of those who served. Let us remember and honour their contributions to our freedom

Sunset Remembrance

Join us this November for the Remembrance Sunday sunset tribute, where we honour the brave members of the USAAF who served in the 490 Bombardment Group. We invite anyone with a connection to these heroes to arrange for a wreath or cross to be laid during the ceremony. To participate, please reach out to the 490 Group for more details. Let us come together to pay our respects and remember their sacrifice.

Eye Airfield, where you can walk in the footsteps of heroes.

Welcome to Eye Airfield, where you can walk in the footsteps of heroes. Explore three historic trails that reveal the significance of Eye Airfield in the lead-up to Operation "Overlord" and the D-Day landings. Discover fascinating facts and immerse yourself in the rich history of this pivotal moment in time. Join us for an unforgettable journey through history!

Recommended Airfield Walks

EYE WORLD WAR 2 AIRFIELD

In 1943 construction of a class ‘A’ heavy bomber airfield was begun at Eye in Suffolk by the U S Army Engineer Battalions 827 and 859 and British contractors and was commissioned early in1944. It consisted of three intersecting runways, two large hangers, administrative buildings and enough living quarters for 2,894 servicemen.

The base housed station 134 of the 490th Bomb Group of the US 8th Air force which operated Liberator and Flying Fortresses Air Craft. Between May 1944 and April 1945 158 missions and 5,060 sorties were flown from Eye

The Aircraft left on July 8 of 1945 and the remaining ground crew departing in the August of the same year.

.Eye Church was on the approach to one of the runways and in consequence had a red hazard light fixed to the tower.

The base was then handed over to RAF Bomber Command in November 1945 gradually run down and decommissioned in1961

A black regiment the 932 nd Regiment of Aviation Engineers was responsible for the maintenance of the base.

Eye was off limits to white servicemen on certain evenings and to black servicemen on others.

In 1984 the White Lion and the experiences of local people, formed the basis of a Television programme called ‘ Jim Crows Army’ about black servicemen in England during the War.

Members of the 490th Bomb Group veterans the ‘Eye Guys’ returned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the airfield in 1984 and donated a shelter at Brome and a collection of books to the Hartismere High School.

In 1992 they returned again to both Brome and Eye to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ‘friendly invasion ‘by the

USAAF.

A subsequent visit for the 75th anniversary was abandoned due to a world

wide lock down in 2020.

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447885240478

info@oureye.com