The annual memorial service to commemorate those based at RAF Sutton Bridge will be particularly poignant event this year as it marks 80 years since the end of World War II.
Among the units based at the former base, which initially opened a gunnery practice camp in 1926, was the second ever second RAF Spitfire squadron formed in 1940.
Also in that year, the No 6 Operational Training Unit was formed which brought Hawker Hurricanes, Miles Mentors and North American Harvard aircrafts to the area, as well as a host of British and American pilots. After they moved to RAF Tealing, the Central Gunnery School was formed in 1942 and saw RAF Fighter Command pilots and air gunners from RAF Bomber Command trained for the first time.
RAF Sutton Bridge was a target for the Luftwaffe, but the planes were mostly deceived into attacking a decoy site in fields near Terrington St Clement in Norfolk.
They did bomb the airfield and parts of Spalding in the early hours of May 12, 1941 and again on July 24, 1942 when one airman was critically injured.
After the war, part of the airfield’s use was for the dismantling of aircraft to be sold for scrap metal. It was finally closed in 1958.
Every year Sutton Bridge Parish Council holds a Memorial Service.
This year’s takes place on Sunday (September 7) at the RAF Propeller Memorial, East Bank, Sutton Bridge (next to Cross Keys Swing Bridge) at 3pm.
A spokesman for Sutton Bridge Parish Council said: “This year marks the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.
To commemorate these historic events, we are hoping to feature a flypast by two Royal Air Force Hurricanes.
“This may be after the service whilst we are enjoying refreshments around 5pm.
“They will be served after the service at the Curlew Centre on Bridge Road.
“If the weather conditions do not allow the service to be held at the memorial; the event will relocate to St Matthew’s Church in Bridge Road.”
