Fighter squadron comes from USA back to Steeple Morden for flypast to mark airfield’s World War Two anniversary
Steeple Morden church of England year 4 class at the memorial to the 355th fighter group which was established on this site in 1942 - Credit: Archant
More than 100 people living around Steeple Morden came to watch as a fighter squadron travelled all the way from the USA for a moving flypast over the village.
Steeple Morden church of England year 4 class wait for the fly past of two A-10C Thunderbolt II at the memorial to the 355th fighter group which was established on this site in 1942 - Credit: Archant
Although it is based in Arizona, the squadron has deep connections with the area.
It is part of the 355th Fighter Wing, which was formed at Steeple Morden in July 1943 – and the aerial observance marked the group’s 72nd anniversary.
Steeple Morden church of England year 4 class wave as two A-10C Thunderbolt II fly past the memorial to the 355th fighter group which was established on this site in 1942 - Credit: Archant
The event was organised by Addo as part of the Pixelsniper group with Mark Rourke after several weeks of liaising with the US Air Force and resulted in the flypast which Addo arranged with the local community.
Alan said afterwards: “It was brilliant, so much better than I expected. It was absolutely phenomenal.”
Organisers of the fly by Pixelsnipers Chris Balmer, memorial founder David Crow, Alan Addison from the Pixelsnipers, local historian Ken Wells and Mark Rourke from the Pixelsnipers at the memorial to the 355th fighter group which was established on this site in 1942 - Credit: Archant
In homage to the village’s history, a host of people, including children from Steeple Morden Church of England Primary School, gathered at the memorial to the airfield in Litlington Road, between Steeple Morden and Litlington.
The fighter base in Steeple Morden was manned by USAF personnel during the Second World War.
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The airfield was used as a satellite for nearby Bassingbourn from late 1940. The airfield was bombed twice but went on to become one of the most successful fighter units of the war.
