A MEMORIAL to commemorate the 38 men of the 55th Fighter Group who lost their lives during the Second World War will be unveiled next month. The 55th Fighter Group was stationed at Nuthampstead from October 1943 to April 1944 during the crucial time when

A MEMORIAL to commemorate the 38 men of the 55th Fighter Group who lost their lives during the Second World War will be unveiled next month.

The 55th Fighter Group was stationed at Nuthampstead from October 1943 to April 1944 during the crucial time when gaining air superiority was vital to the success of D-Day and were the predecessors on Station 131 to the 398th Bomb Group.

The fighters were known to bomber crews as 'little friends'.

The unveiling on June 2 will see war veterans from the States taking part in the ceremony. It will be the first time members from the two groups will have met.

Wilfrid Dimsdale, who is organising the unveiling, said: "This is likely to be a rather unique event."

Russell Abbey, who lives in Braughing, conducted the research that had to be agreed with the American Battle Monuments Commission before permission was granted for the placing of the new memorial.

"His meticulous work has made it possible for all the names to be accurately recorded," said Mr Dimsdale.

- A special service will be held at St George's Church in Anstey on Sunday June 3 at 11am.

A lunch will held at High Hall afterwards. If you would like to attend the lunch, tickets cost £15 each and are available from Peggy Wells.

Send a stamped address envelope to Mrs P Wells, Park Farm Lane, Nuthampstead, Royston, Herts, SG8 8LT with a cheque made payable to Friends of the 398th.