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United States fighter group remembered at Steeple Morden memorial service

Dan Mountney

Published: 6:54 AM July 11, 2018

Updated: 3:47 PM November 1, 2020

The 355th Fighter Group 75th anniversary memorial service at Steeple Morden. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Picture: DANNY LOO

The 75th anniversary of the United States Army Air Force 335th Fighter Group arriving at Steeple Morden has been honoured with a memorial service.

The 355th Fighter Group 75th anniversary memorial service at Steeple Morden. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Picture: DANNY LOO

More than 200 people gathered on Friday at the monument to the group, who called the airfield home from July 1943 to 1945.

Among the speakers were Lieutenant Colonel Jason Case and Master Sergeant Elizabeth Warren, both current day officers in the 335th, who flew from the United States to be there.

The 355th Fighter Group 75th anniversary memorial service at Steeple Morden. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Picture: DANNY LOO

Steeple Morden Primary School students Harry Holt and Liam O’Brien laid a wreath on behalf of the school.

Sadly Major Robert Kuhnert and General Edward McNeff – the only remaining 335th Second World War veterans – could not attend.

The 355th Fighter Group 75th anniversary memorial service at Steeple Morden. Picture: DANNY LOO - Credit: Picture: DANNY LOO

The fighter group flew P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs, earning the distinction of destroying more aircraft on the ground than any other Eight Air Force group.