A volunteer at a museum dedicated to remembering the important role of United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) bombers that took off from an airbase in Bedford Borough during World War Two has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of repairs.
The 306th Bombardment Group Museum, Thurleigh Road, Thurleigh is on the original WW2 USAAF base that was home to the 306th Bombardment Group from 1942 – 1945.
Watch: Thurleigh’s 306th Bombardment Group museum reopens this weekend
The aim of those who look after the museum is to keep alive the story of those who risked it all during this time, many of whom did not return home.
From 1942 to 1944 the B-17s stationed there, flew 10,000 sorties, dropping 23,000 tonnes of explosives on enemy targets. During this time they lost 177 aircraft with 483 airmen killed in action and 305 missing in action.
145 were wounded in action and 884 were captured as prisoners of war, of which 108 managed to escape and get back to Thurleigh.
The original WW2 building that houses the museum is full of military memorabilia, personal letters, photos and belongings from those who were stationed there and is now in need of several repairs, which without local support will not be possible due to budget restraints.
Sam, who set up the fundraiser, says repairs include two new front doors, guttering and facias, and a major overhaul of their radiators.
The museum is seeking to raise £2,500 to cover essential repairs and any support, no matter how small, will go a long way to helping.
If you’d like to make a donation, head to their GoFundMe page.
