The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum is located at Thorpe Abbots, near the town of Diss in Norfolk, England. It is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the 100th Bomb Group, also known as the “Bloody Hundredth”, a unit of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. This museum commemorates the sacrifices and bravery of the American airmen who flew from Thorpe Abbots as part of the Eighth Air Force and their significant role in the European Theatre of the war.
100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum
Common Road
Dickleburgh
Diss
Norfolk IP21 4PH
Open weekends and bank holidays from March to end of October 10:00 – 17:00
Additional opening Wednesdays from May to end of September 10:00 – 17:00
Free admission
Collection
Overview of the 100th Bomb Group (Eighth Air Force)
The 100th Bomb Group was part of the Eighth Air Force and flew B-17 Flying Fortress bombers during World War II. The group was stationed at RAF Thorpe Abbots from 1943 to 1945 and became one of the most famous and decorated bomb groups in the Eighth Air Force, though it gained a notorious reputation for the high losses suffered during its combat missions.
- Key Role in Strategic Bombing: The 100th Bomb Group was part of the strategic bombing campaign aimed at crippling the Nazi war machine. They participated in daylight bombing raids over Germany and occupied Europe, targeting military installations, factories, and other strategic sites.
- “Bloody Hundredth” Nickname: The group earned its nickname, “Bloody Hundredth”, due to the high casualty rate it suffered in its early missions. It became known for its resilience, and despite the heavy losses, the 100th Bomb Group continued to perform crucial bombing runs throughout the war.
- Courage and Sacrifice: The men of the 100th Bomb Group flew numerous dangerous missions, often facing intense anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighter attacks, and difficult weather conditions. The group was credited with many successful raids and played an essential role in the Allied war effort.
The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum
The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum aims to honor the history of the group, the bravery of its airmen, and the significance of Thorpe Abbots during World War II. The museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the life of the crew members, the planes they flew, and the operational aspects of the group’s missions.
Key Features of the Museum:
- Exhibits on the 100th Bomb Group:
- The museum’s primary focus is on the 100th Bomb Group, detailing its formation, operations, and eventual successes. It explains how the group was established, its early missions, and the heavy losses it sustained. There are personal stories, letters, and photographs from the airmen who served with the group.
- Visitors can learn about the specific B-17 Flying Fortress bombers used by the group and how these aircraft were equipped for long-range bombing missions, including their defensive armament and radar systems.
- Aircraft Displays:
- The museum features several B-17 Flying Fortress models, showcasing the type of aircraft that the 100th Bomb Group used during their combat missions. While a full-scale B-17 is not located at the museum, there are various aircraft-related exhibits, including detailed models and a preserved cockpit section of a B-17.
- The museum also includes artifacts related to other aircraft flown by the Eighth Air Force during WWII, allowing visitors to understand the breadth of aircraft used in the bombing campaign.
- Memorial to the Crew Members:
- One of the most poignant aspects of the museum is the memorials dedicated to the airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, particularly those who lost their lives in combat. The museum honors these men with commemorative plaques, including a Roll of Honor that lists the names of those who perished.
- The memorials also include the “Bomber Command” memorial, which pays tribute to all the airmen who served in the British and American air forces during the war.
- Historical Photographs and Documents:
- The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum features a vast collection of photographs, letters, and personal accounts from airmen who served with the group. These items provide a personal insight into the daily life of a bomber crew during WWII and the experiences of those who flew the dangerous missions.
- There are also wartime uniforms, flight gear, and documents that reflect the logistical and operational challenges of the airmen and their support staff.
The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, located in the original control tower and other remaining buildings of the RAF Thorpe Abbotts airfield.
Photo 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum