The Red Feather Club & 95th Bomb Group Museum is a meticulously restored World War II museum located in Horham, Suffolk, England. It is dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the legacy of the 95th Bomb Group of the U.S. Army Air Forces, which played a significant role in the air campaign over Europe during the war. The site provides a rare glimpse into the life of American airmen stationed in England during World War II.
The Red Feather Club 95th Bomb Group Museum
Horham Road
Denham
Eye IP21 5DG
April – October
- last Sunday of every month 10:00 – 16:00
Operating Hours: The museum is typically open on selected weekends and during special events throughout the year. It is advisable to check their website or social media pages for the latest opening times and event schedules.
Admission Fees: Entry is usually free, but donations are encouraged to help with the maintenance and preservation of the site. Guided tours may also be available upon request.
Additional Amenities: The museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase memorabilia, books, and souvenirs related to the 95th Bomb Group and WWII history.
The Red Feather Club Museum is located on Horham Road, four miles South East of Eye, Suffolk. Easily accessible off the B1117
For Sat Navs, postcode is: IP21 5DG
Collection
Background of the 95th Bomb Group
The 95th Bomb Group (H) was part of the 8th Air Force and was stationed at RAF Horham from 1943 to 1945. The group was known for flying the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress bombers and became one of the most distinguished units in the European Theater. Notably, the 95th Bomb Group was the first to bomb Berlin in daylight and received multiple Distinguished Unit Citations for its precision bombing missions.
The Red Feather Club served as the airmen’s social club, where they could relax, socialize, and find some relief from the stresses of wartime missions. Today, the restored Red Feather Club offers visitors an authentic experience of what life was like for the airmen stationed there.
Features of the Museum
The Red Feather Club & 95th Bomb Group Museum offers an immersive and educational experience, featuring a wide range of exhibits and displays that showcase the history of the 95th Bomb Group and the lives of the airmen who served there.
Here are some highlights:
- Authentic Restoration of the Red Feather Club:
- The Red Feather Club building has been meticulously restored to its wartime appearance, complete with period furnishings, decorations, and memorabilia. It recreates the atmosphere of the social club used by the American airmen during the 1940s.
- Visitors can explore areas such as the dance hall, bar, and recreation rooms, giving a sense of the camaraderie and morale-boosting activities that took place there.
- Extensive Collection of Artifacts and Memorabilia:
- The museum houses a rich collection of historical artifacts, including uniforms, medals, mission logs, photographs, and personal letters. These items provide insights into the daily lives of the airmen and the challenges they faced.
- There are also displays dedicated to the B-17 Flying Fortress bombers flown by the 95th Bomb Group, including models and equipment used in aerial operations.
- Interactive and Multimedia Exhibits:
- The museum features multimedia displays that showcase interviews with veterans, archival footage, and audio recordings. These exhibits bring to life the personal stories of the men who served in the 95th Bomb Group.
- Visitors can learn about the strategic importance of the group’s bombing missions, particularly their role in the bombing of Berlin and other key targets in Nazi-occupied Europe.
- Outdoor Exhibits and Special Events:
- The museum regularly hosts reenactments, living history events, and commemorations to honor the service of the 95th Bomb Group. These events often include vintage military vehicles, period music, and displays by reenactors dressed in authentic WWII uniforms.
- The site also features an original control tower nearby, which is sometimes open to visitors during special events, providing a unique vantage point of the former airfield.
Significance of the Red Feather Club & 95th Bomb Group Museum
The museum serves as an important historical site, preserving the memory of the American airmen who were stationed in Suffolk during World War II. It highlights the strong bonds forged between the U.S. servicemen and the local community, as well as the significant contributions of the 95th Bomb Group to the Allied victory in Europe.
By providing an authentic and immersive experience, the museum not only honors the sacrifices of the “Mighty Eighth” but also educates new generations about the importance of this critical period in history. For those interested in WWII history, aviation, or the transatlantic partnership between the U.S. and the U.K., a visit to the Red Feather Club offers a truly unique and memorable experience.