RAF Halesworth

The primary reason for closure was the end of World War II. As a temporary wartime airfield, it became surplus to military requirements following the Allied victory and the subsequent large-scale demobilization of forces, particularly the return of USAAF units to the United States.

The site is now predominantly used for industrial and agricultural purposes. A large portion of the former airfield, including areas of the main runways, was acquired by the food company Bernard Matthews Ltd. in the 1960s and developed into a major turkey processing plant and associated farm buildings. While the factory complex covers much of the technical site, remnants of the airfield are still visible. Sections of the original concrete runways, perimeter track, and aircraft dispersal pads exist in a derelict state, interspersed with modern industrial buildings and agricultural fields. A memorial to the USAAF 56th Fighter Group and 489th Bomb Group is located near the site to commemorate their service.

RAF Halesworth, also known as USAAF Station 365, played a significant role in the Allied air campaign during World War II. Constructed between 1942 and 1943, it was a Class A heavy bomber airfield. Its primary historical importance stems from the two prominent American units based there:

1. **56th Fighter Group:** From July 1943 to April 1944, Halesworth was home to the famous 56th Fighter Group, known as 'Zemke's Wolfpack'. Flying the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, they were one of the most successful fighter units of the war, tasked with escorting bombers and conducting fighter sweeps over occupied Europe.

2. **489th Bombardment Group (Heavy):** From May 1944 to November 1944, the airfield hosted the 489th Bomb Group, which flew Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bombers. The group participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany, including missions in support of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy. After suffering heavy losses, the group was withdrawn from combat and returned to the US.

Following the 489th's departure, the 5th Emergency Rescue Squadron used the airfield until it was returned to RAF control in early 1945 for maintenance and storage purposes until its final closure.

There are no known or credible plans to reopen RAF Halesworth as an airport. The extensive industrial development on the site, the degraded condition of the remaining runways, and its return to agricultural use make any prospect of reopening for aviation purposes economically and logistically unfeasible.