RAF Deopham Green

The closure was a direct result of the end of World War II. The airfield was constructed as a temporary wartime base for heavy bombers. With the cessation of hostilities in Europe and the return of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) to the US, the station became surplus to military requirements for the greatly reduced post-war Royal Air Force.

The site of the former airfield is now a mixture of agricultural and industrial use. Much of the land has been returned to farming, but the layout of the airfield is still clearly visible from the air.

- **Runways and Tracks:** Large sections of the three concrete runways and the perimeter track remain, although they are heavily weathered and broken up in places. Some sections are used as access roads for farms and the industrial estate.

- **Buildings:** A few original wartime buildings, including Nissen huts and other structures, survive and are used for agricultural storage.

- **Industrial Estate:** A significant portion of the former technical site is now occupied by the **Deopham Green Industrial Estate**.

- **Memorial:** A memorial dedicated to the men of the 452nd Bombardment Group who served at the base stands near the site of the former main entrance, preserving the memory of their service and sacrifice.

RAF Deopham Green, also known as USAAF Station 142, holds significant historical importance as a base for the American Eighth Air Force during World War II.

- **Construction and Allocation:** Built between 1942 and 1943, it was a 'Class A' heavy bomber airfield featuring three concrete runways, a perimeter track, and accommodation for nearly 3,000 personnel. It was allocated to the USAAF for strategic bombing operations.

- **Primary Unit:** The airfield was the home base for the **452nd Bombardment Group (Heavy)**, which arrived in January 1944. The group flew the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.

- **Component Squadrons:** The 452nd BG was comprised of four squadrons:
- 728th Bombardment Squadron (Code: 9Z)
- 729th Bombardment Squadron (Code: M3)
- 730th Bombardment Squadron (Code: 6K)
- 731st Bombardment Squadron (Code: 7D)

- **Operational History:** From February 1944 to April 1945, the 452nd BG flew 250 combat missions. They were a key part of the strategic bombing campaign against Germany, targeting industrial facilities, oil refineries, marshalling yards, and V-weapon sites. The group participated in major operations including the 'Big Week' offensive against the German aircraft industry in February 1944, provided air support for the D-Day landings in June 1944, assisted ground forces during the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 - January 1945), and supported the Allied airborne crossing of the Rhine in March 1945. The group suffered significant casualties during its tour of duty.

- **Post-USAAF Use:** After the 452nd BG departed in August 1945, the station was returned to the RAF and used by No. 258 Maintenance Unit for the storage of bombs and equipment until its final closure.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening RAF Deopham Green as an operational airfield. The infrastructure is severely degraded, the land has been repurposed for agriculture and industry, and there is no modern aviation requirement for a facility at this location. Its role as a historical site and a place of mixed-use civilian activity is its established future.