The 2nd Air Division (USAAF) Memorial Library

Andrew Hawker, a Trustee of the 2nd Air Division (USAAF) Memorial Library, which is situated in The Forum, Norwich, gave a talk about the U.S.Eighth Air Force operations and deployment in Norfolk and North-east Suffolk, during the Second World War.


On Tuesday, 22nd March, 2016, we welcomed, as a speaker, Andrew Hawker, who is a Trustee of the 2nd Air Division (USAAF) Memorial Library, which is housed in The Forum at Norwich. During the Second World War the U.S.Eighth  Air Force despatched 3000 bomber and fighter aircraft on daily operations, involving more than 20,000 airmen flying from airfields  in this region, the largest air force ever committed to battle.   At full strength the 2nd Air Division, one of the Eighth’s three divisions, controlled fourteen heavy bomber airfields in Norfolk and North-east Suffolk and five fighter airfields.   Ketteringham Hall served as the Division’s headquarters.    The idea of a memorial in Norfolk, to honour its casualties, was conceived by senior officers of the 2ndAir Division, at the close of the war.    All personnel supported their appeal for funds, resulting in a unique and living memorial, not only a tribute to those Americans who flying from bases in these parts who gave their lives defending freedom but also an educational and friendship bridge between the two nations    Nearly 7000 young  Americans, in the 2nd Air Division of the 8th USAAF, lost their lives in the line of duty.   The Memorial Library remains an enduring and developing connection to the United States, with a lending collection of over 4000 books covering all aspects of American life and culture and a specialist collection devoted to the history of the 2nd Air Division.   The Memorial Library archive, on deposit with the Norfolk Record Office, includes personal papers, diaries, photographs and other material relating to the 2nd Air Division USAAF servicemen, who were based in Norfolk and Suffolk during the Second World War.  Rotarian George Cooper thanked Andrew on behalf of the Club for his very interesting insight to the Memorial.

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