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RAF Tibenham (Also known as Tivetshall) is a former World War II airfield in England . It is located about 13 miles South South-west of Norwich , N of Diss in Norfolk . 4 miles South West of Long Stratton , which is situated on the A140 Norwich to Ipswich Road. The Airfield can be approached from the East via the B1134 from Pulham Crossroads, turning 2nd Right after the automatic level-crossing along Plantation Road. Alternatively if you are approaching from the West use the B1113 or B1134 roads via Tibenham Village. The entrance is at the East side of the Airfield on Plantation Road Tibenham was used as a landing ground during World War One. USAAF USE The airfield during 1941/42 as a standard heavy bomber airfield with a main runway of 6,000 ft long (03-21) and two secondary runways of 4,200 feet in length (08-26, 15-33). It had an enclosed perimeter track containing 36 frying-pan type harstands and fourteen loops. Two T-2 hangars were constructed on the eastern side of the airfield and adjacent to the technical site. Accomodations were constructed for about 2,900 personnel. Tibenham was assigned USAAF designation Station 124. 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) The first American units at Tibenham were the personnel of two B-26 squadrons of the 320th Bomb Group (Medium) which were en route to La Senia, Algeria in November 1942. They had no aircraft and their stay was a matter of only a few days. During the summer of 1943 , Tibenham was assigned to the 2nd Bombardment Wing (later the 2nd Air Division) and was used by a few B-24 training aircraft, but it was not until November that the first combat units and their aircraft arrived, 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Tibenham became home to the 445th Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the United States Army Air Force Eighth Air Force . The 445th arrived from Sioux City AAF, Iowa on 4 November 1943 . The 445th was assigned to the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing, and the group tail code was a "Circle-F". Its operational squadrons were:
The group flew B-24 Liberator s as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign. The 445th BF entered combat on 13 December 1943 by attacking U-boat installations at Kiel . The unit operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended, striking such targets as industries in Osnabruck , synthetic oil plants in Lutzendorf, chemical works in Ludwigshafen , marshalling yards at Hamm, an airfield at Munich , an ammunition plant at Duneberg, underground oil storage facilities at Ehmen, and factories at Munster . The group participated in the Allied campaign against the German aircraft industry during Big Week , 20-25 Feb 1944, being awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for attacking an aircraft assembly plant at Gotha on 24 February . Occasionally flew interdictory and support missions. Helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing airfields, V-weapon sites, and other targets. The unit attacked shore installations on D-Day , 6 June 1944 . Supported ground forces at St Lo by striking enemy defenses in July 1944. Bombed German communications during the Battle Of The Bulge , Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Early on 24 March 1945 dropped food, medical supplies, and ammunition to troops that landed near Wesel during the Airborne Assault Across The Rhine and that afternoon flew a bombing mission to the same area, hitting a landing ground at Stormede. On occasion the unit dropped propaganda leaflets and hauled gasoline to France . Awarded the Croix De Guerre with Palm by the French government for operations in the theater from December 1943 to February 1945. The 445th Bomb Group flew its last combat mission on 25 April 1945 . It departed Tibenham and returned to Fort Dix AAF New Jersey on 28 May 1945 . Legacy At Fort Dix the 445th was deactivated on 12 September 1945 . The group personnel were demobilized and the B-24 aircraft sent to storage. During the Cold War , the United States Air Force 445th Fighter-Bomber Wing was organized and activated on 24 June 1952 at Buffalo, New York as part of the USAF ready reserve. Manned and equipped with North American F-51D "Mustang" aircraft. The wing was bestowed the honors and history of the USAAF 445th Bombardment Group upon activation. The 445th, under various designations, was part of the USAF ready reserve for over 40 years. The 445th Troop Carrier Wing, Assault was ordered to active service during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and in 1968-69 for service in Vietnam War . Its final assignment was as the '''445th Military Airlift Wing (Associate)''' and was equipped with C-141 aircraft in 1973. It was attached to 63d Military Airlift Wing, at Norton AFB California and was inactivated with the closure of Norton AFB on 1 April 1994. POSTWAR USE The Americans returned to the USA in late May 1945 and on 15 July the airfield reverted to the Air Ministry becoming an MU satellite. Although part of the airfield was sold off in 1952, the main runway was lengthened in 1955 for possible use by jet aircraft. However it was never utilized and Tibenham was closed in 1959, being sold during 1964/65. Since 1960 the airfield has been used by the sailplanes of the Norfolk Gliding Club for peaceful recreation. In civilian hands most of the wartime airfield buildings were demolished however, there are a few derelict huts and other structures on some of the dispersed sites which lay to the east between the airfield and the main London - Norwich railway line. Most of the main runway, with its postwar extension still exists, along with both secondary runways. The perimeter track and various hardstands, however, have been removed for hardcore. The control tower was used until 1975 as a club house by the Gliding Club. Later that year, the club moved into a new home which was constructed close by. It was said that the old control tower was haunted, and at least four members of the Gliding Club were afraid to enter the building, even in daytime. It was reported, that a person in flying clothes, similar to those worn by the USAAF combat crews, had been seen on several occasions wandering through the darkened rooms. It was demolished in 1978 after the new clubhouse came into use. Current projects include plans for a Heritage Centre, to preserve the history of the airfield and the connection with the 445th Bomb Group. Jimmy Stewart , the film actor, was 703rd Squadron Commander with the 445th when it arrived at Tibenham. A memorial to the Liberator crews stands on the airfield. SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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