World War II B17 airbase tour - Bassingbourn

What kind of tour are you looking for? Imperial War Museum Duxford has some private tours.

https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford

I see Bassingbourn is close to Duxford. I agree with the previous poster. Even if they don't have a specific tour to the Bassingbourn base, they may have information for someone to contact. BTW, my Dad flew B17s out of Polebrook. His Group has a newsletter devoted just to the squadrons who were stationed there. You might also check with the 8th Army/Air Corps Museum in Savannah. They might have some contacts for you.

I was stationed in Bassingbourn longer ago than I care to remember - it is now closed. Duxford is a great attraction, and has a US hangar.

There's an interesting article about RAF Bassingbourn here.

Here is the ABCT Page about the airfield and it's current users- https://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/airfield-finder/bassingbourn/

(which may provide some leads)

And this is the IWM list of memorials which are or were at Bassingbourn (not all at the airfield)- https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/search?query=bassingbourn&pageSize=15&filters%5Bsettlement%5D%5BBassingbourn%5D=on

Particularly of interest is this Lych Gate from Changi, Singapore- originally transferred to Bassingbourn, now at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire- https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/61655

There is another memorial at Ballymena, Northern Ireland to the crew of a ferry flight to Bassingbourn lost when their plane crashed into a hillside there.

Check Bassingbourntowertours.co.uk

The Tower is the only thing left at this former base. More specifically research the history of the 91st Bomb Group which operated from the base after 1942. A visit to the American themed displays at Duxford would be worthwhile.

If by chance you can get to Savanah, Ga. Visit the 8th Air Force Museum. The 8th AF was the umbrella command for most of the Central European bombing campaign in WW II. The miniseries Masters of the Air gives a reasonable representation of air base life in East Anglia. Read and research the bombing campaign, a mixture of horror and bravery. Your visit will be more meaningful if you do.

Cambridge and greater East Anglia were dense with bases but only a relative handful have been preserved in some manner. I personally do not know of any organized multi stop tours. I think your research is better served elsewhere than here such as with the 8th AF Museum. Brits are wildly enthusiastic and engaged about all manner of WW II preservation.

Monday to Saturday "There are no weekday bus services directly to and from IWM Duxford." Check out https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/getting-here. I would get a taxi to and from Duxford. The Cambridge American Cemetery is just a little north of Cambridge is well worth a visit. I think there is a bus service from Cambridge or you may be able to find a local tour.

There is not much left of the WWII airfields across East Anglia, many are now industrial parks or just over grown. Ridgewell Airbase outside of Cambridge, has very little left. There is a small hobby Museum but unless you have a specific reason to go there, there is really not much to look at. However, I mention this base because it is literally just across a farmers field from my sisters current house. The 381st Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses from Ridgewell, Essex between June 1943 and April 1945. If you do decide to go out there, you will need to call in advance to get a "tour" - its just a local man. I can get you contact information if needed.

also check out the following: https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/blog/masters-of-the-air-itinerary - I could not find a tour, but more of an itinerary and I know most of these places, especially Lavenham. You may want to reach out to the visitors center in Bury St Edmunds and ask about tours.

Thank you to everyone who responded! I am really thankful. I will look into each suggestion.

My grandfather was a ball turret gunner on a B17 and my 11 year old loves history. I’m trying to make our trip educational and interesting :)

Thanks again :)

Thank you all. I was able to find a website for the 91stbombgroup which included the daily flight records for my grandfather’s crew. Thanks again.