The Friends of the 489th Bomb Group exist to preserve the memory of the 489th Bomb Group who were stationed at Halesworth between April and November 1944.
Friends of the 489th needlework stitched by Betty Cochran, wife of 489th veteran Bo Cochran, Georgia, USA (dated 10 June 1984)
The 489th Friends group were set up initially to help the American veterans of the 489th get planning permission to erect a Memorial to the 489th Bomb Group on Halesworth Airfield. Friendships were made and, the rest is history……
Early members of the group included Jan & Paddy Cox, Tony & Marlene Kerrison, Sue & Len Bacle, Pat & John Baker and George Foster. Further members were appointed and included Pam & Sid Wilby, Marjorie & Bob Shiers, Freda & John Sutton. Over the years many other Friends have worked with these local Friends to organise the 489th Reunions, when many veterans returned to Halesworth to be entertained by local hosts and to visit old haunts.
The current Friends Committee:
Sue Bacle
Marlene Kerrison
Marjorie Shiers
Bob Shiers
Freda Sutton
Pam Wilby
Sid Wilby
The Friends of the 489th Bomb Group set up and ran the 489th Bomb Group Museum (on Hardwick Airfield) for 15 years. The Museum closed in October 2011 and the Collection is currently on display at the Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum on Holton Airfield.
The Friends of the 489th continue to manage the Memorial Site at Halesworth Airfield together with colleagues from the Halesworth Airfield Museum.
For more information please contact us