Standing proud at the head of what was once the old barrack square stand two white stone memorials on a low raised brick platform. Whilst many of the surrounding buildings were demolished and cleared to make way for further development the four huge airmen’s barrack blocks surrounding the square remain proudly defiant. They serve to suggest to the visitor to the memorials of what a well established airfield Martlesham Heath once was.

Despite being similar in appearance and general design they were dedicated 50 years apart and serve to commemorate two groups of individuals.

The 356th Fighter Group Memorial

“In grateful memory of the members of the 356th Fighter Group USAAF from this station who gave their lives during the war 1939 - 45. This plaque is erected by their British friends to commemorate the stay of the USAAF at Martlesham Heath”.

After the war a committee, headed by the Chairman, Colonel C. A. G. P. Meadows, was formed to design and fund an appropriate memorial for the Seventy Two men of the 356th Fighter Group who lost their lives either at, or from, Martlesham Heath. A request for donations was made to the local community which was quickly met with a hugely generous and numerous response. So much so that each resident was asked for only a few pence each.

The project secretary was Captain Eric S. Hervey who, with his wife, had opened their home in Little Bealings as a Field hospital and knew those on the memorial very well.

The memorial was located at the head of the Barrack square on the exact place the dias had stood when the last American Commanding Officer had taken the salute from his men as they paraded there for the last time.

It was constructed of Weldon stone fronted by a brass plaque naming each of the airmen who lost their lives

On Wednesday 26th June 1946 in a lavish and well attended ceremony, it was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Col (Retd) George Rous KCMG CB CVO CBE VD TD The 3rd Earl of Stradbroke. It was dedicated by the Chaplain in Chief of the Royal Air Force, Reverend J. A. Jagoe. The guest of honour was the Commander of the United States Air Forces in Europe Major General Idwal H. Edwards. It achieved historical status becoming the first memorial in Europe to honour the American war dead.

The British, Commonwealth and Dominion Memorial

The second memorial was added in 1991 and is dedicated to the British, Commonwealth, Dominion and allied personnel killed at, over or from Martlesham Heath during its active life. On closer inspection however a visitor will find no names inscribed on the memorial nor will they find a Roll of honour and to date no actual list of those specific individuals who paid the ultimate price exists.

In the Afternoon of the16th June1991 this memorial was dedicated by the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Rt. Rev. John Dennis and Rev Brian Lillistone, the vicar of Martlesham.

Mr Richard Barker of Howes Percival Solicitors came up with the idea and formed the following committee to assist him

Richard Barker        Howes Percival Solicitors

Brett Groves          Barclays Bank PLC

Gordon Kinsey        Martlesham Heath Aviation Society

Martin Raymer        British Telecom Laboratories

Kim Wilson-Powell     Bidwells

Greg Zagni           The Bradford property trust

The memorial was funded by local Martlesham Based businesses. A full list of contributors is displayed next to the 356th Book of Remembrance within St Michaels church.

The barrack square is now used as a busy car park by those working in the offices now occupying the surrounding barrack blocks. Each November, however, on Remembrance Sunday, this car park clears and once again reverts to its intended use as the annual Armistice parade forms under the guidance of the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society. The twin memorials provide the focus for the service and the gravity of the occasion is always enhanced by the large number of wreaths laid by many local organisations and associations and by the presence of so many local people.

Of particular note is the regular attendance by at least one American officer from one of the local United States Air Force bases. A significant gesture and a poignant reminder of the long alliance between the worlds strongest allies.