RAF Mildenhall in west Suffolk celebrates 90th anniversary

RAF Mildenhall opened on October 16, 1934, and was officially dedicated by King George V three days later. 

Tens of thousands of people gathered to witness the dedication, as well as the start of the MacRoberson Air Race on October 20, 1934, which began in Mildenhall and ended in Melbourne. 

Some 90 years later, the base - now home to the US servicemen and women of the 100th Air Refueling Wing - remains a huge part of Suffolk life.

Ian Shipp, who represents Mildenhall Kingsway & Market on West Suffolk Council, said: "RAF Mildenhall has been an integral part of life in and around Mildenhall for so many years.

Cllr Ian Shipp (Image: WSC)

"It has provided employment for so many locals. It has brought such diversity to our community with its service men and women and their families living in our towns and villages creating many new friendships and joining families together in so many marriages." 

Cllr Shipp said the American community helps support local businesses and encourages visitors from all over the country who come to the town to spot aircraft at the base. 

Crowds at the base (Image: Newsquest) "I remember the spectacular Mildenhall Air Shows of years gone by which attracted a quarter of a million people over the bank holiday weekend," he said.

"Over the years there has always been a special bond between the RAF Mildenhall and our local community and I am proud to have been a small part of that bond."

RAF Mildenhall received its first operational unit in November 1934 and has an extensive history of missions.

In 1939, six hours after the official declaration of war on Germany, three Wellington Bombers from No. 149 Squadron took off from the base to bomb battleships in the Kiel Canal. 

On March 22, 1944, Lancaster and Halifax bombers from the base took part in the last major raid marking the end of what was known as the "Battle of Berlin".

Lancaster Bombers from No. 15 and No. 622 Squadrons were also involved in D-Day operations when they struck targets along Hitler's Atlantic Wall on June 6, 1944. 

RAF Mildenhall has been home to the United States Airforce since 1950. 

Cllr Richard Alecock (Image: WSC)

Richard Alecock, who represents Mildenhall Great Heath on West Suffolk Council, said: "This milestone has been not only an opportunity for reflection but also a celebration of the strong bond between our community and the airbase.

"It has been truly wonderful to witness RAF Mildenhall's active engagement with a variety of community groups, which has significantly enhanced the relationship between the base and local residents.

"This collaboration has provided people in Mildenhall, Beck Row, West Row and the wider community with numerous opportunities to participate in meaningful activities that strengthen our community ties."

Plane at the base (Image: Newsquest) He continued: "Together, we honour our past while promoting community pride and engagement.

"It’s been really encouraging to see so many locals involved in the ongoing celebrations, and together it has been a wonderful opportunity to appreciate our aviation heritage and the invaluable contributions of the USAF to Mildenhall.

"I applaud RAF Mildenhall and the local residents and community groups for all pulling together throughout this anniversary year." 

Andy Neal, who represents Mildenhall Queensway on the council, said: "The base being located here has put Mildenhall on the global map.

"The amount of revenue the American dollar puts into the local economy is unmeasurable and is what keeps our high street going." 

Cllr Andy Neal (Image: WSC)

He said those living off-base integrate into the community, using local schools and are welcomed. 

He continued: "70,000 people converged on Mildenhall to see the planes start the race to Australia. The King and Queen attended the race start which gave Mildenhall a place in aviation history.

"Mildenhall as a town has celebrated this 90th anniversary alongside local villages with events throughout the year. The USAF have supported this historic landmark and its been a pleasure for the local groups to engage with them." 

On June 30,1978, the headquarters of the now-inactive 306 Strategic Wing relocated from Ramstein AB, Germany to RAF Mildenhall. 

And in more recent history, the British Government gave permission for SR-71 "Blackbird" planes to be permanently housed at the base in 1982. 

Last week a new station crest, the Tudor Crown, was unveiled at an event for RAF representatives and guests. 

The crest will be placed on the tails of all 100th ARW KC-135 Stratotankers, with the event also marking the 90th anniversary of RAF Mildenhall.