RAF base marks 70 historic years

British bombers used the base during World War II

The US Air Force is marking the 70th anniversary of RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk this week.

The base, opened as an RAF bomber station in 1934, played a key part in World War II, and took part in humanitarian missions.

In 1950, the Americans moved in and it is now Europe's sole US refuelling wing and one of their largest bases.

David Johnson, US Charge D'Affaires, said the base is "an extremely important installation."

He said it remains significant to defence planners because it is "sufficiently far from the United States but also gives us reach into areas where the US needs to operate right now."

The base actually first opened on 20 October 1934, before it had any military planes assigned to it, because it had been chosen to host the historic Royal Aero Club's England-to-Australia air race on that day.

The event brought more than 70,000 spectators to the base, who arrived a day after a visit from King George V and Queen Mary.

Huge community

RAF Mildenhall, together with sister base RAF Lakenheath, now hosts about 25,000 people, including airmen, their families, and civilian workers.

The sheer numbers have an impact on everything from traffic to local trade.

The 100th Air Refuelling Wing is based at RAF Mildenhall

But not everyone appreciates the American presence here and the bases are often the scene of anti-war protests.

Since the 9/11 terror attacks and the war in Iraq, security has been increased, meaning local villagers who formerly had access to social activities are now locked out, along with potentially-threatening intruders.

Colonel Richard Devereaux, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, said: "Much of the base was open to the community and our Americans loved that.

"We miss that time very much and we're saddened that terrorists took that away from us."

Events being held this week to mark the base's 70th anniversary include the burying of a time capsule, a historical panel discussion and a 1940s-themed dinner.

And just as they did in 1934, base planners are hoping to welcome thousands of people next summer during its annual Air Fete, which has been cancelled for the past two years.