Pride as war memorials are granted listed status

Two memorials at a former airfield that have long honoured servicemen and women have been recognised for their historical and architectural significance.

The monuments, at Barrack Square in Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, have been given Grade II listed status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

They commemorate personnel from the United States Army Air Force (USAAF), the Royal Flying Corps, the RAF and Commonwealth and European air forces.

Their inclusion on the National Heritage List for England was suggested by Historic England and comes during the annual remembrance period.

Lee Reeves, armed forces champion for East Suffolk Council, said it was a "welcome acknowledgement" of the connections between the area and those who "gave so much".

That was echoed by Mark Packard, the council's cabinet member for planning and coastal management, who said he was proud that the memorials were being listed.

"The listing is a fitting recognition of their national importance and the role Martlesham Heath played in Britain's aviation and military history," he said.

Martlesham Heath airfield opened as a Royal Flying Corps station and later became home to the Aeroplane Experimental Station.

During World War Two, it served as Station 369 of the American Eighth Air Force and was home to the 356th Fighter Group before returning to RAF control.

Unveiled in 1946, the USAAF memorial is recognised as the first in England to commemorate US service personnel after the end of the war.

It specifically commemorates 72 members of the 356th Fighter Group who died while serving at Martlesham Heath during the conflict.

The second memorial honours members of the Royal Flying Corps, the RAF, Commonwealth air forces and exiled European air forces who served at the site.

The other one marks the history of RAF Martlesham Heath from its opening in 1917 until its closure in 1963.

Tony Calladine, regional director for the East of England at Historic England, said the memorials told "an important story" about the area and the people who served there.

"Their listing recognises their special historic significance and helps ensure that these poignant reminders of the impact of war and our shared wartime history are protected for future generations," he said.

"At this time of remembrance, it is particularly fitting that the people they commemorate, and their connection to this place and to the local community, continue to be remembered."

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.