“For our air superiority, which by the end of 1944 was to become air supremacy, full tribute must be paid to the United States Eighth Air Force. Now we were masters of the air.” (Winston Churchill, 1951).
Friday January 26, 2024 sees the release of the Apple TV+ World War II drama Masters of the Air. Made by Band of Brothers and The Pacific producers Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, the nine-episode mini-series will focus on the courage and sacrifice of the US Eighth Air Force in the East of England during WWII.
To coincide with its release, in collaboration with Bury St Edmunds Guildhall, we have created a new guided walk on Bury St Edmunds in WWII.
The 60-minute walk will bring to life those Bury buildings and places which contributed to the war effort or helped raise the morale of allied servicemen and women during those dark days. It will end with a 30-minute visit to the Guildhall, to see the only surviving Royal Observer Corps Operations Room in the country, where specialist guides will describe its vital role in Britain’s air defence and the many lives it saved.
Walks will take place on Tuesday, 13 February and Tuesday, 12 March, and will start at 3.30pm from the Guildhall in Guildhall Street IP33 1PR (what3words///redeeming.reverses.readings). They are in English and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Please let us know beforehand if you have any special access requirements. Short-stay and on-street parking is free in Bury on Tuesdays after 3pm. We regret that we cannot accept dogs (apart from assistance dogs) on our tours.
Adults £12, U-18s £6, U-5s free. Advance booking essential.
Photos: Bohbrus Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED; Bury St Edmunds Guildhall
