The RTA was formed by a group of local people in July 1993 with the aim of restoring the Control Tower to its original condition. The Association became a registered charity in 1998. Work is now well advanced and the initial objective has evolved into a project dedicated to providing a site of living history for the education and entertainment of present and future generations of the public. With a recently negotiated lease from Rougham Estate Farms of ninety-nine years, we are in a healthy position to expand and preserve the museum, the memorial and the memory.
The Tower is open to the public every Sunday from the first Sunday in May through to the last Sunday in October. Normal opening times are from 11am to 4pm, free of charge, but donations are welcome. The museum will also be open to coincide with most Airfield events, although access will be via the pay gates.
The Museum staff will be happy to open at any other time by appointment by prior arrangement. Group bookings are most welcome. Refreshments are normally available. On Rougham Airfield event weekends, visit their barbecue and tea room, which are run by volunteers and all profits go to the Charity fund.
The following information is from Alan Waugh's History DVD 'The Mighty 8th at War'
RAF Rougham, also known as RAF Bury St Edmunds is in Suffolk. It was constructed in 1941/42 by Richard Costain Limited. It was built to a standard Class A design having a 2000 yard main runway and two other smaller runways.The airfield had two T2 hangars, a technical site and living accommodation for 3000 personnel.It became designated Station 468, ID code BU.The base was handed to the 8th AF in September 1942 and the first tenants were the 47th Bomb Group who were equipped with A-20 Havocs, and the 322nd Bomb Group then arrived in December 1942.In June 1943 the 94th Bomb Group moved from its base at Earls Colne in Essex to Rougham and the 322nd moved to Earls Colne.
A 94th BG B-17, The Queen of the North
Rougham Tower
If you are interested in a copy of the DVD 'The Mighty 8th at War' visit:
http://www.graphicbikeart.com/