Framlingham

St Michael's Church

52.22237, 1.34446
TM 285 635
photos taken 9 July 2013

Posted inside the church:

As the President of United States’ senior representative in the United Kingdom, I wish to express my gratitude to the Framlingham community for today’s dedication. We stand here proudly beside our brothers to honor those airmen of the United States Army Air Force’s 390th Bombardment Group who paid the ultimate price during World War II. It is fitting the Framlingham community recognize the 390th Bombardment Group’s contributions to the victory in Europe with the dedication of this hatchment at the Framlingham church. Because of efforts of communities like Framlingham throughout the United Kingdom, the memories of the deeds of our fellow comrades, both American and British, will b preserved to inspire our future generations.

Timothy E. Deal
Charge d’Affaires
Ad Interim

The Hatchment above the South Door commemorates the fallen of the 390th Bombardment Group USAAF which was stationed at Framlingham Airfield (Parham) between 1943 and 1945. In that time the 390th flew 301 combat missions and lost 176 aircraft.

On 7 May 1994 the hatchment was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Suffolk (Lord Belstead) and dedicated by the Bishop of Edmundsbury and Ipswich (the Rt Revd John Dennis) at a service in the presence of representatives of the USAF, the US Embassy and friends of the 390th from far and wide.

The hatchment is based on the original crest of the 390th and was designed and painted by the College of Arms.