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Explore significant dates, missions, people, and events in the history of the 306th Bomb Group. New entries will be added as we continue to preserve and share the Group's history.

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8 September 2026

September 8, 1942 — 306th Bomb Group Arrives at Thurleigh

By Steve Snyder
306th Bomb Group Arrives at Thurleigh

Although the ground units, except the 423rd, arrived at Thurleigh, Bedfordshire beginning on September 6th via the Queen Elizabeth, the air element began to arrive at Thurleigh on September 8th through the 13th. The 423rd ground element arrived September 11th on the Queen Mary as they were quarantined in the US due to mumps and sailed five days after the main ground element.

Thirty-Five B-17s took off from Gander, Newfoundland, but unfortunately aircraft 41-24473 piloted by Lt. John Leahy exploded soon after take-off and was lost. Aircraft 41-24516 piloted by Lt. William Melton developed engine problems and had to be ditched in shallow waters off Ireland.

The Thurleigh Airfield just North of the village would become a small city, housing approximately 3,000 personnel, including housing, gymnasium, cinema, chapel, library and a hospital.

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