The 306th Museum
The 306th Bomb Group Museum preserves the legacy of the 306th Bomb Group at its original base in Thurleigh, near Bedford, England — the WWII airfield where the 306th operated as part of the U.S. Eighth Air Force, 40th Combat Wing, 1st Air Division. The Americans arrived in 1942.
On its front lawn stands the 306th Memorial, funded and dedicated in October 1982 by the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association during the Thurleigh Reunion.
The museum is open to the public Sundays, April through October, 10:00–16:00. The museum and memorial are not visible from the public road and sit on restricted-access property — please coordinate in advance by emailing 306thbgmuseumuk@gmail.com.
The museum is operated as 306th Bomb Group Museum Ltd. A Facebook page is available (see the resource links below).
Open Sundays in season
The museum is open to the public on Sundays from April through October, 10:00–16:00 — no appointment needed. Veterans and their families are welcome at any other time of year by arrangement; email the museum to fix a date.
Email the museum →Order a memorial plaque
Honor a 306th veteran with a plaque at the Thurleigh Memorial. Complete the order form online to begin the process.
Plaque order form →About the Museum
The Museum Today
The 306th Bombardment Group Museum is a memorial dedicated to the personnel of the 306th Bomb Group who served at Thurleigh during World War II as part of the Eighth Air Force. Its artifacts, photographs, documents and personal items help recreate the activities and atmosphere of the wartime airfield while honoring those who served in the air and on the ground, including those who lost their lives.
An Original Building of Station 111
The Museum occupies an original brick building used by the 306th Bomb Group for small-arms ammunition storage, identified on the wartime airfield plan as Building 156. The surviving building provides a direct physical connection to the 306th's wartime home at Thurleigh.
Ralph and Daphne Franklin – A Lasting Legacy
The Museum was founded through the dedication of Ralph Franklin, who as a boy during World War II came to know American servicemen stationed at Thurleigh. Ralph and his wife, Daphne, devoted many years to preserving the 306th story and welcoming veterans, families and visitors. The Museum opened on July 27, 2002. Following their passing, it reopened on May 5, 2019, continuing the work they began.
Ralph Franklin died on 24 March 2019; Daphne predeceased him.
The Collection
Displays use original artifacts and historical material to tell the story of Thurleigh and the 306th Bomb Group. Many items were donated by veterans and their families, helping visitors understand daily life at the airfield, the Group's combat mission and the experiences of those who served there.
The 306th Memorial
The 306th Memorial, funded by 306th veterans and their families and originally erected in 1982, was professionally relocated by the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association in 2012 to a position outside the Museum. A separate 306th memorial also stands near the Village Green in Thurleigh.
Supporting the Museum
The Museum depends on volunteers, supporters and donations to preserve its collection, maintain the Museum and continue sharing the history of the 306th Bomb Group with future generations.
The museum is operated by 306th Bomb Group Museum Limited, a separate organisation from the 306th Bomb Group Historical Association. Donations towards the museum's upkeep are welcome and are made through the museum's donation page. To support the Association instead, see Support the Association.
Donate Artifacts to the Museum
Help Preserve the Story of the 306th
The 306th Bomb Group Museum at Thurleigh welcomes inquiries from veterans, families, collectors, and others who may have original artifacts or historical materials connected to the 306th Bomb Group and its wartime service.
Items such as uniforms, equipment, photographs, documents, letters, personal effects, memorabilia, and other materials with a connection to the men and history of the 306th may help the Museum refresh and expand its displays and preserve these stories for future generations.
If you have an item you believe may be appropriate for the Museum, please contact the Museum before sending it. The Museum team will be happy to discuss the item, its history and whether it would be suitable for the collection.
Where possible, the Museum will assist with reasonable postage or transportation costs for accepted donations.
Have an artifact to share? Contact the 306th Bomb Group Museum using the Museum email address.
Contact the Museum →Museum Audio
Spoken recollections of the museum at Thurleigh, recorded for the association.
Ralph Franklin on the Thurleigh museum, interviewed by Tom Winter
Ralph Franklin on the Thurleigh museum, interviewed by Tom Winter
Resources & Galleries
Photographs, documents, and historical material from the museum.
Recent views of the Museum
Recent views of the 306th Bombardment Group Museum at Thurleigh, highlighting the historic property and exhibits that preserve the artifacts, stories, and legacy of the men who served with the 306th Bomb Group.
10th anniversary celebration
Photographs from the museum's 10th anniversary celebration in 2012.
Museum archive
Documents, recordings, and photograph collections held for the museum.
306bg.co.uk
The museum's own website, run by the volunteers at Thurleigh.
306th Bombardment Group Museum
Follow the museum's Facebook page for updates and news.
Museum Leadership
The volunteer team that maintains and operates the museum under 306th Bomb Group Museum Limited.