About
Epping Forest Museum presents an exhibition talk programme
The 397th Bombardment Group at Willingale
a talk by Alan Crouchman, 397th Bombardment Group Historian
Wednesday 21st May, 7 - 8pm
39-41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EL
£6.50 per person, light refreshments available. To book, email enquiries@efdcmuseum.org.uk or call 01992 716882, or call in at the museum.
About this talk:
Officially named Chipping Ongar Airfield, it was better know as Willingale Airfield. Built in August 1942 by the American 831st Engineer Aviation Battalion, it became home to an American Medium Bomber Group flying Martin B-26 Marauder, twin engined aircraft. The first mission was flow on at the end of July 1943 over France. Missions from Willingale trageted German military sites in France with bombers escorted by RAF Spitfires. Sites in Normandy were bombed in the klead-up to D-Day and the aircraft moved to Europe as the war progressed to Germany.
Other talks in the Calm & Courageous series include: Lippitts Hill Camp (Wednesday 13th April), The Story of Aviation in West Essex since 1909 (14th May) and Plunder: 80 Years Since VE Day (Wednesday 28th May).
This talk is part of a series supporting the museum's current exhibition:
Calm & Courageous - the Second World War home front in the Epping Forest District
Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Running Saturday 5th April to Saturday 6th September 2025
This exhibition showcases a variety of objects, stories, and oral histories from the museum’s collection, along with contributions from local history societies, community groups, and other heritage sites in the district. It will highlight the experiences of individuals whose lives were changed dramatically when war broke out in September 1939.
Free entry.
Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10am to 4pm
Wednesday: 10am to 4pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: closed
Call: 01992 716882, email: enquiries@efdmuseum.org.uk website: https://www.efdmuseum.org.uk/
Guide Prices
Free event
Related
Epping Forest District Museum, Epping ForestTelling the story of the Epping Forest district through a collection of over 50,000 objects
Book Tickets Online
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Museum is located in the heart of the historic town of Waltham Abbey, situated just outside the M25 between Epping Forest and the Lee Valley. From the M25, leave at junction 26 and follow the signs to Waltham Abbey.
Parking is available at the Abbey Gardens carpark which is a 10 minute walk from the museum. Further pay and display parking is available in the town centre, the nearest car park is Quaker Lane car park which is a 2 minute walk from the museum.
Public Transport Directions
The museum is a 25 minute walk from Waltham Cross Railway Station. A taxi rank is located outside the station. Buses also operate from Waltham Cross Bus Station which is a 5 minute walk from the station and a bus stop is located within a 2 minute walk of the museum.
