Earls Colne is a charming village known for its peaceful lifestyle and significant WWII airfield history
Earls Colne: This lovely village near Colchester is a real gem. It’s got that small-town vibe where everyone knows each other. With its cute shops and plenty of green spaces, it’s a great place to call home. But what’s really cool is its history.
The Earls Colne Heritage Museum is a must-visit. Housed in an old Victorian water tower, it’s all about the village’s past. The volunteers there have some amazing stories, especially about how important the village was during WWII.
Recently, EssexLive chatted with Gordon Brown, the museum chair. He shared some fascinating insights about the village’s role in the war, especially its airfield, as we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The airfield was built during WWII when the U.S. Army Air Force came to town. The Eighth Air Force was set up in early 1942, and the Allies had big plans to move combat groups to Britain.
They had to find the right spots for new air bases, and Earls Colne was chosen for its flat land and good soil. The first American troops arrived on October 8, 1942, and they were quick to get things rolling.
Just a day later, the airfield welcomed its first U.S. aircraft, a B-17F that made an unexpected landing. By spring 1943, the airfield was fully operational, and the B-17 Flying Fortresses started arriving soon after.
They built two large hangars that are still standing today, showing just how useful they were. The airfield also had room for about 2,750 personnel, with various facilities scattered around the area.
Today, the Earls Colne Airfield is a general aviation spot and even hosts the Essex Air Ambulance. The Heritage Museum is planning some events this March to highlight the village’s WWII history, so it’s a great time to check it out!
