96th Bomb Group Museum UK

02/09/2026

A slight change from the crew of the weeks for the next month we are going to be highlighting individuals who played a key part in the history and story of the 96th.

🎖️ Honoring Colonel Archie J. Old Jr. — Commander of the 96th Bomb Group
If your father, grandfather, or great-grandfather flew with the 96th Bomb Group out of Snetterton Heath, England, this name should matter to you: Colonel Archie J. Old Jr. of Farmersville, Texas.
Old took command of the 96th on August 6, 1942, building it from a freshly activated group in Utah into a combat-ready B-17 outfit. He led the men through training across half a dozen stateside airfields before deploying to England in the spring of 1943, where the 96th entered combat in May — hitting shipyards, airfields, and industrial targets across occupied Europe as part of the Eighth Air Force's strategic bombing campaign.
He led from the cockpit, not behind a desk. On October 14, 1943, Old personally flew the second raid on the Schweinfurt ball-bearing factories aboard "Fertile Myrtle III." Of 291 B-17s that reached the target, 60 never made it home — a brutal 20% loss rate. If your family has a story about a mission where a crewmate was lost, or a plane limped back shot to pieces, this may well be the one they were talking about.
By 1944, Old had risen to command the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing, the 96th's parent wing. On June 21, 1944, he led a daring shuttle-bombing task force — 96th crews among them — that struck a synthetic oil plant near Berlin, then flew on to Poltava in Soviet Ukraine, one of the boldest and least-known operations of the air war.
By the time it was over, Old had flown 43 combat missions over Germany and earned the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nine Air Medals. He went on to a distinguished postwar career, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant General.
Every man who served under his command at Snetterton Heath carried a piece of what he built. We know many of you have letters, photos, National Archives records, maybe even a mission log tucked away in a family box. We'd love to hear it — who was your family's connection to the 96th? Which squadron: 337th, 338th, 339th, or 413th? Share a name or a memory by emailing [email protected] to help keep their story flying. 🇺🇸✈️

26/08/2026

🌟 Crew of the Week 🌟
This week, we remember Crew 54 – 1st Lt. James V. Vitello's crew, who were assigned to the 337th Bomb Squadron, 96th Bomb Group, in October 1944.
This was a crew that certainly knew how to put the miles in. Flying aboard the B-17 "Bachelor's Belle," they completed an impressive 35 combat missions between October 1944 and March 1945.
Their first mission was to Bremen on 12 October 1944, and their final mission came on 12 March 1945, when they flew to Siegen.
Behind every mission was a crew who relied completely on one another. Through flak, enemy fighters, difficult weather and the constant dangers of combat, these men continued to take their B-17 into the skies over occupied Europe.
There is also an interesting family connection within this crew.
TSgt. Karl F. Ullmann had a brother, TSgt. Ralph C. Ullmann, who also served with the 96th Bomb Group. Ralph was assigned to the 337th Bomb Squadron in the same month as his brother, October 1944, and served as the Top Turret Gunner on 2nd Lt. Frederick A. Towle's crew.
Sadly, Ralph's story would have a tragic ending.
On 30 November 1944, his B-17, "The Reluctant Dragon," was struck by enemy flak and lost. Ralph was Killed in Action.
Two brothers.
The same Bomb Group.
The same Bomb Squadron.
And ultimately, two very different wartime stories.
Crew 54 – 1st Lt. James V. Vitello
Back Row:
Cpl. Sidney H. Greene
Cpl. Owen A. Nance
TSgt. Karl F. Ullmann – Top Turret Gunner
?? Johnson
Cpl. James A. Parker
SSgt. Fredrick C. Holz – Ball Turret Gunner
Front Row – Officers:
FO Edwin J. Slivinski – Bombardier
Capt. Robert C. Feller – Co-Pilot
1st Lt. James V. Vitello – Pilot
2nd Lt. Robert B. Lehto – Navigator
Also assigned to this crew was Sgt. Melvin R. Scroeder.
The information for this photograph comes from the writing on the back of the original photograph, which was kindly shared with us by Don Vance, son of the pilot.
We are incredibly grateful to those families who continue to share these photographs and stories, allowing us to preserve the history of the men of the 96th Bomb Group for future generations.
35 missions. One crew. One aircraft. Countless hours in the skies over Europe.
Today, we remember 1st Lt. James V. Vitello and Crew 54, and we honour all those who served alongside them.
Lest We Forget. 🇺🇸

23/08/2026

THANK YOU FROM THE 96TH BOMB GROUP MUSEUM 🇺🇸✈️
What an incredible day! ❤️
A HUGE thank you to everyone who came along to our 96th Bomb Group Museum Open Day on Sunday 16th August. It was fantastic to welcome so many members of the public through our doors and see the site buzzing with people, displays, music, vehicles, history and plenty of smiles!
We couldn't put on a day like this without the fantastic people who give their time, bring their displays and support the museum.
🛍️ OUR STALLHOLDERS
A big thank you to: • East Anglia Books
• Merry Go Round Vintage
• Clare Pure Class Vintage
• Olivia's Sweet Stall
🇺🇸 DISPLAYS & GROUPS
Thank you to everyone who brought along their fantastic displays and shared their knowledge: • New Farm Aviation
• Discover D-Day
• American Library
• Friends and Family
• Attleborough Royal British Legion
• Owen Thompson
• Doc & Bunnty
• American Women in East Anglia During WWII
• Haybag Maddie
• Toby Brayley
☕🍦 FOOD & DRINK
A huge thank you to our brilliant food and drink vendors: • Florenco's Coffee
• The Potato Pod
• Dee Dee's Luxury Ice Cream
🎶 MUSIC
A massive thank you to our DJ for the day, Andy Av8, who kept the atmosphere going throughout the day with an amazing variety of singers joining him. 🎤🎶
✈️ THE FLYPAST
And, of course, a very special thank you to the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for the absolutely fantastic flypast. Seeing the aircraft overhead was a truly special moment and a wonderful addition to the day. 🇬🇧✈️
❤️ OUR VOLUNTEERS
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, THANK YOU to every single one of our volunteers.
From setting up and preparing the site, welcoming visitors, running stalls, helping behind the scenes, keeping everything moving and staying behind to clear up — your hard work, dedication and enthusiasm make these events possible.
Without our volunteers, we simply couldn't put on an event like this. ❤️
To everyone who attended, displayed, traded, performed, volunteered, supported us or simply helped make the day what it was — THANK YOU!
We hope you had as much fun as we did. 🇺🇸❤️
📅 WE'RE BACK OPEN!
Sunday 20th September 2026
🕙 10am – 4pm
We look forward to welcoming you all back!
96th Bomb Group Museum

17/08/2026

16/08/2026

15/08/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT TRAVEL UPDATE – ROAD CLOSURE 🚨
If you are travelling to the 96th Bomb Group Museum Open Day and coming from the A1066, please be aware of a road closure in Quidenham which will affect the usual route.
📍 Alternative route from the A1066:
➡️ Turn off the A1066 at Garboldisham
➡️ Follow the road towards East Harling
➡️ In East Harling, follow the Quidenham Road
➡️ Take the turning for Eccles Road
➡️ From here, look out for the 96th Bomb Group Museum Open Day signs 🪧
Please allow a little extra time for your journey and follow the diversion and event signage.
✈️ We look forward to welcoming you to the 96th Bomb Group Museum!
Please SHARE this post with anyone travelling to the Open Day so they don't get caught out by the closure. 👍🇺🇸

15/08/2026

🚨 NO DRONE FLYING AREA 🚨
A quick reminder that our Open Day is a strict no-drone flying area.
✈️ This is particularly important due to the planned flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF).
For everyone’s safety, please do not fly or operate drones anywhere at the event or surrounding area.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us keep our visitors, aircraft and BBMF crew safe. 🇬🇧✈️
96th Bomb Group Museum

15/08/2026

With just 1 day to go till our MAIN EVENT of the year, we thought would share some of our frequently asked questions.

14/08/2026

🚨 THIS SUNDAY! STEP BACK INTO THE 1940s! 🚨
​The wait is almost over! Join us THIS SUNDAY for an unforgettable, action-packed 1940s Day at the 96th Bomb Group Museum! Bring the whole family for a incredible day of wartime nostalgia, entertainment, and history coming to life.
​📅 EVENT DETAILS
​🗓️ Date: THIS SUNDAY, 16th August
​⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
​📍 Location: 96th Bomb Group Museum
​🎟️ Admission: 100% FREE ENTRY!
​✈️ SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: BBMF FLYPAST CONFIRMED! ✈️
​We are thrilled to announce that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is scheduled for a flypast between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM! Don't miss this thrilling tribute to those who served.
(Note: Flypasts are subject to weather and operational conditions).
​✨ WHAT’S ON THIS SUNDAY?
​🎖️ Living History: Authentic 1940s re-enactment groups & immersive displays
​🚛 Vintage Motors: Military vehicles, classic cars, trucks, motorcycles & hot rods
​🎶 Music & Dancing: Swing along to classic 1940s vintage tunes
​🛍️ Heritage Shopping: Vintage stalls, militaria & wartime collectibles
​☕ Food & Drink: Refreshments and tasty 1940s-inspired treats
​👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun: Entertainment for all ages!
​👗 GET IN THE SPIRIT: Dig out your best 1940s gear! Vintage dress is highly encouraged—come dressed to impress!
​📢 LAST CALL FOR EXHIBITORS & VENDORS!
​Have a vehicle, display, or stall to bring? We still have a few last-minute spaces available!
​🛠️ Re-enactment & living history groups
​🚗 Military, vintage & classic vehicles
​🛍️ Trade stalls (especially 1940s clothing & militaria)
​🏕️ Overnight camping available for exhibitors & stallholders.
​📩 Get in touch today: Drop us a DM or email [email protected]
​❤️ Help us spread the word!
Like, share this post, tag your friends, and let’s make this Sunday an incredible celebration of the 96th Bomb Group, the 8th Air Force, and the amazing spirit of the 1940s!
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