The USAAF in Suffolk

• Suffolk became home for many American airmen during the War. They brought with them chewing gum and Coca-Cola. In return, the British taught the GIs the art of darts and dominos when the newcomers ventured into English pubs
  
  
• USAAF missions are included to show what desperate times these were for the American airmen
  
  
• Handsomely illustrated with many unpublished photographs

The East of England, particularly Suffolk, became a new home for thousands of American airmen during the Second World War. After their arrival in 1942, there were over 10,000 in the country by 1943. The largest concentration was in Suffolk, which had more USA airfields than any other English county.

Their arrival was called the ‘Friendly Invasion’ as they suddenly found themselves in the middle of the East Anglian countryside. The Americans brought with them chewing gum, Coca-Cola and peanut butter, and introduced the big band sounds and ‘jitterbugging’ dancing. In return, the British taught the GIs the gentle art of darts and dominos when the newcomers ventured into the sacred English public houses.

The USAAF in Suffolk examines the meeting of two cultures, while stories are related of the aircraft victories and losses, plus accidents, which sometimes shook the countryside. Missions by the bombers and fighters of the USAAF are included to show what desperate times these were for airmen and country folk of Suffolk.

[custom_html]Life in Second World War Suffolk with the mixing of different cultures of young American servicemen and the local English rural population.[/custom_html] 

[smallDescription]Life in Second World War Suffolk with the mixing of different cultures of young American servicemen and the local English rural population.[/smallDescription]



[tabs] [tab title="AUTHOR(S)"]Roy Brazier is a history and sports writer. He is chairman and trustee of the Haverhill Local History Group and editor of the Haverhill Historian with over twenty books to his name. He has contributed articles for the Essex Countryside and This England magazines. He has written books on Tottenham Hotspur, plus speedway publications. A native of Essex, he resides in Suffolk and has recently been awarded the Freedom of Haverhill for his contributions in the town.
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