Nuthampstead Airfield Museum is marking the 80th anniversary of the arrival of a World War II bomb squadron.

This year not only marks 80 years since the D-Day landings, but also since the 398th Bombardment Group (Heavy) arrived in Nuthampstead.

Royston Crow: The 'Sweet and Lovely' at NuthampsteadThe 'Sweet and Lovely' at Nuthampstead (Image: Nuthampstead Airfield Museum)

Family, friends and supporters of the squadron have returned year on year to show their respects, but this year the museum is hosting a special event to honour the airmen and raise vital funds to preserve the museum's collections.

An official memorial service will take place at the Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial at 11am on Saturday, May 25.

During the day there will be museum tours, a model airplane exhibition and a display of vintage cars, with entertainment provided by the Royston Town Band.

Royston Crow: The 398th Bombardment Group were stationed at Nuthampstead 80 years agoThe 398th Bombardment Group were stationed at Nuthampstead 80 years ago (Image: Nuthampstead Airfield Museum)

The Woodman Inn, in front of the museum, will be open from 9am until midday for breakfast and then for lunch from midday.

In the evening the museum is hosting a 1940s style dance event at The Woodman Inn.

Doors open at 6.30pm, and the Miss Jones Jazz Band will perform classics from the era throughout the evening.

Royston Crow: The Nuthampstead Airfield MemorialThe Nuthampstead Airfield Memorial (Image: Nuthampstead Airfield Museum)

Tickets cost £34 and include a buffet and a £10 charitable donation to the Nuthampstead Airfield Museum.

To book visit vwww.woodmannuthampstead.com or call 01763 299999.

During WWII, the 398th Bombardment Group operated B-17 Flying Fortresses from their base in Nuthampstead, conducting strategic bombing missions over Germany.

Prior to D-Day, they redirected their attention to enemy positions over the Cherbourg peninsula.

Royston Crow: The 398th Bombardment Group at NuthampsteadThe 398th Bombardment Group at Nuthampstead (Image: Nuthampstead Airfield Museum)

As the Allies established a stronghold in Europe, the group shifted towards tactical missions - aiding ground forces by disrupting enemy lines.

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Following the war, the group played an important role transporting prisoners of war from Germany to France.

The B-17s left Nuthampstead in May 1945 and flew back to the states, with the ground crews leaving on June 22.

Royston Crow: A Nuthampstead memorial event in 1982A Nuthampstead memorial event in 1982 (Image: Nuthampstead Airfield Museum)

Nuthampstead Airfield Museum is run by historic aviation enthusiasts and by family members of those who were once stationed in the village.

The museum is open on the second to last Sunday of each month from April to October, from 10am to 4pm, or can be opened by appointment.