355th Fighter Group at Steeple Morden

History

The 355th Fighter Group was based at Steeple Morden airfield in Cambridgeshire, England, from July 1943 to July 1945.

The first commander of the 355th was Lt Col William J Cummings. The 355th Group Headquarters and the 354th, 357th and 358th Fighter Squadrons, respectively named the Bulldogs, Dragons and Angels, were under his command.

Initially the 355th were flying P-47 Thunderbolts and later P-51 Mustangs.

The group received a unit citation for its extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance and saw action in the D-Day landings.

It was also the highest-rated group for destroying aircraft on the ground, earning the nickname the Steeple Morden Strafers.

In July 1945 the group departed to Gablingen, Germany, to become a part of the Army of Occupation.

If you want to view various records relating to the 355th Fighter Group, Second Air Division Digital Archive.

Next : Steeple Morden Airfield (Station 122)

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