In 1942 thousands of American Airmen of the Eight Airforce USAAF arrived in East Anglia to be stationed at scores of airfields across the area. Their arrival had a profound and lasting effect on the local population and became known as ‘The Friendly Invasion’

 

The term ‘Over paid, Over sexed and Over here’ is often associated with the American troops, but to those who knew them they were friendly, brave young men, thousands of miles from home, and over here to help us win the war. They brought with them the ‘Big Band’ sound, Swing and Jitterbug dances as well as peanut butter, chewing gum and coke! This heritage lives on today with many museums, dances and re-enactment events.

 

The 95th Bomb Group Museum is just over a mile from Bakers Cottage, while the 100th Bomb Group Museum is about 5 miles away.