Keeping their stories alive

Above: RAF Ridgewell 29th February 1944

About Ridgewell Airfield Museum

Rembering Essex’s only long-term Heavy Bomber Base

The Ridgewell Airfield Museum, located in North Essex, was once home to the 90 Squadron RAF and the 381st Bomb Group USAAF during World War II. The museum houses a growing private collection of artefacts and exhibits in what was once part of the base hospital (Ward Number Two).

Ridgewell Airfield was constructed in 1942 and became operational in 1943. Its earliest tenants, No. 90 Squadron RAF, carried out their first operation on January 8th, 1943, completing 51 missions before leaving on May 31st, 1943, having lost 28 Short Stirling bombers.

In early June 1943, the U.S. Eighth Air Force's 381st Bomb Group arrived at Ridgewell. Over the next two years, they launched 297 missions, losing 165 B-17 Flying Fortress bombers.

After the war, Ridgewell was used for bomb storage and disposal before being decommissioned in 1957. Today, much of the site has returned to agricultural use.

Housed in the Base Hospital

The Ridgewell Airfield Museum was established in 2000 and was the vision of Tony Ince, who grew up in the village of Ridgewell during World War II.

As a young boy, Tony befriended many American airmen based at RAF Ridgewell and quickly developed a deep interest in the airfield's history. Over the years, he built an impressive collection of memorabilia, which he displayed across Essex after the war.

In 1985, Tony and a group of fellow aviation enthusiasts began collecting items to display locally. His lifelong passion for Ridgewell Airfield stemmed from his childhood friendship with a member of the 381st Bomb Group's ground crew, whom he befriended between 1943 and 1945.

In 1999, part of Hut Number 599- part of the original base hospital- became available for rent.
After several weeks of hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers, the building was ready to house and display the collection.

In 2007, the remaining part of the hut became available, allowing the museum to further expand.

Sadly, Tony Ince passed away in 2000 and did not live to see the museum in its current form.

However, the museum continues to grow and is open to the public on eight open days each year. It is funded solely by donations and memberships and is managed and maintained by a small team of enthusiastic volunteers. The museum also hosts many veterans' families throughout the year, providing them with poignant and emotional visits.

The museum's mission is to honour the memory and history
of those who served at RAF Ridgewell.

The hut was originally part of the Base Hospital

B-17 Flying Fortress

Remembering Ridgewell

A short film by Paul Bingley, author of Hallowed Ground: A Guide to RAF Ridgewell – Essex’s Only Long-term Heavy Bomber Base

This short film remembers Ridgewell, as was then and is now, complimented by original footage filmed during the Second World War of aircraft of the 381st Bomb Group based at the airfield.

Our museum is only possible with your support

Become a Member

Help us maintain the museum and its collection by becoming a member. In return, you’ll receive newsletters and exclusive invitations to special events, including free walking tours.

Join as a Member of the Museum
Donate Now

Make a donation to the Ridgewell Airfield Museum and help us preserve and share the stories of those who served at this historic base, while supporting the continued growth and development of the museum.

Make a Donation
Visit Us

We’re open on the second Sunday of each month, from March to October. Explore the rich history of the Royal Air Force No. 90 Squadron and the U.S. Eighth Air Force’s 381st Bomb Group through our fascinating exhibits.

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