Tibenham Airfield Guide

Tibenham Airfield is in Norfolk, approximately seven miles northeast of Diss and 15 miles southwest of Norwich. Constructed between 1942 and 1943, it was one of 18 airfields in the county used by the US Air Force during the Second World War. It was a base for the 445th Bombardment Group from November 1943, when they supported the RAF in bombing German targets during 280 missions. The unit lost 576 US airmen, so today – as well as being a working airfield – Tibenham also serves as a memorial to those who died in World War Two.

The 445th Bombardment Group returned to the USA in May 1945, and the RAF took over the airfield in July. Later, in 1952, the RAF sold of parts of Tibenham Airfield to local landowners. The main runway was lengthened in 1955 to allow jets to land but, just four years later, the airfield closed as an RAF base.

Instead, the Norfolk Gliding Club was formed. Initially, the Club paid rent to the Air Ministry to use the airfield but, in 1962, the Air Ministry sold Tibenham Airfield to a local farmer. In 1987, the Norfolk Gliding Club managed to negotiate – they successfully bought 32 acres of concrete and 22 acres of arable land.

Later, in 1990, the remainder of Tibenham Airfield was put up for sale, and bought by the Norfolk Gliding Club. The purchase included two agricultural buildings, which were demolished to make way for a brand new hangar.

Today, there are six runways and lots of land-able grass, where members and visiting pilots can land both gliders and powered aircraft. Beginners can also take glider lessons and flying courses here.