Silver Wings: The US Army Air Forces in WWII Norfolk

A heritage project honouring the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II

In 2025, 80 years after the end of World War II (WWII), a new project took flight in Norfolk to honour the region’s wartime history and the impact of the US Army Air Forces (USAAF).

As WWII slips from living memory, this project offered a final opportunity to preserve stories of American servicemen and women stationed in Norfolk - and the British communities that welcomed them.

From jitterbug dancing and donuts to first-hand accounts of service and sacrifice, Silver Wings: The US Army Air Forces in WWII Norfolk brought this untold and forgotten history vividly to life.

Presented by The Forum in partnership with the American Library, Silver Wings launched in Spring 2025 with a free programme of community workshops. Featuring creative writing courses, research sessions and school outreach, it offered opportunities for all ages to develop skills in heritage, archive and oral history research.

The stories, skills and insights developed through these workshops fed directly into the final stage of the project - a free exhibition and event series held at The Forum from 12–21 September as part of Norfolk Heritage Open Days.

Ten incredible days, a packed programme of events and over 1,000 tickets booked – the Silver Wings exhibition and event series was a celebration of the lives and legacies of WWII here in Norfolk, and beyond.

Brought to life the fear, emotion and lifestyle of young men and women who lived and fought for us so far from home. An immersive opportunity to gain greater knowledge and understanding. Thank you.

Silver Wings Visitor

Alongside the main exhibition, Silver Wings explored Norfolk's rich wartime history with a free supporting programme of insightful talks, film screenings, hands-on creative workshops and a Street Party to remember!

Our two headline talks, from the family of American Red Cross worker Margaret Fahey, and from Dr John Curatola of the National WWII Museum, USA, are now available to watch on YouTube.

Silver Wings: Margaret Fahey, American Red Cross Talk. Video by Tile Media

Thank you for documenting this crucial chapter in Norfolk history.

Silver Wings Visitor

Silver Wings: 8th Air Force Ground Support: The Men Who Kept the Planes Flying Talk. Video by Tile Media

A message from Silver Wings Project Coordinator, Lucy Blakey -

"The Silver Wings project has had such a broad and successful reach across a variety of Norfolk communities. By engaging with local Aviation Museums, Schools, Youth Groups, Historians and residents it has brought so much previously unheard WWII history to our attention and into focus.

As well as capturing local knowledge on the Airbases it has provided us with so many personal stories and shared memories which could have gone unheard."

A sincere thank you to everyone who made Silver Wings possible - from the dedicated American Library team to our partners, funders, guest speakers, volunteers and all who took part.

Let us know what you thought of Silver Wings!

A huge thank you to all those who visited our Silver Wings exhibition and events! We'd love to hear your thoughts and any feedback you may have in our short survey. You can also be entered into a prize draw to win either a £50 or £25 high street voucher!

Take the survey

Silver Wings was presented by The Forum in partnership with the American Library, Memorial to the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, United States Army Air Forces.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Silver Wings: The US Army Air Forces in WWII Norfolk was made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Supported by The Alan Boswell Group Charitable Trust, Anguish's Educational Foundation, The Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, Norwich Freemen's Charity, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, The Second Air Division Memorial Trust and Simon Gibson Charitable Trust.