The RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Room

The RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Room, which was generously provided by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), is situated on the former RAF station, which is now the home of the National Construction College (East). Click here to see a map of the site.

The Heritage Room has been equipped with RAF memorabilia, such as photographs, maps and drawings from Bircham Newton's Royal Air Force past. The Heritage Room was first opened for public viewing in the summer of 2005, when three veterans, who served at Bircham Newton during the 1940s, returned for the day to help commemorate the occasion. The photograph shows, from left to right: George Stibbons (ex 206 Squadron), Frank Goff (ex 206 and 279 squadrons) and Mike Applegarth (ex 42 Squadron). The large display board behind the veterans, which is flanked by the RAF ensigns, lists all the station commanders from 1918 until 1962. It also provides details of the most important squadrons that served at Bircham Newton during World War 2, together with their squadron commanders. It is, in effect, a potted history of the RAF station on a single display board. The second photograph shows a former member of 221 Squadron, Joe Crawshaw, presenting the former Chairman of trustees, Neil Grant, with a commemorative mug and other items on behalf of the 221 Squadron Association.

At the current time, the project has insufficient volunteers to open the Heritage Room on a daily basis. However, it is opened periodically for 'Open Days' and in response to requests from interested individuals or groups. Project staff also give talks in the Heritage Room and at other local venues.

The Heritage Room has many unique historical photographs on display, including some from the very early days of the Royal Air Force. Other items of interest include aircraft models, airfield plans and photographs of buildings that have survived until the present day. Original paintings and drawings by Norfolk aviation artist John Stevens are also on display. You may wish to use this link to visit Dereham's Country Gallery website, which shows several examples of John's aviation paintings