Our final 'Airside' walk for 2026 took place on Saturday 19th September, with another large group being welcomed to the site.

We were delighted to welcome three American couples on this walk, all with a family link to the 8th Air Force.

Raymond & Jackie - Raymond's uncle was Sgt. William C. White, who was part of the 15th Air Force flying out of Italy. He was a ball turret gunner on B-24's, and was credited with 10 combat missions. On 17th December 1944, his B-24 was shot down and William was KIA.

Mary & George -Mary's father was Capt. Joseph Stanley Laboda, pilot of the 545th Bomb Squadron, 384th Bomb Group - flying out of Grafton Underwood itself. He was credited with 48 combat missions before completing his tour.

David & Lisa - David's father was 2nd Lt. James Milton Smith, pilot/co-pilot 544th Bomb Squadron, again 384th Bomb Group flying out of Grafton Underwood. He was credited with 31 combat missions, completing his tour with the ceasing of hostilities in 1945.

We have one remaining guided walk for 2026, our 'Museum and Communal Sites' walk, on Saturday 17th October.