The 401st Bombardment Group Historical Society is an important part of the history and
traditions of the Group. The Historical Society is comprised of a small group of
history-oriented young Englishmen and their wives who live in towns near
Deenethorpe. As young boys they watched the B-17's of the 401st fly overhead as they
took off and returned from bombing missions during the War.
Individually
and collectively they have conducted research into the Group's activities, collected
artifacts associated with the Group and its aircraft, acted as hosts and guides for
veterans who returned to Deenethorpe in the post-war period, planned and hosted 401st
reunions held in England, maintained the 401st
Group Memorial located at the site of the airfield and represented the Group in
ceremonies held in England involving the U. S. Air Force.
Members of
the Historical Society have attended many of the Association's reunions, and their role in
maintaining the history and traditions has been recognized by making them Honorary
Members of the 401st Bombardment Group Association.
Two former members of the
Historical Society who are now deceased deserve special mention. Mr. S. V. (Vic) Maslen
devoted literally thousands of hours prior to his retirement and all of his free time
after retirement into researching and compiling the records of the 401st Bomb Group in
World War II. The result of his efforts is a series of a dozen volumes detailing the
history of each of the Group's four squadrons and records of individual crews, aircraft
and missions -- probably the most complete and accurate record of any group in the Eighth
Air Force. Mr. Ron Sismey, who was an accomplished local historian and author, was a
regular speaker at Association reunions and a frequent host at functions for 401st
veterans at his home in Weldon, a short distance from the airfield. Their wives carry on
as active members of the Historical Society.
|
