Travel Back in Time

The United States Army Air Force and United Kingdom service personnel stationed near Lavenham during World War II have long departed, but their names remain inscribed on the walls of the Old Bar in The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa.

This coming year, 2017, marks the 75th anniversary of United States Forces starting to arrive in the United Kingdom in support of the allies during World War II, and The Swan will commemorate the arrival with a series of 1940s vintage events.

Joining with The Baker Boy Collective, The Swan will host annual events beginning on May 19, 2017, and culminating in the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on May 8, 2020.

Among the events will be a swing dance, a vintage afternoon tea, a film show and a history talk about the 487th Bombardment Group, 8th United States Army Air Force (USAAF), which frequented the bar at The Swan during their time in Eastern England.

Visitors could walk to Lavenham airfield, attend a commemorative service in the church, and expect to see 1940s vehicles and vintage fashions worn around the village.

A Heritage Guide is available for travelers trekking across the United Kingdom for these events. The guide includes information on World War II heritage sites connected with the 8th USAAF across Eastern England.

For more information on the vintage weekend events, visit The Swan's website, where details will be updated regularly.

Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Ian Stolerman.