Allocated to the Eighth Air Force as a bomber base in 1942, Old Buckenham was built during 1942-43 with three concrete runways, 50 loop hardstandings and two dispersed T2 hangars. The station was the exclusive home for the 453rd Bomb Group, equipped with B-24s, from December 1943 to May 1945. The 453rd enjoyed the distinction of having film star James Stewart as its Group Executive Officer during the Spring of 1944. Returned to the RAF in 1945, the station was used as a satellite for maintenance units until closed in 1960. Sold off during 1960-64, the site was then largely demolished and returned to agriculture. However, several original buildings and concrete pads remain at the site, the majority of which form part of Old Buckenham Airfield, with one hard runway and two grass strips.