Wretham Hall was opened 1939 as an Dr Barnardo evacuation centre, but as an airfield had sprung up at East Wretham and in the spring of 1940 Wretham Hall was needed as an officers mess so it was requisitioned by the R.A.F from Dr. Barnardo's. Closed October 1940.

** The children were moved to Wangford Hall. There were approx. 40 boys aged between 5 and 14 years in the home with 3 female staff, Mrs. Nellie Allan (Matron), Miss Scott and Miss Stokes. The hall was situated on the edge of what is now Lakenheath American Air Force Base. Whilst I was there it was an RAF Base used by Stirling bombers. It was still used by Dr. Barnardo's in 1944, but it eventually moved to Leicester.

Did you know?

East Wretham and Wretham Hall Officially transferred to the US Eighth Air Force in September 1943, the 359th Fighter Group and its three squadrons arrived in October and went into action in December flying P-47 Thunderbolts. The group converted to Mustangs the following spring and remained in occupation until the late autumn of 1945. East Wretham and Wretham Hall was officially returned to the RAF on November 1, 1945.

** Information supplied by Les Hayward.