The families of Second World War veterans who served at an airbase just outside Norwich have said their final goodbyes as the site prepares to make way for a new housing development.

Relatives gathered at the former RAF Rackheath control tower as part of a one last look event at the neighbouring airfield.

Norwich Evening News: The control tower at the former RAF RackheathThe control tower at the former RAF Rackheath (Image: William Warnes)

The site, which was was home to the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) 467th Bombardment Group during the war, has been chosen by Taylor Wimpey as a space for 3,850 homes, two primary schools and one secondary school. 

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Brian Mahoney, from Newton, Massachusetts, visited Rackheath as the son of James J. Mahoney, deputy commander of the 467th Bombardment Group. 

"It's very hard to put it into words,"  he said, looking out over the former airfield. 

Norwich Evening News: Brian MahoneyBrian Mahoney (Image: William Warnes)

"But whenever I come here I always feel I am standing where my father stood. 

"Nothing compares to that."

Plans will see the famous control tower remain untouched and continue to be used for offices.

Norwich Evening News: The former RAF RackheathThe former RAF Rackheath (Image: UK Government)

And the remains of the former runway will be transformed into a memorial park.

"I always get a strong sense of my dad while I'm here," said Yvonne Caputo, whose father Michael Caputo served as a navigator at Rackheath.

Norwich Evening News: Yvonne CaputoYvonne Caputo (Image: William Warnes)

"It feels like he's with me.

"The control tower will always represent something left behind to ensure people remember what he did."

Ivan Barnard, who helps run a local heritage group known as the Rackheath Pathfinders, praised Taylor Wimpey for respecting the historical importance of the site. 

Norwich Evening News: Ivan BarnardIvan Barnard (Image: William Warnes)

"I don't like the concept of building on farmland," he said.

"But if it is going to be built then I support the way it is being implemented.

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"It is better to have one developer that is sensitive to the heritage of the site than multiple companies doing their own bits."

Norwich Evening News: The former airfieldThe former airfield (Image: William Warnes)

It is hoped a decision on the Rackheath masterplan will be made by the end of 2023. 

In the meantime, locals are being invited to take part in a consultation to help "refine the project".

"I will miss this view," Mr Mahoney concluded.

Norwich Evening News: Yvonne and Brian said goodbye to the airfieldYvonne and Brian said goodbye to the airfield (Image: William Warnes)

"But they weren't fighting to preserve the museums.

"Societies grow and things change. 

"The developer seems serious about preserving the memories and that's a wonderful thing we really appreciate."

Norwich Evening News: The view of the former airfield from the control towerThe view of the former airfield from the control tower (Image: William Warnes)