[Kyt]

http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/n...A03%3A08%3A140

A PHOTOGRAPHER has captured the fading memories of abandoned World War II airfields.

Ghost Fields of East Anglia, a 144-page hardback book by Norwich based author Martin Bowman, includes pictures of wartime Suffolk.

It features surviving airfields and deserted bases, brought to life through photographs and stories of those who were there.

Alongside images of wall art, there are aerial photographs of the airstrips and on the ground ivy-clad ruins of all that remains.

The book features sites including Debach, Knettishall and Honington airfields and wartime artwork from Lavenham and Mendlesham, near Stowmarket.

It includes extracts from servicemen, locals who recall their memories of the GIs, and a farm girl from the Framlingham area who tells of the moment she saw the Yanks arriving.

Photographer Mr Bowman said: “The young Americans with their well-cut uniforms, new accents and money created a colourful and heroic chapter in the lives of the British people that is still remembered today.

“On desolate airfields dilapidated brick buildings refuse to fade away without a fight. On many hut wall ghostly images and colourful yet faded pin-ups too are a poignant reminder of the time when East Anglia was Little America, to those who faced the sheer horror of mission after mission so long ago.”

A spokeswoman for publishers Halsgrove said: “This book honours those who briefly made East Anglia their home and is a fitting tribute to their comradeship and bravery.”

Ghost Fields by Martin Bowman is published by Halsgrove and costs £14.99.