Wethersfield is best known for the nearby airbase and its links with the USAF.
Construction of the base began late 1941 and took over 2 years to complete.
The 416th Light Bomber Group (9th Bomber Command equipped with A20's moved in during February 1944 as part of the Allies war effort.
In August 1946 the base was closed down and placed under 'care and maintenance'.
The 20th Tactical Fighter Wing equipped with F-84 Thunder jets moved in mid 1952. During this time the runway was extended and the airfield considerably developed to enable it to fulfil its new role as a front line fighter base within NATO.
In 1970 the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, now equipped with F-100 Super Sabres, transferred to Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire.
USAF personnel, mainly construction, remained until 1990, when the base became a training establishment for the Ministry of Defence police.

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