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WWII airfields in Bengal witness to lost US warriors

The Statesman Kolkata

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May 16, 2025

The deserted WWII airfields scattered across the districts of South Bengal may have echoed with silent remembrance on Tuesday, as the United States solemnly observed a day honouring its fallen heroes.

- KANCHAN SIDDIQUI

Eighty years ago, dozens of US Army Air Force personnel embarked on their final, fateful missions from these very runways—never to return.

Districts such as East and West Burdwan, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Nadia, and North 24-Parganas still hold remnants of at least 18 airfields constructed by the US Army Air Force during the Second World War.

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