In October 2023 we received an email from an American gentleman who had been on honeymoon in Paris the previous month. 

He had seen the article on the old FONFA website about Lt Norris who flew in the 393rd Fighter Squadron 367th Fighter Group. This article concerned the display we have at centre off artefacts belonging to Lt Norris.These had been  sent to FONFA by his daughter Linda Bloom.

Now the reason he was searching for information.

Being interested in baseball memorabilia he had purchased an old baseball glove from a Military Supply store. They claimed it was an American glove from WW2. He works in baseball and loves baseball history, so he sent it to his contacts at the baseball hall of fame, and they confirmed that the glove style is genuine for the WW2 era.

I wasn’t sure what the 367 imprint and 393 handwritten numbers meant, but after finding this article, he strongly believed that this glove belonged to a member of the 367th Fighter Group/393rd Fighter Squadron.

He had no interest in parting with it, but he thought Linda Bloom might appreciate knowing that this glove is now back in the US and in good hands!. When Linda ,was informed of this find and its return with the US, she was delighted.

It is not surprising that the glove surfaced in France. Although the Group's initial two bases in Europe were in the UK at Stoney Cross, from April to July 1944, and Ibsley, for three weeks in July, most of their time in Europe was spent on French airfields.

Are you able to give a few hours a month to join FONFA’s small team of volunteers to help us improve access to the Heritage Centre and our archives.p

An important part of the heritage that we preserve for future generations is in our reference library. This library consists of books, document, maps, photos, and pictures. Many are of historic value, are out of print or one-off documents. Our library has outgrown the current cataloguing system.

We are therefore looking for enthusiastic volunteers, perhaps with some library or basic computer experience, to join our team and help develop and implement a new cataloguing system. Aviation knowledge is not required, but an enthusiast will find it most fascinating. Basic computing skills will be required to input and maintain the electronic catalogue. We recognise that this is a long-term project and only expect a volunteer to give a few hours a month.

We are also looking for more volunteers to help us improve access to the heritage centre. No prior experience is required as training will be given. 

To find out more about these volunteering opportunities or for more information please email Sam at fonfa2010@gmail.com or speak to one of our volunteers at the Heritage Centre.