WHERE TO STAY
The Autograph Lodge are wooden framed lodges at Cakes & Ale Holiday Park which provide the perfect accommodation with spacious open plan living and dining areas. These lodges have been recently upgraded to have hot tubs installed to their private decking areas to ensure a fantastic holiday experience on the South coast.
RAF Leiston, now known as Cakes and Ale Holiday Park, has a rich and poignant history tied to the heroic efforts of the Allied forces during World War II. Established in 1943, this airbase quickly became a vital operational hub, housing the 357th Fighter Group of the US Army Air Forces. The group, famously known as the ‘Yoxford Boys’ after the nearby village of Yoxford, earned a formidable reputation for their bravery and skill in the skies over Europe. One key figure associated with RAF Leiston was Lieutenant Colonel Francis ‘Kit’ Carson, whose leadership inspired his fellow pilots and whose strategic brilliance was crucial to the 357th’s success. A statue of Carson now stands at the site, honouring his contributions. The Yoxford Boys played a pivotal role in weakening the Luftwaffe, significantly aiding the success of the Allied war effort. They participated in major campaigns, including the D-Day invasion, where their presence was vital. After the war, RAF Leiston was decommissioned, and the bustling runways and hangars gradually gave way to the tranquillity of the Suffolk countryside. Despite this transformation, the history of the site remains well remembered.
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