A WAR memorial dedicated to American servicemen who gave their lives during the Second World War has been renovated.

The monument stands outside the entrance to Boreham Airfield and is dedicated to the memory of men of the 394th Bombardment Group of the 9th USAAF, and associated units, who were based at the airfield.

It was originally put up by the Essex Anglo-American Goodwill Association, which is no longer in existence.

It was looked after by the Chelmsford Air Training Corps, but when major renovation work was needed, Boreham Parish Council stepped in.

The cost of the work was around £1,650 and a contribution of 1,200 dollars was made by the 394th Bomber Group Association, based in the USA.

Al Momme, 87, vice president of the group, flew over to present the cheque at the remembrance and re-dedication service last Thursday.

He served at Boreham as an armourer in 1944.

Parish council chairman Brian Cook said it was an excellent day.

He added: “It was very pleasant to welcome Al Momme. He has written a book about his life as an armourer and he offered to sign it for a donation.

“We raised £175 which will go towards the upkeep. The results of the overhaul are excellent and Mr Momme was delighted.”

A total of 61 aircrew of the bomber group lost their lives during missions carried out from the airfield.