SECOND World War veterans paid a poignant visit to their old base for what could be the final time.

Pilot Bill Hartshorn, 92, of the 56th Fighter Group, visited Boxted Airfield in Langham along with colleague Frank McCauley, 99.

The young men were part of one of the most important American units based in Europe.

The pair were shown around the airfield as it looks now and the on-site museum which was opened in 2011 where members of the Boxted Airfield Historical Group gathered for a special ceremony.

Mr Hartshorn, who had flown in from Tennessee, said he was touched by the reception he had been given.

He said: “We thought it was important to come and see the base for one last time.

“It is really interesting because I don’t recognise it much.

“In the museum I saw some names that I recognise – a lot of good men and some tragic accidents.

“I have been back once before, about 15 years ago, but this will be the last time I think.

“It looks really beautiful, like pretty farmland.

“To come back was one of the things on our bucket list and we cannot believe it came through.”

Both had been flown over to the UK by the Aces High Aviation Gallery in Buckinghamshire who paid for flights and expenses for the two veterans.

Richard Turner, chairman of the Boxted Airfield Historical Group, was delighted to welcome the duo and their families.

He said: “They have never seen the museum before and were very interested.

“We are proud of their contribution and it is an honour and a privilege to have them here.

“We never thought men of that age would make such a long journey again, and it may be the last time.

“It is very emotional for them.”