A group of actors who starred in a hit television series about brave American airmen has visited the Norfolk airfield they flew from.

The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum opened its doors to actors from Masters of the Air, which premiered earlier this year. 

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks were executive producers of the series which is based on Donald Miller's non-fiction book Masters of the Air.

It follows the Americans in the US 8th Air Force with the 100th Bomb Group, based in Thorpe Abbotts, near Diss. 

The bomb group was also known as the "Bloody Hundredth" because of the heavy losses they suffered while conducting bombing raids over Germany.

Austin Butler in Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ Picture: Apple TV+Austin Butler in Masters of the Air on Apple TV+ Picture: Apple TV+ (Image: Apple TV+) Masters of the Air actor, Johnny Haliwell, at Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum where the TV series was set.Masters of the Air actor, Jonathon Halliwell, at Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum where the TV series was set. (Image: Denise Bradley)The group of actors expressed how "honoured" they felt to be visiting the museum.

Jonathon Halliwell, who played Sgt William J DeBlasio, was one of the actors that has returned to the former airbase a couple of times before.

He said: "It's amazing being here."

Louis Greatorex, who played Lt "Bubbles" Payne, said: "It feels like I have been here already.

"I feel very lucky and honoured to be here."

Josh Bolt, who played Lt "Pappy" Lewis, said: "It is weird being here because it is so similar to where we shot. It’s like coming home.”

Michael James, who played Sgt Loren Darling, said visiting the museum "reminds you how important this series was and how it transcends a regular drama series."

READ MORE: Sergeant Henry William Meacham's sketchbook sold at auction

Trustee Richard Gibson, who has been at the Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum for 46 yearsTrustee Richard Gibson, who has been at the Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum for 46 years (Image: Denise Bradley) Since the show aired earlier this year, Richard Gibson, trustee of the memorial museum, said visitors have increased three-fold.

Mr Gibson has been involved in the project for the last 46 years and helped with the restoration of the tower. 

He said: "I have met a lot of the real characters you see in the series.”

Mr Gibson has seen the show three times and said he "thoroughly enjoyed" it.

READ MORE: Where is new Apple TV+ war series Masters of the Air set?

Volunteer Simon Quilter in the control tower at the Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial MuseumVolunteer Simon Quilter in the control tower at the Thorpe Abbotts 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum (Image: Denise Bradley) READ MORE: Beccles marks the 80th anniversary of Eric Fox's bravery

Simon Quilter, volunteer at the museum, said: "We are getting people across all ages, so we have a lot of youngsters and a lot of families.

"People have been coming from across Europe, the United States, and Canada.”

Having the actors tour the site themselves, he said was "so special".

A weather vane at the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum A weather vane at the Memorial Museum (Image: Denise Bradley)

The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum on the watch towerThe 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum on the watch tower (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE: Couple will sail WW2 boat to lay D-Day wreaths at Normandy

American airmen at RAF Mildenhall also attended the museum as they continue the 100th Bomb Group's legacy. 

Captain Geneva Giaimo said:  “It is so exciting to get to come out and celebrate the history of the Bloody Hundredth.

"We have been so lucky at Mildenhall to be involved in the history and the legacy.”