RAF Cluntoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF CluntoeUSAAF Station 238  .png) |
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| Ardboe, County Tyrone in Northern Ireland | |||||||||||
 RAF Cluntoe
RAF Cluntoe
Shown within Northern Ireland
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| Coordinates | 54°37′19″N 006°32′07″W / 54.62194°N 6.53528°W | ||||||||||
| Type | Satellite Station | ||||||||||
| Site information | |||||||||||
| Owner | Air Ministry | ||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Air Force United States Army Air Forces |
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| Site history | |||||||||||
| Built | 1940-42 | ||||||||||
| In use | 1942-1959 | ||||||||||
| Battles/wars | European theatre of World War II | ||||||||||
| Airfield information | |||||||||||
| Elevation | 25 metres (82 ft) AMSL | ||||||||||
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RAF Cluntoe was an important airfield, or air base, located in Northern Ireland. It was near the town of Ardboe in County Tyrone. This base was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and later by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).
History of RAF Cluntoe
Building RAF Cluntoe started in December 1940. It took a while to finish, finally opening in July 1942. The original plan was for Cluntoe to be a training base for RAF pilots. However, when it first opened, it was mostly used as a place where planes could land in an emergency.
Cluntoe during World War II
Things changed on August 30, 1943. The airfield was then given to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). They called it "USAAF Station 238."
In November 1943, a special training center opened at Cluntoe. It was called No. 4 Combat Crew Replacement Center. Here, crews learned to fly large Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress planes. In February 1944, training for Consolidated B-24 Liberator planes was added. The center was renamed No. 2 CCRC in March 1944. It closed down in November 1944.
After the War
After the war ended, the airfield was given back to the RAF. It closed in June 1945. However, it was fixed up and reopened in February 1953. It was used by No. 2 Flying Training School RAF. This school only stayed until June 1954, when it moved to another base. RAF Cluntoe was finally closed for good in 1955.
Interestingly, a local soccer team named Cluntoe played in the Mid Ulster League during the 1953-1954 season.
What is Cluntoe now?
Today, the land where RAF Cluntoe once stood is called Ardboe Business Park.
