RAF Harrington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
RAF Harrington
USAAF Station 179  .png) |
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Aerial photograph of Harrington airfield looking north, the main runway runs vertically, 22 April 1944. Note the many aircraft of the 801st Bombardment Group on the various hardstands, also one appearing to be taking off on the main runway.
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| Summary | |||||||||||||||||||
| Airport type | Royal Air Force station | ||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | Air Ministry | ||||||||||||||||||
| Operator | United States Army Air Forces Royal Air Force |
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| Location | Kettering, Northamptonshire, England | ||||||||||||||||||
| Built | 1943 | ||||||||||||||||||
| In use | 1943–1945, 1958–1963 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 535 ft / 163 m | ||||||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 52°23′34″N 000°51′43″W / 52.39278°N 0.86194°W | ||||||||||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||||||||||
 RAF Harrington
Location in Northamptonshire
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RAF Harrington was once a busy Royal Air Force (RAF) base in England. It's located about 5.6 miles (9 km) west of Kettering in Northamptonshire, near the village of Harrington.
This airfield played an important role during World War II and later during the Cold War. During the Cold War, it was a site for Thor missiles, which were powerful rockets designed to carry nuclear weapons. Today, the old missile site is a protected historic place, showing what Cold War buildings looked like.
Contents
A Look Back: History of RAF Harrington
American Air Forces in World War II
RAF Harrington first opened in September 1943. It was built by American Army engineers for large bomber planes. By spring 1944, it was ready for use.
The base was given to the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Eighth Air Force and was known as USAAF Station 179.
The "Carpetbaggers" Group
The first American group to use Harrington was the 801st Bombardment Group (Provisional). They arrived in March 1944. This group became famous as the "Carpetbaggers."
Their main job was to fly secret missions. They delivered supplies and agents to resistance groups in countries occupied by the enemy during World War II. They used Consolidated B-24 Liberator planes for these missions.
The Carpetbagger planes were specially changed for their secret work.
- They had most of their guns removed.
- Special hooks were added to drop supply containers.
- Unneeded radio gear and oxygen tanks were taken out.
- Flash hiders were put on guns to hide flashes at night.
- The undersides of the planes were painted black to make them harder to see in the dark.
Pilots would often fly further into enemy land after dropping supplies. This was to confuse any enemy observers about the real drop zone.
Some planes, like the B-17s, were used to drop leaflets. These leaflets told people in occupied Europe about war news. They also encouraged German soldiers to surrender. Many German soldiers captured in France had seen or carried these leaflets. For people living under enemy rule, these leaflets were a trusted source of news.
The 492nd Bombardment Group
In August 1944, the 801st Bombardment Group became part of the 492d Bombardment Group (Heavy). The 492nd had faced many losses in battle. Instead of rebuilding it, the 801st group's members and planes were used to form the new 492nd.
The 492nd Group stopped its secret "Carpetbagger" missions for a while. They started carrying fuel to Allied forces moving through France and Belgium. They also attacked enemy airfields and other targets.
In March 1945, the 492nd went back to its secret "Carpetbagger" operations. They used B-24, A-26, and British Mosquito planes. They dropped leaflets, demolition tools, and agents over Germany and German-held areas. The group earned a special award for these brave night missions. They also received an award from the French government for their work over France in 1944.
The group flew its last "Carpetbagger" mission in April 1945. After the war, the 492nd Group was set to use B-29 planes for missions over Japan. However, Japan surrendered, and the group was closed down in October 1945.
The Cold War: Thor Missile Site
After World War II, RAF Harrington was mostly used for farming again. But in 1958, it got a new purpose. It was chosen to be one of the RAF's Thor missile sites.
Three large rocket launch pads were built. The entire area was made very secure with fences and bright lights. These Thor missiles could travel about 1,500 nautical miles (2,778 km). They were designed to carry nuclear warheads. The missiles were used by the RAF until 1963, when newer V-bomber planes took over their role.
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In 2011, the Thor missile site at Harrington was given "Grade II listed status." This means it's a protected historic building. It's an important example of buildings from the Cold War era.
RAF Harrington Today
After the Thor missiles were removed, Harrington went back to being farmland. Most of the concrete runways and buildings were taken away. Today, you can still see the three Thor Missile launch pads. Some old farm roads also show where the airfield used to be.
Carpetbagger Aviation Museum
The Carpetbagger Aviation Museum opened in 1993. It tells the story of RAF Harrington and the 801st Bombardment Group. The museum also has exhibits about the secret work of the Special Operations Executive and the Cold War use of Thor missiles.
The museum also includes the Northants Aviation Society Museum. This part shows pieces of World War II aircraft that have been found. It also displays items about life during the war and military equipment.
Wind Park Plans
There are plans to build a wind park at the old airfield. This park would have 7 large wind turbines. Together, they would produce 14 megawatts of electricity.
See also
- List of former Royal Air Force stations
