RAF Millom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF Millom
 |
|
|---|---|
| Millom, Cumbria in England | |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Location in Copeland Borough##Location in Cumbria
|
|
| Type | Royal Air Force station |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Air Ministry |
| Operator | Royal Air Force |
| Controlled by | RAF Flying Training Command |
| Defunct museum | RAF Millom Aviation & Military Museum |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1940 |
| In use | 1941-1960 |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
RAF Millom was a special place in Cumbria, England. It used to be a base for the Royal Air Force (RAF). This means it was a military airfield where planes and aircrew were trained.
Contents
The History of RAF Millom
RAF Millom first opened in January 1941. It started as a school to teach airmen how to drop bombs and use guns. This was very important during World War II.
Training Aircrew During Wartime
In the summer of 1941, the base changed. It became a school for air observers. These were the people who helped pilots navigate and spot targets. Later, in 1942, it became an advanced flying unit for observers. This unit trained airmen until 1945.
Units Stationed at Millom
Many different groups worked at RAF Millom over the years. These included units that helped with anti-aircraft training. Other groups focused on training air observers and pilots. Even some naval air squadrons used the base for a time.
- No. 2 Air Observers School RAF
- No. 2 Bombing & Gunnery School RAF
- No. 2 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit RAF
- No. 14 Air Crew Holding Unit RAF
- 776 Naval Air Squadron
- 822 Naval Air Squadron
After the War: New Uses
After World War II ended, the base was mostly looked after but not actively used. Then, in 1953, it reopened for a short time. It became a training unit for new officers. These officers later moved to another base on the Isle of Man.
The RAF Millom Museum
| Established | 1992 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 2010 |
For many years, RAF Millom was quiet. Then, in 1967, it was taken over by the prison service. But the history of the base was not forgotten.
Remembering the Past with a Museum
In 1992, a museum project began. It was called the RAF Millom Aviation & Military Museum. Volunteers and former service members worked hard to collect items. They wanted to show what life was like at the old RAF Millom base. The museum grew quite large, filling many buildings.
Why the Museum Closed
Sadly, the museum faced problems in 2010. It had money troubles and needed to move out of its buildings. These buildings were part of the old airfield, now used by HM Prison Haverigg. The museum tried to find a new agreement, but it didn't work out.
The museum officially closed on September 1, 2010. Many of its exhibits were borrowed and had to go back to their owners. Some local items are now at the Millom Discovery Centre. However, that center has limited space.
What is RAF Millom Now?
Today, the land where RAF Millom once stood has a different purpose. It is now HM Prison Haverigg. This means the site is used as a prison.
