RAF Millom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF Millom
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| Millom, Cumbria in England | |
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Location in Copeland Borough##Location in Cumbria
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| 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 |
Royal Air Force Millom or more simply RAF Millom was a special place in Cumbria, England. It used to be a base for the Royal Air Force, which is the UK's air force. This base played an important role during World War II.
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A Look Back: RAF Millom's Story
RAF Millom first opened its doors in January 1941. It started as a school where pilots learned how to drop bombs and shoot guns. Later that year, it became a school for air observers. These observers were like navigators and spotters in the planes.
In 1942, it changed again to a training unit for advanced air observers. This continued until 1945. After the war, the base was put "under care and maintenance." This means it was kept safe but not actively used.
In 1953, RAF Millom reopened for a short time. It became a training unit for new officers. This unit moved to RAF Jurby on the Isle of Man in September 1953.
Who Was There?
Many different groups and squadrons used RAF Millom over the years. Here are some of them:
- 'R' Flight of No. 1 Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit RAF
- 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
The RAF Millom Museum
| Established | 1992 |
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| Dissolved | 2010 |
The RAF Millom Aviation & Military Museum was a museum that told the story of the old RAF base. It showed what life was like for the people who worked there. The museum was located in Millom, Cumbria.
After the RAF stopped using the base, different army groups used it in the 1960s. Then, in 1967, the HM Prison Service took over the site.
The museum started small in 1992. But thanks to many hard-working volunteers, it grew a lot. They collected many items and stories from the old RAF Millom.
Why the Museum Closed
In the summer of 2010, the museum faced money problems. The Ministry of Justice, which owned the buildings, asked the museum to move out. These buildings were part of the original airfield.
Sadly, the museum could not find a new place or agree on a new lease. So, on September 1, 2010, the museum officially closed. Many of the items on display were borrowed and were returned to their owners. Some local exhibits are now at the Millom Discovery Centre.
What's There Now?
Today, the land where RAF Millom once stood is used for HM Prison Haverigg.
