Aldergrove Airfield, Crumlin, Co. Antrim

Aldergrove Airfield, now the home of Belfast International Airport, saw use as a base for several squadrons of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Royal Air Force Training

On 13th November 1939, a photographer from the Belfast Telegraph captured a series of photos of members of the Royal Air Force conducting training exercises using Hawker Henley and Handley Page Heyford planes at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

Royal Navy and 'Link' Training

On 17th November 1939, a photographer from the Belfast Telegraph captured a series of photos of Royal Navy ratings at work with Fairey Swordfish planes and pilots under instruction using a 'Link' Trainer at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm

On 16th April 1940, a photographer from the Belfast Telegraph captured a series of photos of Fairey Swordfish planes in flight while based at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

R.A.F. 502 (Ulster) Squadron

On 18th November 1940, a photographer from the Belfast Telegraph captured a series of photos of Mk. V Armstrong-Whitworth Whitley bombers of R.A.F. 502 (Ulster) Squadron based at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

R.A.F. 245 (Northern Rhodesian) Squadron

On 19th November 1940, a photographer from the Belfast Telegraph captured a series of photos of Bristol Blenheim long-range fighters of R.A.F. 245 (Northern Rhodesian) Squadron based at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

A royal inspection in 1941

His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester landed at R.A.F. Aldergrove on 21st April 1941. He met with officers of the Royal Air Force and Women's Auxiliary Air Force.

Squadron Leader J.W.C. Simpson

On 4th May 1941, Flight Lieutenant Bertrand John Henry Daventry – a photographer with the Royal Air Force – captured a smiling Squadron Leader John William Charles Simpson D.F.C. at R.A.F. Aldergrove, Co. Antrim.

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