Also known as Maze Long Kesh
The story of RAF Long Kesh
Tomahawks of No. 231 Squadron, Bostons of No. 88 Squadron and Spitfires of No. 74 Squadron flew from the airfield. Seafires also used it. From December 1942 to April 1944 No. 5 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit was based here. The Ministry of Aircraft Production built hangars for Short Brothers to assemble Stirling bombers, and some were built on site. The assembly line moved to Maghaberry, and Long Kesh then made Stirling wings. Miles Aircraft later used a hangar for final assembly and test flying of the Messenger, built at Banbridge.
The station closed in October 1947. In August 1971, during the Troubles, the disused airfield became the Long Kesh Detention Centre for internees held without trial. From 1976 the H-Blocks replaced the compounds, and the site became HM Prison Maze. The wartime hangars survived and now house the Ulster Aviation Society's collection.
Flying units
| Unit | Years | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| No. 231 Squadron | 1941–1942 | Curtiss Tomahawk |
| No. 88 Squadron (detachment) | 1941–1942 | Douglas Boston III |
| No. 74 Squadron | 1942–1942 | Supermarine Spitfire I |
| No. 5 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit | 1942–1944 | |
| Short Brothers Stirling assembly |
What survives
- Wartime hangars, now home to the Ulster Aviation Society collection
The museum on the airfield
| Museum | Adult entry | Airframes | Headline exhibit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulster Aviation Society (Maze Long Kesh)Lisburn, County Antrim | By appointment | 63 | The Shorts family — SC.1 vertical take-off research aircraft included — plus a Buccaneer, Phantom, Wildcat, and a newly arrived AV-8… |