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ALDERGROVE Airport Room
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
The Aldergrove Airport Room at the Ulster Aviation Society offers visitors a glimpse into the rich military history of the airfield from the Second World War to the present day as the Belfast International Airport.
Located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Aldergrove Airport played a crucial role in the war effort, serving as an important base for both British and American air forces.
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During the war, the airport was home to a variety of military aircraft, including fighter planes and bombers, which were deployed in combat missions across Europe.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
The airport was also used for aircraft maintenance and repair, with skilled technicians working around the clock to keep planes in top condition for battle.
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The Aldergrove Airport room at the Ulster Aviation Society displays a range of artefacts and memorabilia related to the airport's military past, especially RAF Aldergrove, including photographs, models, maps, and equipment used and recovered by military personnel during the war.
Visitors can learn about the airport's strategic significance during the conflict and the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served there.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
One of the significant contributions of Aldergrove Airport during the war was its role as a base for anti-submarine warfare.
Aldergrove housed aircraft such as the Consolidated PBY Catalina, which played a vital role in maritime patrol and convoy protection. These aircraft conducted vital reconnaissance missions, hunted enemy submarines, and facilitated the safe passage of Allied ships across the Atlantic.
Image: MARK J. CAIRNS
The exhibit also sheds light on Aldergrove's importance as a training centre for pilots. The airport provided a training ground for countless aviators over the decades, preparing them for combat duty. The skills honed at Aldergrove contributed to the success of Allied air operations during the war.
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Overall, the room is a fascinating tribute to the airport's military history, especially during the Second World War, offering hangar visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the crucial role that Aldergrove played in the conflict and the bravery of the men and women who served there.