Langford Lodge
LANGFORD LODGE: Military aerodrome later private airstrip and model flying
Note: These three pictures were obtained from Google Earth ©
Military users: WW2: USSTAFE Air Service Command 3rd Base Air Depot
311, 312 & 321 Air Transport Sqdns (Douglas C-47 Skytrains)
RAF: No.4 & 5 Air Navigation Schools (Avro Ansons)
No.237 Maintenance Unit
20 SLG (Satellite Landing Ground)
Manufacturing: Lockheed Overseas Corporation
Operated by: Martin-Baker from at least the 1970s to -
Location: W of A52, E of Lough Neath, 4nm W of Crumlin, 3nm SW of ALDERGROVE
Period of operation: Military: 1941 to 1946 Civil: 1970s to -
Runways: WW2: 02/20 1829x46 hard 06/24 1399x46 hard
2000: 03/21 hard 08/26 1450 hard
NOTES: It appears that before the USSTAFE moved in LANGFORD LODGE was a Satellite Landing Ground administered by 23 MU RAF ALDERGROVE. However, it seems unclear as to when this site first started operations.
THE LOCKHEED CONNECTION
In his excellent book British Built Aircraft Vol.5 Ron Smith says that from August 1942 Lockheeds had a repair and servicing facility for USAAF aircraft. He also says that they carried out assembly of some Lend-Lease aircraft, in particular the Lockeed P-38 Lightning and Brewster Buffalo types.
ANOTHER ASPECT
He also mentions, (listed under Crumlin), the firm of W H Ekin who, from 1969, built a productionised version of the McCandless autogyro. It appears the prototype first flew on the 1st February 1972, so, probably from here? If this assumption is correct then possibly later aircraft were also test flown here? It appears they built six MCCandless Mk.IVs and six of the developed type, the W.H.E. Airbuggy, with a total of twelve examples, (of both types), being registered by 1974. Errrrr…..then what?
A 1980s airfield guide says the aerodrome is 1nm N of Crumlin. It is west of Crumlin.
MODEL FLYING
It appears that both the Langford Model Aviation Club and the Langford Model Heli Club have used this site, and perhaps still do?
AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL
On the 2nd March 1989, a Dan Air BAe748 flying from NEWCASTLE, bound for BELFAST INTERNATIONAL, landed here by mistake.
There have of course been many other examples of airliners landing on airfields near to their intended destinations. Like the Pan Am 707 landing at NORTHOLT, when LONDON AIR PORT, (now HEATHROW), was the destination.
When learning to fly, I was warned to beware of seeing what you are looking for. It was very good advice.
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