The Station

JHC FS Aldergrove is home to 38 Engineer Regiment of the British Army, and units of the Army Air Corps. The Station retains an RAF presence through an RAF Reserve Squadron and a University Air Squadron.

Address

Aldergrove Base, Aldergrove, Crumlin BT29 4BP

Who's based here

Key dates

  • 1918 - Aldergrove opened as a flying station.
  • 1936 - The Station was renamed RAF Aldergrove.
  • 1939-1945 - RAF Aldergrove was an important Coastal Command Station. Long range aircraft flew long range anti-submarine patrols to protect allied shipping in the Atlantic.
  • 1969 - The first Army flying unit, the 17th/21st Lancers Air Squadron, operated from the Station until 1971.
  • 2009 - The Station was handed over to Joint Helicopter Command.

History

Aldergrove officially opened in May 1918 but was virtually unused until May 1925 when it became a fully operational flying Station. The Station was renamed RAF Aldergrove in January 1936, operating as an important Coastal Command Station throughout World War Two. On 20 September 2009 the Royal Air Force Ensign was lowered and the Joint Helicopter Flag raised. Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Aldergrove is now home to squadrons of the Army Air Corps and the equipment of 38 Engineer Regiment; approximately 75 RAF personnel remain stationed at Aldergrove.