The former RAF station and 2344 Squadron
RAF Longbenton
and 2344 Squadron
The history of the RAF station at Longbenton and the Air Cadet squadron which was formed there in 1956. Explore the surviving photographs, records and memories.
Our story
The RAF station and the squadron
RAF Longbenton opened in 1939. 2344 Squadron was formed while the station was still open, in 1956. Both histories are preserved here.
1939 – 1957
RAF Longbenton
Established on former Benton farmland, RAF Longbenton housed No. 15 Balloon Centre and supported the balloon squadrons defending Tyneside’s vital wartime industries. In later years, it was associated with RAF maintenance and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s fighter-control organisation.
Read the full RAF history →
1956 – Present
2344 (Longbenton) Squadron
Founded while the RAF station was still in existence, 2344 Squadron has provided generations of young people with opportunities, friendships and experience. The Squadron received the Freedom of the Borough of North Tyneside in 2014 and reaffirmed it during its 70th anniversary year in 2026.
Read the full squadron history →Key moments
Dates in the station and squadron history
These dates give an outline of the station’s history and the later development of 2344 Squadron.
The balloon centre
No. 15 Balloon Centre was formed in Newcastle in June and moved to Longbenton in August, administering Nos. 936, 937 and 938 Balloon Squadrons.
An air raid on the station
RAF Longbenton was struck during an enemy air raid on the night of 5–6 May. Two members of No. 938 Squadron died.
The cadet chapter begins
2344 (Longbenton) Squadron was formed. The RAF Longbenton station badge was also issued in June of this year.
RAF station closure
The station was disbanded on 1 September, but its connection with aviation and service continued through the Air Training Corps.
Freedom of the Borough
2344 Squadron received the Freedom of the Borough of North Tyneside on 16 December.
Seventieth anniversary
The Squadron reaffirmed its Freedom of the Borough with a parade and service at St Bartholomew’s Church, Forest Hall, on 9 May.
In remembrance
The bombing of RAF Longbenton
During the air raid of 5–6 May 1941, bombs fell on and around the station. Several RAF personnel were wounded, and two men serving with No. 938 Balloon Squadron lost their lives. They are remembered here by name.
Remembered by name
Corporal Walter Sablick Wilson
Died 6 May 1941
AC1 John Clive Matthews
Died of his wounds 7 May 1941
From the collection
Photographs, memories and objects
Surviving records, original photographs and personal recollections help us understand the site and the people who were part of it.
The station and its buildings
Original site plans, aerial photographs, balloon sheds, shelters and the transformation of the former RAF site into modern Longbenton.
People and memories
Photographs, correspondence and memories of former members provide evidence of the Squadron’s early years and its connection with the former RAF station.
Freedom of the Borough
North Tyneside granted the Squadron its Freedom in 2014. A parade and service in May 2026 reaffirmed the honour during the 70th anniversary year.
Help preserve our history
Do you remember Longbenton?
We welcome photographs, documents and memories from former cadets, RAF personnel, staff, families and local residents. Please get in touch if you have material you would be willing to share.
Research and sources
This introductory page draws on published RAF records, local heritage information and the squadron’s own collection. Personal recollections are treated as recollections, not as independently verified official records.
- RAF unit histories — No. 15 Balloon Centre
- RAF station record — Longbenton
- No. 3508 Fighter Control Unit
- RAF casualty records — May 1941
- Tyne & Wear Historic Environment Record
- RAF Heraldry Trust — station badge
- Freedom of the Borough recipients — 2014 record
- 2344 Squadron — 70th anniversary celebrations in 2026