2344 (Longbenton) Squadron

Who we are, what we do, and the story of our squadron.

Founded: 1956
Wing: Durham & Northumberland
Parade Nights: Tue& Thu, 19:00–21:30
Location: Longbenton

Who we are

2344 (Longbenton) Squadron is part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. We’re a busy, welcoming unit delivering flying and gliding opportunities, adventure training, fieldcraft, first aid, STEM, drill and ceremonial. Cadets progress through badges, qualifications and leadership roles – building confidence, skills, and friendships for life.

Regular parade nights with varied training
Weekend activities, camps and expeditions
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award from Bronze to Gold
Community events and ceremonial parades

Proudly serving our community

Since 1956

Our History

1956

Squadron established

2344 (Longbenton) Squadron is formed, welcoming its first intake of cadets and volunteers.

1990s

New HQ & growth

Move to updated facilities; expansion of adventure training and DofE programme.

2010–2019

Regional recognition

Cadets achieve regional awards in leadership, first aid and music; increased community engagement.

2020s

Modernisation

Digital learning, renewed links with local units, and strong cadet numbers across all flights.

1913

Armstrong-Whitworth Factory Founded

Duke’s Moor, Newcastle More +

Armstrong Whitworth aircraft inside the hangar

From skating rink to aircraft factory

In 1913, Armstrong-Whitworth established an aircraft works at Duke’s Moor, converting a former skating rink that had once been the grandstand of Newcastle Racecourse.

The factory produced early aircraft which were flown from the Town Moor to newly formed Royal Flying Corps squadrons across the North East.

1916

RFC Benton

Benton, Newcastle More +

Airfield in Benton

The B.E. 2c was built and delivered to No. 36 Squadron RFC based at Cramlington aerodrome in 1916 and used by the squadron for home defence on the coast between Whitby and Newcastle.

A patch of flat land was found in Longbenton to use as a recovery or emergency landing site. It is thought that land between the now Quorum Business Park and the site of the former Fusilier pub.

1939

RAF Long Benton

Benton, Newcastle More +

No. 15 Balloon Centre HQ

RAF Longbenton was built in 1939 to be used as a large barrage balloon centre for the local area, providing training and storage of equipment for balloon operators.

The base was built on 86 acres of what was farm land belonging to Benton Farm (the location now occupied by our building). Nissen huts, storage garages (hangars) and living quarters were erected on the site.

The main road running east-west along the top of the image is Front Street, the north-south road in the centre is now Marquis Close.

1940’s

WWII

Newcastle More +

Tyne Barrage

The site was known as No. 15 Balloon Centre and was the ‘home base’ for 936, 937, and 938 Balloon Squadrons.

Some of these units were tasked with the flying of balloons on the Tyne, stopping Luftwaffe bombing runs destroying the war infrastructure such as the shipyards, or armament factories.