Longbenton’s Air & Cadet Heritage
From barrage balloons on the Tyne to the birth of 2344 Squadron.
Unit Lineage (pre-2344 ➜ 2344)
The cadet presence at Longbenton pre-dates the renumbering to 2344. Local records indicate that 131 (Longbenton) Squadron operated here during the early ATC era, before subsequent reorganisation and the formation/renumbering to 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron in 1956.
No. 15 Balloon Centre (1939–45)
Built in 1939 on ~86 acres of former Benton Farm, the site became No. 15 Balloon Centre—home base for 936, 937, 938 Balloon Squadrons—defending the Tyne’s shipyards and war industry with barrage balloons.
- Front Street (E–W) bordered the site; the N–S route is today Marquis Close.
- Rapid construction of Nissen huts, hangars/garages, and accommodation for wartime service.
Balloon flights on and around the Tyne disrupted low-level Luftwaffe attack runs on critical targets.
Northumberland Wing HQ at Longbenton
Following the war, Northumberland Wing Headquarters was located at RAF Longbenton [around 1945-1954], reflecting the site’s ongoing role in regional RAF/ATC coordination before and during the period that led to the formation/renumbering of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron.
RAF Longbenton Station (1956–63)
In 1956 the station was formally recognised and its badge approved: barrage balloon tethered above the Tyne Bridge over water, all proper, with the Newcastle tri-castle motif, acknowledging both the Balloon Centre and local identity.
Records indicate post-war radar/control links at the site, though details are sparse.
Earlier Aviation (1913–18)
From 1913, Armstrong-Whitworth operated an aircraft works at Duke’s Moor, flying from the Town Moor to supply the Royal Flying Corps. The B.E.2c served with No. 36 Sqn RFC at Cramlington (1916) for coastal defence; flat ground at Longbenton (near today’s Quorum Business Park / former Fusilier) acted as a recovery strip.
Site Redevelopment (1990s–2010s)
- 1990s: APHA and Tyneview Park (DWP); new housing (Manorfields; Marquis Close).
- 1994: One of the last wartime hangars demolished.
- ~2014: DVSA Driving Test Centre closed and was later cleared; Benton Farm Mews completed north of the ATC hut.
2344 (Longbenton) Squadron Today
We continue Longbenton’s aviation legacy—offering challenge, service, music, STEM and adventure through the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.