RAF Harrington

RAF Harrington is a former military airbase near Kettering that now operates as the Carpetbagger Aviation Museum. The site preserves World War II structures, aircraft components, and equipment collections that illustrate different stages of aviation operations over several decades.

The United States established this facility in 1943 as Station 179 for heavy bomber and special operations missions. In the 1950s, nuclear missiles were positioned here, with their launch structures remaining on the ground as protected historical monuments.

The 801st Bombardment Group flew secret supply missions from this airbase, dropping equipment and personnel to resistance fighters across occupied Europe. Today, visitors can sense the tension and purpose behind these operations through the preserved objects and records on display.

The museum opens primarily on Sundays from March through October. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since much of the experience involves walking around outdoor grounds.

Few visitors know that this site was codenamed Operation Carpetbagger and served as a center for covert missions that continued into 1944. The classified nature of these operations left little documentation, making this airbase a place where hidden wartime history lingers.

Location: Kettering

Location: England

Inception: 1943

Elevation above the sea: 163 m

Address: Sunnyvale Farm, Lamport Rd, Harrington, Northampton NN6 9PF

Email: enquiries@harringtonmuseum.org.uk

Website: https://harringtonmuseum.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 52.39280,-0.86194

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42