RAF Glatton Transforms into Peterborough Business Airport

The former RAF Glatton, an airbase with a significant history during World War II, has evolved into the Peterborough Business Airport, serving private flights and the local community. Once a key military installation, the airfield continues to be operational, demonstrating its adaptability in a post-war context.

Historical Significance of RAF Glatton

RAF Glatton was completed in late 1943 and became a vital asset for the 457th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces. This group, which relocated from Wendover Army Air Field in Utah, was tasked with critical missions, including the strategic bombing of German industrial targets. Their operations were part of the larger campaign known as “Big Week,” which focused on crippling Germany’s air capabilities by targeting ball-bearing plants, aircraft factories, and oil refineries.

During its operational period, the 457th Bombardment Group executed a remarkable total of 237 missions, contributing to the Allied efforts leading up to D-Day. Their bombing runs also included preparations for the Normandy invasion, attacking coastal defenses to facilitate the landing of Allied troops.

Following the conclusion of the war in May 1945, the group was engaged in humanitarian efforts, transporting prisoners of war from Austria to France. RAF Glatton transitioned to peacetime operations under the control of the RAF’s No. 3 Group, which utilized the base for its bomber operations until its closure in 1948.

Modern-Day Operations and Community Impact

After its decommissioning, RAF Glatton was sold and much of the surrounding area reverted to agricultural use. However, notable sections of two runways were preserved, allowing for the establishment of the Peterborough Business Airport. This facility is now open seven days a week, catering to private aviation needs and enhancing local business travel.

The airport features an onsite café that welcomes both members and non-members of the flying club, contributing to a sense of community around the airfield. This transformation has breathed new life into a site steeped in military history, allowing it to serve modern aviation demands.

In addition to its operational role, the legacy of RAF Glatton is honored at All Saints Church in Conington, which houses a memorial dedicated to the men of the 457th Bombardment Group who lost their lives during missions from the base. This recognition underscores the enduring connection between the airfield’s past and its present, symbolizing both sacrifice and resilience.

The story of RAF Glatton reflects a broader narrative of adaptation and remembrance, as the site continues to evolve while paying homage to its historical significance. As the Peterborough Business Airport grows, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of those who once served there and the community that now thrives around it.