Torpedo Testing Platform Lough Shore Antrim

Lough Neagh and World War II

Lough Neagh acted as a landing base for aircraft during World War II and was also used as a training area and practice range for fighter and bomber aircraft. The remains of a torpedo testing station are still standing off the shores of Antrim. Many airfields were also built around the shores of the Lough using its flat topography the main one being built at Langford Lodge. Sandy Bay was also used by the American Air force as a landing base for their flying boats. A total of 12 Flying Boat moorings were built together with a number of Marine Craft moorings for attendant vessel's and refuelling. A prisoner of war camps were also built around at Creagh. In all there were seven military airfields closely surrounding Lough Neagh during the war: Aldergrove, Nutts Corner est1941, Langford Lodge 1941; Clontoe 1941, Toomebridge 1942 and the military airfields of Maghaberry and Longkesh in the Moira and Lisburn districts, which also used the target ranges on Lough Neagh. The Ulster Aviation Heritage Centre previously located on Langford Lodge airfield still includes a collection of aircraft from this period. It is presently moving to new premises.

Image: Map showing location of WWII airfields surrounding Lough Neagh. Image copyright: Crown Copyright

Shores of Lough Neagh with the Torpedo Testing Platform in the background surrounded in mist.