The Eastern region will be making the journey from two (2) intial Rendezvous points to RAF Harrington, near Kettering to visit the former home of the legendary ‘Carpet Baggers’, so if you like a little wartime cloak and dagger intrigue, this might just fit the bill.
History
The Carpetbagger Aviation Museum was formed in 1993 for the 50th Anniversary reunion of the USAAF’s 801st / 492nd Bomb Group (The Carpetbaggers) at Harrington. It is housed in the Group Operations Building on the Administration Site of the former Station 179 airfield at Harrington, Northamptonshire, England.
Displays and exhibits within the museum depict the history of the airfield and vividly show the work carried out by the 801st (Provisional) / 492nd Bombardment Group, especially during ‘Operation Carpetbagger’ and the secret missions to deliver agents and supplies to resistance groups in Occupied Europe during the Second World War
Other exhibits and displays include the secret work of the British Special Operations Executive from their RAF base at Tempsford as well as the cold war roles of the airfield at Harrington with the ‘Thor’ Nuclear Missiles.
Full Details Day / Date: Sunday 05th April 2026 Meeting Point 1 : Starbucks, A47, Wisbech By-Pass, PE14 7BF Meeting Time: 09.45 Departing: 10.00 Meeting Point 2: Brewers Fayre, Brampton Hut, Great North Road, Brampton, PE28 4NQ Meeting Time: 09.30 Departing: 11.00 Route Instructions: Yes, (available at the intial rendezvous) Venue: Harrington Aviation Museum, Sunnyvale Farm, Lamport Road, Harrington, NN6 9PF Arrival Time: 11.45 to 12.00 (depending on traffic). Entry Fee: £8 per person Facilities: Disabled - Wheelchair Access / Toilets / Cafeteria ‘light refreshments’ / picnic site. Brochure Download Link: https://harringtonmuseum.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/135513-Carpetbagger-Museum-Leaflet-2024.pdf)
Currently I am not sure of the route as potentially over-running road works may determine the direction we take.
My initial route went via Whittlesey, Ramsey Mereside, Holme, Glatton, Brigstock, around Kettering to the North and then drop on to the A14, however, Holme Road is close until the 31st March, so I am currently looking at an alternative, which takes us through Alconbury Weston.
Jen and I are hoping to get out and test the run, next week, once we have done that I will give you the full update.
We’re going for breakfast at the Brewers Fayre at Brampton Hut (behind the Premier Inn) at 9.30. If anyone is joining us please let us know so that we can reserve an area. We intend to leave at 11.00.
Hello,
I just saw this. My daughter and I will join you at Brampton Hut for breakfast. Don’t stand on ceremony and wait for us, but saving a few seats would be appreciated thanks
