Harrington Aviation Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of many Second World War operations. It has always been run entirely by volunteers.

In March 2026, the museum was generously bequeathed to the trustees by the late Roy Tebbutt.

We are committed to honouring Roy’s legacy, along with that of the Carpetbagger Group, by maintaining the museum to the highest possible standard in remembrance of their service and sacrifice.

This includes carrying out essential work including the maintenance and improvement of the site’s water and electrical systems.

History of the Museum

The 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 Bomb Group, especially during Operation Carpetbagger, and their 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; the cold war roles of the airfield at Harrington with the Thor rockets and the French resistance.

How your donation could be used:

£7.5k New water supply

£6.5k New Electricity supply

£4.7k New Library

£2k New display area

£15k New boundary fences

£7k New car park

£8k General Site Maintenance including roofing, guttering, structural improvements and repairs

The Museum is administered by the trustees of the Harrington Aviation Museum, a Registered Charity No 1216449.