Riddle Field, Clewiston, Florida, was built as a training base for the British Flying Training Schools (BFTS) programme and was operational for 5 BFTS from 1941-1945. As a result of the co-operation between the USA and UK governments, the American Lend- Lease programme enabled the setting up of seven BFTS across America. These were built to train RAF pilots for combat in a war-free environment and over 11,000 pilots graduated as a result. 1,325 cadets graduated from Riddle Field, and the supporting unit at Carlstrom Field, from the Riddle-Mackay Aero College.





Each BFTS airfield was built to a general specification. The airfield was to be one mile square with two runways and a control tower. At Clewiston, the major runways were grass in a V pattern avoiding cross-wind landing and take-off for trainee pilots.



Riddle Field was also equipped with two large barracks, built in colonial style, with individual rooms for students. Smaller barracks, a large dining hall, a recreational hall, ground and flight school and an infirmary were on site as well as outdoor recreational facilities. A diamond-shaped ring road surrounded the complex.





John Paul Riddle identified the area for the airfield while flying with Wing Commander Harry Hogan DFC over the Everglades in a Stinson aircraft. Riddle landed the aircraft in long grass predicting that this would be the centre of the runways for 5 BFTS. A second choice for the base, the site was chosen by Riddle and Group Captain D V Carnegie and work started in 1941 on an ambitious building programme frequently beset with difficulties. Rattlesnake dens, high humidity and torrential rain delayed the opening of Riddle Field until the autumn of 1941 and early arrivals for 5 BFTS were initially trained at Riddle’s nearby Carlstrom Field.



John Paul Riddle was frequently on site, dressed in seersucker suits, and, always prepared to be involved in the building work; he inspired the workers with his infectious enthusiasm. He is quoted as saying, “The quicker we get this job done, the faster we can train those British kids to fly.”





Riddle Field, Clewiston, operated as a training base for 5 BFTS until 1945. Currently called Airglades Airport it operates as a civil airport and is owned by Hendry County.