RAF Davidstow Moor

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RAF Davidstow Moor
Command: Coastal Command
Function: Operational, Parent
Runways: 304 deg 2,000 x 50yd

248 deg 1,400 x 50yd

210 deg 1,400 x 50yd
Runway surface: Concrete
Hangars: T.2 x 3
Dispersals: 50 x Concrete 130ft diam
Personnel: Officers - 302 (4 WAAF)

Other Ranks - 2 958 (508 WAAF)
Coordinates: SX 150 850
RAF Davidstow Airfield - 2 June 1951
RAF Davidstow Airfield - 2 June 1951

RAF Davidstow Moor was an airbase near Camelford in Cornwall, United Kingdom from 1942 until 1945. Despite a few periods of intense activity it was one of Coastal Commands's lesser used airfields.

Contents

[edit] History

The land was acquired in 1941 and construction took place in first half of 1942. Providing a three runway airfield with extensive dispersal area. Despite the moorland conditions construction was reasonably straightforward, although it did involve the removal of various field boundaries the closure of minor roads and some drainage work.

The airfield was closed in December 1945 to become a motor racing circuit, in the early 1950s three Formula 1 races were held there including the first success for the Lotus marque.

[edit] Squadrons Stationed at RAF Davidstow Moor

[edit] Royal Air Force

Squadron Dates Stationed Planes Used Duties
53 Sqn 1 January 1943 - 18 February 1943 Lockheed Hudson
144 Sqn 10 May 1944 - 1 July 1944 Bristol Beaufighter Covered the west flank of the Normandy landings.
Helped to destroy the German naval forces in Western France
206 Sqn 18 March 1944 - 12 April 1944 B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress
269 Sqn 8 January 1944 - 8 March 1944 Lockheed Hudson, Supermarine Walrus Air sea rescue duties
281 Sqn det December 1943 - February 1945 Vickers Warwick Air sea rescue duties
282 Sqn 1 February 1944 - 19 September 1944 Vickers Warwick Air sea rescue duties
304 Sqn 7 June 1943 - 13 December 1943 Vickers Wellington Anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay
524 Sqn 7 April 1944 - 1 July 1944 Vickers Wellington Patrols against E-Boats off the French coast
547 Sqn 31 May 1943 - 25 October 1943 Vickers Wellington Anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay
612 Sqn 12 April 1943 - 25 May 1943 Vickers Wellington Anti-submarine patrols over the Channel and the Bay of Biscay
1603 Flt 16 December 1942 - 27 January 1943 Hawker Henley Target towing

[edit] Royal Canadian Air Force

[edit] RAF Davidstow Moor today

The main control tower is clearly visible on the airfield. More recently a Davistow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum has been set up to commemorate the work and people of RAF Davidstow Moor. It is located next to a cheese factory.

[edit] References

  • Lotus's first Formula 1 success
  • The Military airfields of Britain, South-Western England (ISBN 1-86126-810-6)
  • A Guide to Airfields of South Western England, Baron Jay Publishers
  • Memories and Records of RAF Davidstowe Moor Cornwall by D.C. Keast

There is also a flourishing ultra light and microlight flying school.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 50.63526° N 4.61748° W