RAF Woolsington

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RAF Woolsington opened as a civil airport in July 1935 and was requisitioned by the RAF on the outbreak of World War II. It served at various times as a satellite of both Acklington and Ouston but saw little operational flying. On one notable occasion in 1940, however, a Spitfire of 72 Squadron flying out of Woolsington actually shot down a Ju88 at night - a remarkable achievement for an aircraft considered unsuitable for night fighting. Woolsington's main wartime role was as the base of 83 Maintenance Unit which salvaged crashed aircraft over much of the region. After the war civil flying resumed and the airport is now known as Newcastle International Airport.