RAF Davidstow Moor

RAF Davidstow Moor
Davidstow, Cornwall in England

RAF Davidstow Airfield - 2 June 1951
RAF Davidstow Moor
Shown within Cornwall
Coordinates 50°38′07″N 004°37′04″W / 50.63528°N 4.61778°W / 50.63528; -4.61778Coordinates: 50°38′07″N 004°37′04″W / 50.63528°N 4.61778°W / 50.63528; -4.61778
Type Royal Air Force station
Site information
Owner Air Ministry
Operator Royal Air Force
Site history
Built 1942 (1942)
In use 1942-1954 (1954)
Airfield information
Elevation 294 metres (965 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
06/24 1,290 metres (4,232 ft) Concrete
12/30 1,820 metres (5,971 ft) Concrete
18/36 1,280 metres (4,199 ft) Concrete

Royal Air Force Station Davidstow or more commonly RAF Davidstow Moor is a former Royal Air Force station located 2.9 miles (4.7 km) north east of Camelford, Cornwall and 11.5 miles (18.5 km) west of Launceston, Cornwall, England.

It was used from late 1942 until 1954 and despite a few periods of intense activity it was one of Coastal Command's lesser used airfields.

History

The land was acquired in 1941 and a three-runway airfield with extensive dispersal area was constructed in the first half of 1942. 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.

RAF Station Davidstow Moor was closed in December 1945 due to the end of World War II. It became a motor racing circuit, known as Davidstow Circuit and in the early 1950s three Formula One races were held there (the Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Races) including the first success for the Lotus marque.

Squadrons Stationed at RAF Davidstow Moor

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 Consolidated Liberator, Boeing 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

Royal Canadian Air Force

Bristol Beaufighter Mk X. This machine is NE255/EE-H of No. 404 Squadron RCAF at RAF Davidstow Moor on 21 August 1944

RAF Davidstow Moor today

The main Watch Tower/Air Traffic Control Tower is clearly visible on the airfield.

The airfield is also used for microlights and motor gliders[1] with three runways in use. The runway lengths and directions are: 02-20, 395m, 06-24, 489m, 12-30, 1450m. PPR is essential for this site. It is currently run by Davidstow Flying Club.

Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum

The Davistow Airfield, ICAO XDAV,[2] and Cornwall at War Museum [3] has been set up to commemorate the work and people of RAF Davidstow Moor. It is located next to a creamery where Davidstow and Cathedral City cheeses are produced. Many exhibits cover life in World War II in Cornwall, including other airfields along the North Cornwall coast, the Royal Navy, Army civilian services, and life on the home front. Other exhibits include artifacts from the Royal Observer Corps and the Light Infantry, vehicles and weapons.

Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum

The Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum is located in the former sergeants' shower block and focuses on the airfield's history during World War II. It includes photographs and local memorabilia.[4]

References

Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.airfieldcards.com/index.php/airfields-delta/davidstowmoor Data Card with up to date information
  2. ↑ http://airportguide.com/airport/United_Kingdom/England/Davidstow_Moor-XDAV/runways.php Airport Guide
  3. ↑ http://www.cornwallatwarmuseum.co.uk Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum
  4. ↑ "Official site". Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum. Retrieved 7 March 2015.

Bibliography

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