Boaz Island, Bermuda facts for kids
Hangar at RNAS Bermuda on Boaz Island
|
|
Map of Bermuda showing Boaz Island in red
|
|
 Boaz Island
Location in Bermuda
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°18′22″N 64°51′23″W / 32.30611°N 64.85639°W |
| Administration | |
|
Bermuda
|
|
Boaz Island is one of the six main islands that make up Bermuda. It was once known as Gate's Island or Yates Island. This island is part of a group of islands in western Bermuda. These islands form Sandys Parish.
Boaz Island sits between two other larger islands: Ireland Island and Watford Island. Today, Boaz Island is connected to Watford Island by a man-made land bridge. Watford Island is connected to Somerset Island by Watford Bridge. Boaz Island is also linked to Ireland Island by Gray's Bridge.
Contents
History of Boaz Island
Early Uses and Barracks
In the mid-1800s, a place called the Clarence Barracks was built on Boaz Island. These barracks were used to house workers. A hospital and other buildings were also constructed on nearby Watford Island.
Later, in the 1860s, the workers' housing program ended. Both Boaz and Watford islands were then given to the British Army. At this time, the bridge between the two islands was replaced with a man-made land connection.
After World War I, the number of British Army forces in Bermuda was reduced. In the 1930s, both islands were given back to the Royal Navy. Starting in 1939, Boaz Island and Watford Island became the Royal Naval Air Station Boaz Island.
This air station was very important. Its main job was to fix, maintain, and replace floatplanes and flying boats. These aircraft belonged to naval ships.
World War II Role
Early in World War II, the planes from Boaz Island helped patrol the seas. They looked for enemy submarines. Pilots from the Bermuda Flying School on Darrell's Island also helped with these patrols. Later, special planes called target tugs were based here. These planes helped Allied naval ships practice their aiming skills in Bermuda's waters.
After the War
After World War II, the air station was mostly closed down. In the 1950s, Boaz Island and Watford Island were given to the local government of Bermuda. Today, only a hangar building and two slips remain from the old air station.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Boaz para niños
