RAF Davidstow Moor facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 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; -4.61778
Type	Royal Air Force station
Site information
Owner	Air Ministry
Operator	Royal Air Force
Site history
Built	1942 (1942)
In use	1942-1945 (1945)
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 Davidstow, also known as RAF Davidstow Moor, was an important airfield in Cornwall, England. It was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. The airfield was located about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) northeast of Camelford. It was active from late 1942 until 1945. Even though it saw some busy times, it was one of the less used airfields by RAF Coastal Command.

History of the Airfield

The land for RAF Davidstow Moor was bought in 1941. Workers quickly built a large airfield with three runways. They also created many areas for planes to park safely. Building the airfield was quite straightforward. It involved removing old fences and closing some small roads. They also had to do some work to drain water from the moorland.

RAF Davidstow Moor closed in December 1945. This was right after World War II ended. Many of the buildings, including the large hangars, were soon taken down. After its military use, the airfield found a new purpose. It became a motor racing track called Davidstow Circuit. In the early 1950s, it even hosted three Formula One races. One of these races was the first win for the famous Team Lotus car company.

Squadrons and Their Missions

Many different RAF squadrons were based at Davidstow Moor. They flew various types of planes and carried out important missions.

• 53 Squadron used Lockheed Hudson planes in early 1943.
• 144 Squadron flew Bristol Beaufighters in 1944. They helped protect the western side of the Normandy landings. They also helped destroy German naval forces in Western France.
• 206 Squadron used large planes like the Liberator and Fortress.
• 269 Squadron flew Lockheed Hudson and Supermarine Walrus planes. Their main job was Air-sea rescue, saving pilots and sailors in trouble.
• 281 Squadron and 282 Squadron also performed air-sea rescue duties. They used Vickers Warwick aircraft.
• 304 Polish Squadron flew Vickers Wellington planes. They patrolled the Bay of Biscay looking for German submarines.
• 404 Squadron RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) used Bristol Beaufighters.
• 524 Squadron flew Vickers Wellingtons. They patrolled the French coast for enemy E-Boats (fast attack boats).
• 547 Squadron and 612 Squadron also flew Vickers Wellingtons. They conducted anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay and the Channel.
• 1603 (AAC) Flight used Hawker Henley planes for target towing. This helped train anti-aircraft gunners.

Many RAF Regiment units were also stationed at Davidstow Moor. These ground units helped protect the airfield and its operations.

Current Use of the Airfield

Today, the old watch office, which was like the air traffic control tower, is still visible. Parts of the airfield are still used for flying. Small aircraft like microlights and motor gliders use three of the old runways. Pilots need to get permission before landing there. The Davidstow Flying Club now manages the site.

Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum

The Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum was created to remember the history of RAF Davidstow Moor. It also honors the people who worked there. The museum is located next to a creamery where famous Davidstow and Cathedral City cheeses are made.

The museum has many exhibits about life in World War II in Cornwall. You can learn about other airfields, the Royal Navy, the Army, and civilian services. There are also displays about what life was like for people at home during the war. Other exhibits include items from the Royal Observer Corps and the Light Infantry. You can also see old military vehicles and weapons. A new hangar was finished in 2016. It now holds larger exhibits. These include a Fairey Gannet and a Hawker Hunter F.6 aircraft. There's also the cockpit of a DH Vampire T.11 jet. Plus, you can see a collection of rare airfield and military vehicles.

Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum

Right next to the main museum is the Davidstow Moor RAF Memorial Museum. This museum is in the old sergeants' shower building. It focuses specifically on the airfield's history during World War II. It uses old photographs and special items to tell the story.

Images for kids

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  Bristol Beaufighter Mk X. This plane belonged to No. 404 Squadron RCAF at RAF Davidstow Moor in August 1944.