RAF Killadeas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF Killadeas
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| Killadeas, County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland | |
 RAF Killadeas
RAF Killadeas
Shown within Northern Ireland
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| Coordinates | 54°25′19″N 7°40′59″W / 54.42194°N 7.68306°W |
| Type | Royal Air Force station |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Air Ministry |
| Operator | Royal Air Force |
| Controlled by | RAF Coastal Command |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1941 |
| In use | June 1942 - 1945 |
| Battles/wars | European theatre of World War II |
| Airfield information | |
| Elevation | 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) AMSL |
| Other | Used Gublusk Bay for runways |
Royal Air Force Killadeas, or simply RAF Killadeas, was a special air base. It belonged to the Royal Air Force, which is the UK's air force. This base was located in Northern Ireland, near the towns of Irvinestown and Enniskillen in County Fermanagh.
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What Was RAF Killadeas?
RAF Killadeas was a military air station. It was built in 1941 and started being used in June 1942. The base played a part in the European theatre of World War II. It was active until 1945.
Its Role in World War II
During World War II, RAF Killadeas was important for training and support. It helped the RAF Coastal Command. This command was in charge of protecting ships and watching the seas. The base used Gublusk Bay as its runways. This means planes took off and landed on the water.
Training and Support Units
Several important units were based at RAF Killadeas. These units helped train pilots and keep aircraft ready.
- No. 131 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF: This unit trained pilots for coastal missions. They learned to fly planes over the sea. This was very important for finding enemy submarines.
- No. 240 Squadron RAF: A squadron is a group of aircraft. This squadron likely flew missions from the base.
- No. 272 Maintenance Unit RAF: This unit was in charge of fixing and maintaining aircraft. They made sure planes were safe to fly.
- No. 302 Ferry Training Unit RAF: This unit trained pilots to fly planes from one place to another. This was called "ferrying" aircraft.
- Coastal Command Flying Instructors School RAF: This school trained the teachers who taught pilots. They made sure new pilots learned correctly.
What is RAF Killadeas Now?
After the war, RAF Killadeas was no longer needed as an air base. It closed down in 1947. Today, the site has a new purpose. It is now home to the Lough Erne Yacht Club. People now use the area for sailing and water sports.
