RAF Macmerry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF MacmerryRNAS Macmerry RAF Penston   |
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| Macmerry, East Lothian in Scotland | |||||||||||
 RAF Macmerry
RAF Macmerry
Shown within East Lothian
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| Coordinates | 55°57′02″N 002°53′36″W / 55.95056°N 2.89333°W | ||||||||||
| Type | Satellite Station | ||||||||||
| Code | VC | ||||||||||
| Site information | |||||||||||
| Owner | Air Ministry | ||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Air Force Royal Navy |
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| Controlled by | RAF Fighter Command 1941-42 RAF Coastal Command 1942-46 Fleet Air Arm 1945 |
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| Site history | |||||||||||
| Built | 1928/29 | ||||||||||
| In use | 1929-1953 | ||||||||||
| Battles/wars | European theatre of World War II | ||||||||||
| Airfield information | |||||||||||
| Elevation | 91 metres (299 ft) AMSL | ||||||||||
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RAF Macmerry was an important airfield in Scotland. It was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy during its history. The airfield was located near Macmerry in East Lothian, not far from Haddington and Edinburgh.
People sometimes called it RNAS Macmerry when the Navy used it. It was also unofficially known as RAF Tranent or RAF Penston.
Contents
History of RAF Macmerry
Early Days and World War I
Before Macmerry became a big airfield, a landing spot called Penston was used. This was during the World War I by the Royal Flying Corps. After the war, the Edinburgh Flying Club built Macmerry airfield next to it.
From 1936 to 1939, Macmerry was even used for regular flights. Airlines like North Eastern Airways flew from here. In 1942, the Macmerry airfield grew bigger. It took over the old Penston site.
Macmerry During World War II
When World War II started, regular flights stopped. The RAF took over Macmerry airfield. It became a smaller, supporting base for RAF Drem, a nearby fighter station. But soon, Macmerry's role expanded.
Fighter and Training Roles
From 1941 to 1943, different RAF squadrons were based at Macmerry. They used planes like the Blenheim, Lysander, and Mustang. These squadrons were part of the RAF Army Cooperation Command.
Macmerry was also a training ground. Part of No. 58 Operational Training Unit used it for fighter pilot training. This lasted until April 1942. It also helped train pilots from RAF East Fortune. These pilots learned night-fighting and long-range fighter skills.
Other Wartime Activities
Besides training, Macmerry had other important jobs. A company called Cunliffe-Owen Aircraft repaired and changed planes there. The airfield also hosted a training school for the RAF Regiment. This group protects airfields. There was even an Elementary Gliding School.
Macmerry continued to support RAF Drem. RAF Drem had a Royal Navy night fighter training school. This was 784 Naval Air Squadron. The Navy's use of Macmerry grew in December 1943. 740 Naval Air Squadron was formed there. This squadron used various planes for communication. These included the de Havilland Dominie and Avro Anson.
As the war in Europe ended, fewer home defense fighter stations were needed. But the Fleet Air Arm (the Navy's air force) needed more airfields. They needed to train aircrews for the war against Japan. So, RAF Drem and RAF Macmerry were given to the Royal Navy. They became HMS Nighthawk and HMS Nighthawk II in 1945.
However, the war ended soon after. The Navy didn't need as many aircrews. So, RNAS Macmerry was given back to the RAF in December 1945. After that, military use was mostly for the gliding school. This school closed in 1946.
After the War
In August 1946, the Edinburgh Flying Club reopened the airfield for civil flights. But it closed for good in 1953.
Units Stationed at Macmerry
Many different air force units were based at Macmerry over the years:
- No. 13 Squadron RAF (August 1942)
- No. 63 Squadron RAF (November 1942 - July 1943)
- No. 225 Squadron RAF (August 1942 - October 1942)
- No. 607 Squadron RAF (January 1941 - March 1941)
- No. 614 Squadron RAF (March 1941 - August 1942)
- 740 Naval Air Squadron (December 1943 - September 1945)
- Air Firing Squadron of No. 58 Operational Training Unit RAF (December 1941 - April 1942)
- Satellite of No. 132 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit
- No. 3 Gliding School RAF (March 1944 - April 1946)
- No. 1497 (Target Towing) Flight RAF (December 1942 - June 1943)
- No. 1318 Mobile Wing RAF Regiment
- No. 2737 Squadron RAF Regiment
- No. 2830 Squadron RAF Regiment
- No. 2949 Squadron RAF Regiment
What is Macmerry Now?
Today, the old airfield site is used for farming. There is also a go-kart center. Part of the A1 dual carriageway now runs through it. The areas where buildings and offices used to be are now an industrial estate.
See also
- List of former Royal Air Force stations
