RAF Skitten facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RAF Skitten
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| Killimster, Caithness in Scotland | |||||||||||
 RAF Skitten
RAF Skitten
Shown within Caithness
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| Coordinates | 58°29′45″N 003°09′50″W / 58.49583°N 3.16389°W | ||||||||||
| Type | Royal Air Force Satellite Station | ||||||||||
| Code | NS | ||||||||||
| Site information | |||||||||||
| Owner | Air Ministry | ||||||||||
| Operator | Royal Air Force | ||||||||||
| Controlled by | RAF Fighter Command 1940-41 RAF Coastal Command 1941-45 |
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| Site history | |||||||||||
| Built | 1940 | ||||||||||
| In use | December 1940 - May 1945 | ||||||||||
| Battles/wars | European theatre of World War II | ||||||||||
| Airfield information | |||||||||||
| Elevation | 20 metres (66 ft) AMSL | ||||||||||
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RAF Skitten was a special air base in Scotland used by the Royal Air Force during World War II. It was located near the village of Killimster in Caithness. This base was a "satellite station," which means it was a smaller airfield that supported a larger main base. It played an important role in the war, especially for certain secret missions.
Contents
What Was RAF Skitten?
RAF Skitten was a military airfield built in 1940. It was located about 5 miles from Watten and Wick. The base was used from December 1940 until May 1945. It was controlled by different parts of the Royal Air Force during the war. First, it was part of RAF Fighter Command, which protected the skies. Later, it joined RAF Coastal Command, which focused on protecting ships and the coast.
Its Role in World War II
During World War II, RAF Skitten was home to many different air squadrons and units. These groups of planes and people helped with various tasks. They flew missions to protect the coast and look for enemy ships or submarines. The base was a busy place with planes taking off and landing regularly.
A Secret Mission: Operation Freshman
One very important event happened at RAF Skitten. On November 19, 1942, a secret mission called Operation Freshman started from this base. This operation was a daring attempt to stop Germany from making atomic weapons. It involved British commandos flying in gliders to attack a heavy water plant in Norway. The mission was very risky and showed the important, though sometimes hidden, role of RAF Skitten.
What is it Now?
Today, RAF Skitten is no longer an active air base. The land where the airfield once stood is now used for other purposes. Some parts of the site are used for quarrying, which means digging up stone. Other parts have been turned into farmland.
See also
- List of former Royal Air Force stations
