RAF Davidstow Moor
| RAF Davidstow Moor | |
|---|---|
| Command: | Coastal Command |
| Function: | Operational, Parent |
| Runways: | 304 deg 2,000 x 50yd
248 deg 1,400 x 50yd 210 deg 1,400 x 50yd |
| Runway surface: | Concrete |
| Hangars: | T.2 x 3 |
| Dispersals: | 50 x Concrete 130ft diam |
| Personnel: | Officers - 302 (4 WAAF)
Other Ranks - 2 958 (508 WAAF) |
| Coordinates: | SX 150 850 |
RAF Davidstow Moor was an airbase near Camelford in Cornwall, United Kingdom from 1942 until 1945 Despite a few periods of intense activity it was one of Coastal Commands's lesser used airfields.
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History
The land was acquired in 1941 and construction took place in first half of 1942. Providing a three runway airfield with extensive dispersal area. Despite the moorland conditions construction was reasonably straight forward, although it did involve the removal of various field boundaries the closure of minor roads and some drainage work.
The airfield was closed in December 1945 to become a motor racing circuit, in the early 1950s three Formula 1 races were held there including the first success for the Lotus marque.
Squadrons Stationed at RAF Davidstow Moor
Royal Air Force
Royal Canadian Air Force
 | 404 Sqn 8 May 1944 - September 1944 Bristol Beaufighter |
RAF Davidstow Moor today
The main control tower is clearly visible on the airfield. More recently a museum has now been set up by Steve and Sheila Perry to commemorate the work and people of RAF Davidstow Moor and surrounding airfields
References
| Lotus's
first Formula 1 success
| The Military airfields of Britain, South-Western England (ISBN
1-86126-810-6)
| A Guide to Airfields of South Western England, Baron Jay Publishers
| Memories and Records of RAF Davidstowe Moor Cornwall by D.C. Keast | |