RAF Davidstow Moor

RAF Davidstow Moor was an airbase at Davidstow near Camelford in Cornwall, United Kingdom from late 1942 until 1945. Despite a few periods of intense activity it was one of Coastal Command's less-used airfields.

History

The land was acquired in 1941 and a three-runway airfield with extensive dispersal area was constructed in the first half of 1942. Despite the moorland conditions construction was reasonably straightforward, 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, known as Davidstow Circuit. In the early 1950s three Formula 1 races were held there (the Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Races) including the first success for the Lotus marque.

quadrons 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 [http://www.cornwallatwarmuseum.co.uk/ Davistow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum] has been set up to commemorate the work and people of RAF Davidstow Moor. It is located next to a cheese factory.

References

* [http://www.formulaone.free-online.co.uk/formulaone/history/1954/cornwall2.html 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. KeastThere is also a flourishing ultra light and microlight flying school.

External links

* [http://www.rafdavidstowmoor.org/index.htm www.rafdavidstowmoor.org RAF Davidstow Moor]
* [http://www.cornwallatwarmuseum.co.uk/ Davistow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum]
* [http://www.controltowers.co.uk/D/Davidstow_Moor.htm www.controltowers.co.uk RAF Davidstow Moor]
* [http://worldwar2airfields.fotopic.net/c214026.html worldwar2airfields.fotopic.net RAF Davidstow Moor]
* [http://www.atlantikwall.co.uk/atlantikwall/atlantikwall_html/davidstow_moor/south_of_england.htm www.atlantikwall.co.uk RAF Davidstow Moor]
* [http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/airfields/davidstowmoor.html www.wartimememories.co.uk RAF Davidstow Moor]