Airfields Used By NZ Squadrons During WW @, RAF Stranraer

RAF Stranraer

Image Source

Also known as Loch Ryan, RAF Corswall, RAF Kirkcolm, and RAF Wig Bay.

The loch is an important natural harbour for shipping, providing calm waters for ferries operating from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

The Loch is about 8 miles [13 km long, from North to South, and about 3 miles [4.8 km] wide at the widest point

Stranraer is located at the inner end of the Loch.

During the War, construction of port facilities on a large scale were carried out, so that if shipping on the Clyde, or Mersey was affected they could use these new facilities.

The harbour was well used during the arrival of USA Troops after 1942

With the U-Boat menace in the Atlantic taking a heavy toll on merchant shipping the area became an important centre for Anti U-Boat operations.

There were two RAF Stations on the Loch, one at Wig Bay, near Kirkcolm, the other at the town of Strenraer.

Both Stations operated flying boats to cover the Allied shipping making its way to Glasgow or Liverpool, either via the North Channel or the Firth of Clyde

On 28th March 1943 No 490 [NZ] Squadron was formed at Stranraer Station, and equiped with Catalina flying boats, before being moved to Jui Sierra Leone in June 1942.

Image Source

Consolidated Catalina

Following their withdrawal from service in 1972 and 1979 respectivally, both HMS Eagle and Ark Royal were taken to Cairnryan in October 1978 and September 1980 to the ship breaking yards there.

They were followed many other former Naval Ships ranging from Submarines and frigates to Aircraft Carriers.

[Image Source]https://www.scotsman.com/news/stranraer-seaplane-warbase-to-be-remembered-1-4080297)

A Stranraer Flying Boat landing at Loch Ryan/RAF Stranraer

with thanks to son-of-satire for the banner