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:

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.

Squadrons Stationed at RAF Davidstow Moor

Royal Air Force

Squadron	Dates Stationed	Planes Used	Duties
53 Sqn	1 January 1943 - 18 February 1943	Lockheed Hudson
144 Sqn	10 May 1944 - 1 July 1944	Bristol Beaufighter	Covered the west flank of the Normandy landings. Helped to destroy the German naval forces in Western France
206 Sqn	18 March 1944 - 12 April 1944	B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress
269 Sqn	8 January 1944 - 8 March 1944	Lockheed Hudson, Supermarine Walrus	Air sea rescue duties
281 Sqn det	December 1943 - February 1945	Vickers Warwick	Air sea rescue duties
282 Sqn	1 February 1944 - 19 September 1944	Vickers Warwick	Air sea rescue duties
304 Sqn	7 June 1943 - 13 December 1943	Vickers Wellington	Anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay
524 Sqn	7 April 1944 - 1 July 1944	Vickers Wellington	Patrols against E-Boats off the French coast
547 Sqn	31 May 1943 - 25 October 1943	Vickers Wellington	Anti-submarine patrols over the Bay of Biscay
612 Sqn	12 April 1943 - 25 May 1943	Vickers Wellington	Anti-submarine patrols over the Channel and the Bay of Biscay
1603 Flt	16 December 1942 - 27 January 1943	Hawker Henley	Target towing

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 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

• 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

There is also a flourishing ultra light and microlight flying school.

External links

• www.rafdavidstowmoor.org RAF Davidstow Moor
• Davistow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum
• www.controltowers.co.uk RAF Davidstow Moor
• worldwar2airfields.fotopic.net RAF Davidstow Moor
• www.atlantikwall.co.uk RAF Davidstow Moor
• www.wartimememories.co.uk RAF Davidstow Moor