Scottish Airfields in the Second World War
, by Chorlton, MartynNote: Supplemental materials are not guaranteed with Rental or Used book purchases.
- ISBN: 9781846741487 | 1846741483
- Cover: Paperback
- Copyright: 12/31/2009
The contribution of Scotland's airfields during the Second World War is sometimes underestimated or even overlooked completely, but the aircraft that flew from the seven airfields of Fife and Central Region were of crucial importance in the battle to keep the North Sea open to allied ships. Leuchars was ready for action from the very beginning of the war, carrying out coastal and shipping patrols. Aircraft based at Leuchars were also able to take the fight to the enemy as the ports and airfields of occupied Norway were within easy reach of the RAF's bombers. As the war progressed, more airfields were built. Crail was commissioned by the Royal Navy as HMS Jackdaw and quickly established itself as a training station. It used Dunino as a satellite airfield, and both airfields were home to Polish squadrons. Grangemouth, originally planned as a civilian airport, was used for training and got its own satellite airfield at Balado Bridge. Norwegian squadrons were stationed at the seaplane base at Woodhaven and were not only involved in delivering and picking up agents supporting the resistance movement, but were also engaged in submarine hunting, convoy escort duties and transport flights. Stravithie was a satellite landing ground used for storage and maintenance. Donibristle, one of Scotland's earliest airfields, was transferred to the Admiralty in 1939 and commissioned as HMS Merlin. Martyn Chorlton's thoroughly researched and action-packed book describes the history of these airfields, highlights the work carried out from them and describes their overall effect on the war. It will appeal equally to aviation enthusiasts and to readers who recall the era when Scottish skies throbbed with the drone of departing and returning aircraft.