Davidstow Airfield
The runways and buildings on Davidstow Moor airfield are still in place but in a much dilapidated condition. The Americans built the site during 1942.
The runways have huge potholes in them but are still used for helicopter exercises by the RAF. They were used for practise during the Falklands conflict as the terrain is very similar to that on the Falkland Islands.
There is a right to roam policy concerning the airfield whereby anyone can walk on the airfield and take a look at the buildings - at their own risk. The local farmers have "commoners grazing rights" so you will always see horses, and sheep on the land. The sheep use the buildings for shelter when it's raining.
As said in a previous post 4624 Squadron RAF Brize Norton are, in conjunction with The Cornwall At War Museum, working to restore the Bomb Aimers Training building. This is the only building receiving any attention on the airfield.
On a good weather day you can see for miles from the top floor of the control tower. Straight ahead are the two tors, Rough Tor and Brown Willy, that were used for navigation and must have been a welcome sight after hours of flying. During WWII the runways were painted green to blend in with the countryside and confuse the enemy.
In the 1950's the airfield was used a Grand Prix motor racing track. The only barricades between the cars and the people were bales of straw.
The best way to see the airfield and the buildings is with one of the museums tours that run every Thursday afternoon throughout July, August and September. The old blue electric bus, lovingly named Marlene, takes you all around the airfield, stopping at buildings along the way. Rod Knight gives a commentary on the buildings and places of interest. What Rod doesn't know about the airfield isn't worth knowing! The tour lasts for the best part of 2 hours and due to popularity is best booked in advance by ringing the number shown on the museum website.
The runways have huge potholes in them but are still used for helicopter exercises by the RAF. They were used for practise during the Falklands conflict as the terrain is very similar to that on the Falkland Islands.
There is a right to roam policy concerning the airfield whereby anyone can walk on the airfield and take a look at the buildings - at their own risk. The local farmers have "commoners grazing rights" so you will always see horses, and sheep on the land. The sheep use the buildings for shelter when it's raining.
As said in a previous post 4624 Squadron RAF Brize Norton are, in conjunction with The Cornwall At War Museum, working to restore the Bomb Aimers Training building. This is the only building receiving any attention on the airfield.
On a good weather day you can see for miles from the top floor of the control tower. Straight ahead are the two tors, Rough Tor and Brown Willy, that were used for navigation and must have been a welcome sight after hours of flying. During WWII the runways were painted green to blend in with the countryside and confuse the enemy.
In the 1950's the airfield was used a Grand Prix motor racing track. The only barricades between the cars and the people were bales of straw.
The best way to see the airfield and the buildings is with one of the museums tours that run every Thursday afternoon throughout July, August and September. The old blue electric bus, lovingly named Marlene, takes you all around the airfield, stopping at buildings along the way. Rod Knight gives a commentary on the buildings and places of interest. What Rod doesn't know about the airfield isn't worth knowing! The tour lasts for the best part of 2 hours and due to popularity is best booked in advance by ringing the number shown on the museum website.
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| The control tower. |
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| Liquid sunshine. |
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| Old buildings. |
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| One of the runways. |
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