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Coordinates: 57°40′00″N 002°38′24″W / 57.66667°N 2.64000°W / 57.66667; -2.64000
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{{Short description|Former Royal Air Force station in Aberdeenshire, Scotland}}
{{Infobox airport
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name = RAF Banff
| name = RAF Banff
| nativename = [[File:Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg|90px]]
| ensign = Ensign of the Royal Air Force.svg
| nativename-a =
| ensign_size = 90px
| nativename-r =
| native_name =
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| image =
| image-width =
| caption =
| IATA =
| ICAO =
| type = Military
| owner = [[Air Ministry]]
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]
| city-served =
| location = [[Boyndie]], [[Aberdeenshire]]
| location = [[Boyndie]], [[Aberdeenshire]]
| nearest_town = <!-- used in military test site infobox -->
| built = {{Start date|1943}}
| country = Scotland
| used = 1943-{{End date|1946}}
| image =
| elevation-f = {{Convert|85|m|disp=output number only|0}}
| elevation-m = 85
| alt =
| caption =
| image2 = <!--secondary image, major command emblems for airfields -->
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| type = [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|Royal Air Force station]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|57|40|00|N|002|38|24|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|57|40|00|N|002|38|24|W|region:GB_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = Scotland Aberdeenshire#UK
| latd = 57 | latm = 40 | lats = 00 | latNS = N
| pushpin_map_caption = Shown within Aberdeenshire
| longd= 002 | longm= 38 | longs= 24 | longEW= W
| pushpin_label = RAF Banff
| coordinates_type = airport
| pushpin_label_position =
| coordinates_region = GB
| ownership = [[Air Ministry]]
| pushpin_map = Scotland Aberdeenshire
| operator = [[Royal Air Force]]
| pushpin_label = RAF Banff
| controlledby = [[RAF Flying Training Command]]<BR>1943-44<br>[[RAF Coastal Command]]<BR>1944-<BR>* [[No. 18 Group RAF]]
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Aberdeenshire
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| website =
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| r1-number = 00/00
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->
| r1-length-f = 0
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| r1-length-m = 0
| code = <!--facility/installation code -->
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| built = {{Start date|1942}}/43
| r2-number = 00/00
| used = April 1943 - {{End date|1946}}
| r2-length-f = 0
| r2-length-m = 0
| builder =
| materials =
| r2-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| r3-number = 00/00
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| r3-length-f = 0
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| r3-length-m = 0
| condition =
| r3-surface = [[Asphalt]]
| battles = [[European theatre of World War II]]
| stat-year =
| stat1-header =
| events =
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| stat1-data =
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
| stat2-header =
| stat2-data =
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| footnotes =
| designations =
| website =
| footnotes = <!-- catchall in case it's needed to preserve something in infobox that doesn't work in new code -->
<!-- begin airfield information -->
| IATA =
| ICAO =
| FAA =
| TC =
| LID =
| GPS =
| WMO =
| elevation = {{Convert|76|m|0}}{{sfn|Falconer|2012|p=42}}
| r1-number = 06/24
| r1-length = {{Convert|1288|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Concrete]]
| r2-number = 12/30
| r2-length = {{Convert|1829|m|0}}
| r2-surface = Concrete
| r3-number = 18/36
| r3-length = {{Convert|1299|m|0}}
| r3-surface = Concrete
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!-- end airfield information -->
}}
}}
'''RAF Banff''' is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[Royal Air Force station|station]] located {{Convert|4.3|mi}} west of [[Banff, Aberdeenshire|Banff]], [[Aberdeenshire]], [[Scotland]] and {{Convert|14.28|mi}} northeast of [[Keith, Moray|Keith]], [[Moray]] .
'''Royal Air Force Banff''' or more simply '''RAF Banff''' is a former [[Royal Air Force]] [[List of former Royal Air Force stations|station]] located {{Convert|4|mi|0}} west of [[Banff, Aberdeenshire|Banff]], [[Aberdeenshire]], [[Scotland]] and {{Convert|14|mi}} northeast of [[Keith, Moray|Keith]], [[Moray]].


==History==
==History==
The airfield was sited on land belonging to the [[Earl of Seafield|Earls of Seafield]] since the 16th century. Construction of the airfield began in the middle of 1942. After it was turned down by [[RAF Bomber Command]], it was officially opened in April 1943 as an airfield for the use of [[No. 14 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]] of [[RAF Flying Training Command]]. This unit used the airfield until August 1944, when it was disbanded, and the airfield was handed over to [[RAF Coastal Command]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=A separate little war : the Banff Coastal Command Strike Wing versus the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe, September 1944 to May 1945 |last=D. |first=Bird, Andrew |date=2003 |publisher=Grub Street |isbn=1904010431 |location=London |pages=14–17 |oclc=62087312}}</ref>
The following units were posted here at some point:

* [[No. 14 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=28}}
One notable occurrence at RAF Banff in 1944 is that of Squadron Leader Cameron Martin, when his [[De Havilland Mosquito]] suffered a wing strike in high winds. The aircraft suffered major damage, but Martin and the other crew member survived with minor injuries and returned to their duties the next day.
* [[No. 65 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=45}}

* [[No. 143 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=61}}
The following squadrons were posted here at some point:
* [[No. 144 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=61}}
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* [[No. 235 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=75}}
* [[No. 248 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=78}}
* [[No. 14 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=28}}
* [[No. 279 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=83}}
* [[No. 65 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=45}}
* [[No. 281 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=83}}
* [[No. 143 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=61}}
* [[No. 333 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=87}}
* [[No. 235 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=75}}
* [[No. 334 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=87}}
* [[No. 248 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=78}}
* [[No. 404 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=89}}
* [[No. 279 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=83}}
* [[No. 489 Squadron RAF]].{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}}
* [[No. 281 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=83}}
* [[No. 333 Squadron RNoAF|No. 333 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=87}}
* [[No. 14 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]].<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/banff-boyndie |title=Banff (Boyndie) |publisher=Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust|accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref>
* [[No. 1512 (Beam Approach Training) Flight RAF]].<ref name="ABCT"/>
* [[No. 334 Squadron RAF|No. 334 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=87}}
* [[No. 489 Squadron RNZAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=94}}
* Aberdeen UAS.<ref name="ABCT"/>
* RAF Banff Strike Wing<ref name="ABCT"/>
** [[No. 144 Squadron RAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=61}}
** [[404 Long Range Patrol and Training Squadron|No. 404 Squadron RCAF]]{{sfn|Jefford|1988|p=89}}
}}

;Units:
{{columns-list|colwidth=40em|
* [[No. 14 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF]] (May 1943 - September 1944){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=43}}
* [[No. 1512 (Beam Approach Training) Flight RAF]] (May 1943 - August 1944){{sfn|Sturtivant|Hamlin|Halley|1997|p=138}}
* [[Aberdeen University Air Squadron]]<ref name="ABCT"/>
* [[No. 2749 Squadron RAF Regiment]]<ref name="ABCT">{{cite web|url=http://www.abct.org.uk/airfields/banff-boyndie |title=Banff (Boyndie) |publisher=Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust|accessdate=3 November 2013}}</ref>
* [[No. 2848 Squadron RAF Regiment]]<ref name="ABCT"/>
}}


==Current use==
==Current use==
The site is now Boyndie Wind Farm.<ref name="ABCT"/>
The site is now Boyndie Wind Farm.<ref name="ABCT"/>
A grass runway has been established at the Eastern end, operating as Boyndie Airstrip.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pprune.org/attachments/private-flying/4434d1520859905-q-aberdeenshire-ne-scotland-flyers-boyndie-plate-250416.pdf|title = PPRuNe Forums}}</ref>

==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]
* [[List of former Royal Air Force stations]]

==References==
==References==
===Citations===
===Citations===
Line 75: Line 117:


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
*{{cite book |last1=Jefford [[Order of the British Empire|MBE]] |first1=[[Wing Commander (rank)|Wg Cdr]] C G |title= RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 |ref= {{harvid|Jefford|1988}} }}
*{{cite book |last1=Falconer|first1=J|title=RAF Airfields of World War 2 |year=2012 |publisher= Ian Allan Publishing|location= UK|isbn=978-1-85780-349-5}}
*{{cite book |last1=Jefford |first1= C G |title= RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912 |year=1988 |publisher= Airlife |location= [[Shrewsbury]] |isbn= 1-85310-053-6 }}
==External links==
*{{cite book |last1=Sturtivant|first1=R|last2=Hamlin|first2=J|last3=Halley|first3=J|title=Royal Air Force flying training and support units |year=1997 |publisher= Air-Britain (Historians)|location= UK|isbn=0-85130-252-1}}


{{Royal Air Force}}
{{Royal Air Force}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Banff}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Banff}}
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations of World War II in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations of World War II in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Scotland]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force stations in Scotland]]
[[Category:Banff, Aberdeenshire|RAF]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Banff, Aberdeenshire|RAF]]
[[Category:Defunct airports in Scotland]]
[[Category:Defunct airports in Scotland]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1943]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1943]]
[[Category:1943 establishments in Scotland]]

Latest revision as of 02:48, 31 January 2024

RAF Banff
Boyndie, Aberdeenshire in Scotland
RAF Banff is located in Aberdeenshire
RAF Banff
RAF Banff
Shown within Aberdeenshire
RAF Banff is located in the United Kingdom
RAF Banff
RAF Banff
RAF Banff (the United Kingdom)
Coordinates57°40′00″N 002°38′24″W / 57.66667°N 2.64000°W / 57.66667; -2.64000
TypRoyal Air Force station
Site information
OwnerAir Ministry
OperatorRoyal Air Force
Controlled byRAF Flying Training Command
1943-44
RAF Coastal Command
1944-
* No. 18 Group RAF
Site history
Built1942 (1942)/43
In useApril 1943 - 1946 (1946)
Battles/warsEuropean theatre of World War II
Airfield information
Elevation76 metres (249 ft)[1] AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
06/24 1,288 metres (4,226 ft) Concrete
12/30 1,829 metres (6,001 ft) Concrete
18/36 1,299 metres (4,262 ft) Concrete

Royal Air Force Banff or more simply RAF Banff is a former Royal Air Force station located 4 miles (6 km) west of Banff, Aberdeenshire, Scotland and 14 miles (23 km) northeast of Keith, Moray.

History

[edit]

The airfield was sited on land belonging to the Earls of Seafield since the 16th century. Construction of the airfield began in the middle of 1942. After it was turned down by RAF Bomber Command, it was officially opened in April 1943 as an airfield for the use of No. 14 (Pilots) Advanced Flying Unit RAF of RAF Flying Training Command. This unit used the airfield until August 1944, when it was disbanded, and the airfield was handed over to RAF Coastal Command.[2]

One notable occurrence at RAF Banff in 1944 is that of Squadron Leader Cameron Martin, when his De Havilland Mosquito suffered a wing strike in high winds. The aircraft suffered major damage, but Martin and the other crew member survived with minor injuries and returned to their duties the next day.

The following squadrons were posted here at some point:

Units

Current use

[edit]

The site is now Boyndie Wind Farm.[11] A grass runway has been established at the Eastern end, operating as Boyndie Airstrip.[15]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Falconer 2012, p. 42.
  2. ^ D., Bird, Andrew (2003). A separate little war : the Banff Coastal Command Strike Wing versus the Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe, September 1944 to May 1945. London: Grub Street. pp. 14–17. ISBN 1904010431. OCLC 62087312.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 28.
  4. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 45.
  5. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 61.
  6. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 75.
  7. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 78.
  8. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 83.
  9. ^ a b Jefford 1988, p. 87.
  10. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 94.
  11. ^ a b c d e "Banff (Boyndie)". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
  12. ^ Jefford 1988, p. 89.
  13. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 43.
  14. ^ Sturtivant, Hamlin & Halley 1997, p. 138.
  15. ^ "PPRuNe Forums" (PDF).

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Falconer, J (2012). RAF Airfields of World War 2. UK: Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85780-349-5.
  • Jefford, C G (1988). RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury: Airlife. ISBN 1-85310-053-6.
  • Sturtivant, R; Hamlin, J; Halley, J (1997). Royal Air Force flying training and support units. UK: Air-Britain (Historians). ISBN 0-85130-252-1.
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