Jaunt along the beautiful East Neuk to Crail. Fascinating and meantime well preserved WWII airfield, so much so that much of it has been scheduled by HES. See canmore.org.uk/site/74208/cra...
"Crail Airfield is the best surviving example of a WW2 Fleet Air Arm airfield in the United Kingdom and is designated a scheduled ancient monument. The airfield was originally established during the First World War (see NO60NW 49.23) but none of the structures associated with that phase of its use are thought to survive. Formerly known as HMS Jackdaw, the present Crail airfield was constructed in 1939 and functioned throughout the war as a naval training base. Naval air operations ceased in 1947, but the site continued as HMS Bruce, a naval training unit. During the Cold War, military use continued between 1952 and 1960 as the Joint Services and Language School. Since 1960 part of the airfield has been a pig farm. The airfield is clustered into two groups of buildings. The western group consists of the non-operational sector (barrack blocks, church and cinema) and the eastern group was the operational sector (control tower, hangar, dispersal bays, runways, engine and aircraft armament repair shops). Historic Scotland selected 48 buildings to represent the range and types of buildings that still survive."
Now used by local business and for car racing, it is a delight to fly into and the site is well maintained in the circumstances. Originally there would have been six hangars behind the tower with bases for another two. Sadly, many of the buildings are now at risk, and the domestic side is in a dangerous condition. It would be a great shame to lose the tower and the torpedo attack trainer, particularly as a similar trainer at Rinnigill on Hoy has now gone.
20 мар 2020
