RAF Oban

RAF Oban is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) flying boat base located at the northern end of the island of Kerrera, in Ardantrive Bay west of Oban, Argyll and Bute, Scotland during the Second World War.

RAF Oban
Oban, Argyll and Bute
A Short Sunderland Mark I of No. 210 Squadron RAF undergoing maintenance just off the base.
RAF Oban
Coordinates56.419°N 5.499°W / 56.419; -5.499
TypeRoyal Air Force station
Site information
OwnerAir Ministry
Controlled by Royal Air Force
Site history
Built1940 (1940)
In use1940-1945 (1945)
Battles/warsSecond World War

History

Oban was surveyed by the RAF in the 1930s as a suitable base for flying boat operations. A fuel depot was set up on the island of Kerrera while No. 209 Squadron RAF began utilising the facilities operating the Supermarine Stranraer flying-boat in October 1939.[1] An aircraft servicing area, new slip and jetty were constructed on the island.

The base became operational in September 1938, with headquarters at Dungallan House, Oban. No. 209 Squadron re-equipped with Saro Lerwick flying-boats were based at RAF Oban.[1] Aircrew based at RAF Oban were billeted in the main seafront hotels at Oban. No. 210 Squadron RAF equipped with the Short Sunderland replaced No. 209 Squadron in July 1940.[1]

Anti submarine patrols, convoy escorts as part of 18 Group Coastal Command and ferry services were carried out from the base. No. 228 Squadron RAF,[2] No. 10 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, No. 422 and 423 Squadrons Royal Canadian Air Force,[3] No. 330 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF.[4]

No. 302 Ferry Training Unit RAF and No. 4 Flying Boat Servicing Unit RAF served at the base.[5]

A Flying Boat Maintenance Unit located to the north east at Ganavan provided maintenance for aircraft utilising the base. The base was reverted to care and maintenance on 28 April 1945.

Commanding officers
  • Group Captain J.H.O. Jones - September 1938.[6]
  • Group Captain J H Chaplin - December 1943.

References

Citations
  1. Jefford 1988, p. 70.
  2. Jefford 1988, p. 74.
  3. Jefford 1988, p. 91.
  4. Jefford 1988, p. 87.
  5. "Oban (Ganavan Sands)". Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
  6. McRery, Nigel; Franks, Norman; McManus, Edward (2015). "August 1940". The Fallen Few of The Battle of Britain. Barnsley: Pen & Sword. p. 33. ISBN 978-1-47382-787-5.

Bibliography
  • Jefford, C.G. RAF Squadrons, a Comprehensive Record of the Movement and Equipment of all RAF Squadrons and their Antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK: Airlife Publishing, 1988. ISBN 1-84037-141-2.
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