Former RAF Limavady

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Airfield Today: Agriculture, industry

Tower Type: Watch Office with Met Section 518/40

Tower: Was in use as a house but is now derelict

Other Buildings: Gun Trainer Dome is one of only two left and may disappear as the site is being re-developed. The runways can still be seen and the hangers are in use for storage. A Squadron crest is painted on a wall in one of the outbuildings, this too, alas, may soon be gone!

History: This Coastal Command station (Aghanloo as it is known locally) was the first of four airfields to be constructed on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. RNAS Maydown (H.M.S Shrike), RNAS Eglinton (H.M.S Gannet) and RAF Coastal Command Ballykelly.
12/40, First recorded use was by 502 Sqn Whitleys on anti-submarine patrols. They had the distinction of being the first operational unit to be equipped with the new long range ASV (air-to-surface vessel) radar. Later 224 Sqn Hudsons and 221 Sqn Wellingtons.
In 1942 operational flying ceased for a two year period. Then used as a pilot training centre with Wellington and Ansons. In 1944 the airfield returned to operational status and 172, 407 and 612 Sqds flew anti-submarine patrols. The airfield will probably be remembered for the high accident rate that saw many airmen lose their lives. In one incident alone in 01/43, three aircraft were lost. Bad weather and its proximity to Benevenagh Mountain (or "Ben Twitch" as the pilots who had to avoid the 1,260 ft. summit called it), accounted for many of these accidents. RAF left 15/08/45.

Satellite to RNAS Eglinton in the 1950's as a dummy carrier landing deck. = Thanks to John Pudney for the airfield history.