RAF Davidstow Moor Report 20 December 2008. ARCHIVED

[Tankman]

Well this has to be one of the most complete WW2 airfields still in existance. Located on one of the highest, yet bleakest places in North Cornwall. The wind howling across the airfield/moor was one of the strongest I have ever encountered. Coupled with a rather fading twilight visit made this place spooky. The ghosts of airman and aircraft seemed to be coming alive as I wandered over this barren place.

Originally operated by RAF Coastal Command in their relentless fight against the U-boat, Davidstow was the closest airfield to the Bay of Biscay, "The U-boat hunting grounds" A full history of the place can be found here:

http://www.rafdavidstowmoor.org/

There are a lot of derelict buildings on site and to visit them all takes a lot of time. With the wind chill factor at nearly minus zero! I ventured out onto the airfield. In the distance the Control Tower which was my "First port of call"



As you approach the Control Tower you get an Erie! feeling that you are being watched. This was intensified as I went inside



View from the Control Tower looking out onto the main runway, with Bodmin Moor in the distance. The wind was howling through here and the hairs on my arms were standing up as I sensed a presence within the building



Twin-Linked trainer Building still stands, with some very old farm machinery inside.



The buildings are scattered over a wide area as can be seen. The whole area is littered with blast shelters.



The "spookyness" of this place didn't help when I came across this skeleton of what I can only assume is a sheep?

With the fading light and the sun going down fairly quickly over the Atlantic. I bid farewell to RAF Davidstow, somewhat relieved that my old car started as I did not fancy spending a night on this moor.

Full pics can be seen here:

http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/i...all/?start=all

Check out the brief video I took from the control tower of the bleakness of this place!

[Tankman]

I visit North Cornwall on a fairly regular basis so I know the area fairly well. I did Otterham ROC about a year ago along with Kilkhampton ROC & the "supposedly secret" Don't talk about it! GCHQ Bude. Cracking explores within such a small area. Oh! and the wreck of the WW2 German Torpedo Boat at Crackington Haven.