RAF Woolsington

RAF Woolsington opened as a civil airport in July 1935 and was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force on the outbreak of World War II. It served at various times as a satellite of both RAF Acklington and RAF Ouston but saw little operational flying. On one notable occasion in 1940, however, a Spitfire of No. 72 Squadron RAF flying out of Woolsington actually shot down a Ju88 at night - a remarkable achievement for an aircraft considered unsuitable for night fighting.

Woolsington's main wartime role was as the base of 83 Maintenance Unit which salvaged crashed aircraft over much of the region. After the war civil flying resumed and the airport is now known as Newcastle International Airport.

See also

• RAF Coleby Grange
• RAF Coningsby
• RAF Cranwell
• RAF Blyton
• RAF Northolt
• RAF Brize Norton

External links

• fotopic page
• Report on 20th Century defence sites in Tyne and Wear