Here at Andreas Airfield history whispers on the wind. This place was once a bustling Royal Air Force station. It played a vital role during World War II.
Andreas Airfield, or RAF Andreas as it was known then, operated from 1941 to 1946. The airfield’s story began when the Luftwaffe started attacking British cities. The north of England became an easy target. The Isle of Man needed to be defended.
RAF Jurby was already established. Another airfield was needed to protect the Irish Sea. Andreas was chosen for its central location. It could protect Liverpool, Belfast and Glasgow. Construction began in earnest by the end of June 1940. Farmland was earmarked.
By spring 1941, Andreas Airfield was taking shape. It was built to full operational specifications. It had three intersecting runways. Twenty-four blast pens protected aircraft. Defenses included barbed wire and a perimeter track.
In summer 1941, RAF personnel started arriving at Andreas. Police guarded the mounting stores. Motor Transport drivers arrived. Soldiers of the Wiltshire Regiment manned the defenses. WAAFs staffed administration. Group Captain J. Marson was the first commanding officer.
October 1941 saw the arrival of Spitfires from 457 Squadron RAAF. The Air Ministry then insisted on a major change. The Andreas Parish Church tower was too high. It was a hazard to aircraft.
The church tower was carefully dismantled. Each stone was numbered. The top of the tower was rebuilt to half its height. It remains like this today. By March 1942, RAF Andreas was fully operational. 452 Squadron RAAF arrived with Spitfires.
The third fighter unit was 93 Squadron RAF. They spent time at the air-to-ground firing range. In August 1942, tragedy struck. Station Commander Wg Cmdr Knowles died in a plane crash.
As the war progressed, Andreas Airfield transitioned. It became No.11 Air Gunnery School. Volunteer airmen trained as air gunners. They endured an intensive ten-week course.
Avro Anson aircraft were used for air experience. Wellington bombers provided advanced training. Miles Martinets towed targets. Spitfires gave students target practice. The skies above Andreas were busy.
During the war, Andreas served as an emergency landing airfield. A B-17 Flying Fortress once landed unannounced. The crew thought they were in Norway.
After the war, the Manx Government acquired the assets. The old gymnasium remains as a parish hall. The Air Ministry stipulated that the runways remain intact.
Today, Andreas Airfield is farmed. The Andreas Gliding Club uses two of the runways. The stunted tower of St Andrews Church serves as a reminder. Twenty-three RAF servicemen are buried in the churchyard.
Andreas Airfield tells a story of war and peace. It’s a testament to the Isle of Man’s role in history. It echoes with the sounds of aircraft and the dedication of those who served.