Montrose Airfield is the oldest military airfield in the UK. It came into existence in 1913 and at the end of that year three hangars, known as Major Burkes sheds were erected. They still survive to this day and whilst two have been reclad one remains in its original form and is occupied as part of the Air Station Heritage Centre.
Several squadrons were based at Montrose through WWI but the station closed in 1920. However, RAF expansion in the mid 1930s saw the station re-open in 1936 as a Flying Training School. Through the war many squadrons and the Fleet Air Arm were based at Montrose and duties included the air defence of Edinburgh.
Post war the station served as a maintenance unit but duties were limited by the fact that there were no hard runways and it closed for good in June 1952.
Today part of the old station serves as the heritage museum, several old buildings survive and it is easy to walk much of the perimeter track which is still extant. Here are a few images from our visit.
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Amazing that one hanger has the original cladding. That bunker sure looks interesting. Great pics as usual Peter. Thanks for sharing 👍😎. Marcus
ReplyDeleteThanks Marcus - Sadly all the bunkers or shelters were blocked off!
ReplyDelete