Which Aerodrome?

[evansb]

I originally thought it might be the Chatham Islands, but I narrowed the search down to smaller airports on the South Island coast. Here is the next aerodrome challenge:

[evansb]

Time for some clues: Photo taken in 1951. Airfield still operational.

[Shaft109]

Looks vaguely similar to RAF Leeming.

[Upyer RRR]

I don't recall Leeming being that close to the coast. I'll take a shot at Kinloss.

[evansb]

Sorry gents, the aerodrome is not in Great Britain. The airport is presently operated by a different nationality than when the photo was taken.

[evansb]

Time for a clue: Canadian amelioration.

[S'land]

Toronto Island Airport?

[nacluv]

I'm going to go for Gander. The runway pattern is vaguely similar, but this would only work if the dark bits on the photo are timber not water...

[evansb]

Negative, gents. The aerodrome is not in Canada.

[John Hill]

Reykjavík?

[evansb]

Not Iceland. That is sand down there, not snow.

[larssnowpharter]

One is thinking Middle East. Could even have been Doha in 1951.

[evansb]

Yes, it is in the middle-east, (or near-east). The base was involved in a crisis in 1956.

[Out Of Trim]

RAF Luqa, Malta




- (If correct - OPEN HOUSE)

[evansb]

Jenkins is correct Well done. The village next to the aerodrome is called Al Kabrit. I've seen some spelling of the base as RAF Kibrit. The base was in the thick of things durung the Suez Crisis/War of 1956. A Canadian, Lester B. Pearson, pursuaded the UN to establish a Peace Keeping Force along the canal and Gaza Strip. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts, and later went on to become Prime Minister of Canada. You have control.

[larssnowpharter]

Not strictly speaking an airfield but once a well known seaplane base

[ZH875]

Pembroke Dock or Milford Haven?

[larssnowpharter]

Not UK I'm afraid.

[ICT_SLB]

Long Beach - sometime home of the Spruce Goose?

[larssnowpharter]

Not over the pond. This base is now a 'freeport'.