Which Aerodrome?
Indy,
We're nowhere near the nation's capital. When this pic was taken, the airport / base was home to an RCAF OTU (the four Lysanders), an RAF OTU, and . . . .
an RCN base.
We're nowhere near the nation's capital. When this pic was taken, the airport / base was home to an RCAF OTU (the four Lysanders), an RAF OTU, and . . . .
an RCN base.
Congratulations!! Grueber got it first, but the Captain's answer was more specific to the time period. Both correct.
So, Grueber, you have control!
Here's what CYYJ looks like today (and you can almost see Grizzled's house from here . . . )
So, Grueber, you have control!
Here's what CYYJ looks like today (and you can almost see Grizzled's house from here . . . )
grizzled,
What a nice place to live, but what a strange place to base an Army co-operation OTU - almost completely surrounded by water
A little known fact about Canadian Lysanders is that some of them were used as crop sprayers after the war.
What a nice place to live, but what a strange place to base an Army co-operation OTU - almost completely surrounded by water
A little known fact about Canadian Lysanders is that some of them were used as crop sprayers after the war.
Last edited by India Four Two; 25th Mar 2009 at 03:40.
Hey Indy -- and other enthusiasts,
While we wait for Grueber to post or declare here are a few more facts about the history of RCAF Station Pat Bay (now Victoria International Airport; CYYJ) serving the capital city of British Columbia . . .
In late 1939 the air station was rushed into being and was initially intended for the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. By early 1942 there were three separate "camps" using the common runways and control tower:
While we wait for Grueber to post or declare here are a few more facts about the history of RCAF Station Pat Bay (now Victoria International Airport; CYYJ) serving the capital city of British Columbia . . .
In late 1939 the air station was rushed into being and was initially intended for the Commonwealth Air Training Plan. By early 1942 there were three separate "camps" using the common runways and control tower:
- The West Camp, housing the Royal Canadian Air Force No 3 Operational Training Unit, as well as a fighter squadron and a bomber squadron.
- The East Camp, housing the Royal Air Force No 32 Operational Training Unit. This unit trained aircrew from England, Australia and New Zealand.
- The Seaplane Base, which served as a coastal patrol base, part of Western Command defense against Japanese submarines.
In May 1940, the Royal Canadian Air Force moved into its West Camp with a strength of four Lysanders.
At its peak, the Patricia Bay facility was the third largest station in Canada. Approximately 10,000 military personnel passed through Pat Bay, and at any one time, 3500 could be enrolled in the operational training programs. Aircrew, ground crew and support personnel participated in the training programs. This was the last step in their training and graduates would be posted directly to operational squadrons.
Pat Bay was also a base for coastal patrol aircraft and fighter squadrons. This role was particularly important to the defense of both the US and Canada after Pearl Harbor. During the war, many different operational squadrons called Pat Bay their home. One of the aircraft types stationed at Pat Bay, the Bristol Bolingbroke, was the first to successfully attack a Japanese submarine off the West Coast. Many other operational types, including the Curtis Kittyhawk and Hawker Hurricane were also stationed here.
At its peak, the Patricia Bay facility was the third largest station in Canada. Approximately 10,000 military personnel passed through Pat Bay, and at any one time, 3500 could be enrolled in the operational training programs. Aircrew, ground crew and support personnel participated in the training programs. This was the last step in their training and graduates would be posted directly to operational squadrons.
Pat Bay was also a base for coastal patrol aircraft and fighter squadrons. This role was particularly important to the defense of both the US and Canada after Pearl Harbor. During the war, many different operational squadrons called Pat Bay their home. One of the aircraft types stationed at Pat Bay, the Bristol Bolingbroke, was the first to successfully attack a Japanese submarine off the West Coast. Many other operational types, including the Curtis Kittyhawk and Hawker Hurricane were also stationed here.
Enough Canadian WWII history for today . . .
Grizz
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Thanks Grizzled, I am new to this game, but I really like it.
I have checked the list, but did not see the following location mentioned. I am not entirely sure whether there are restrictions to the airports posted, but as this one had - afaik - a significant role in aviation, I think it is worthwhile posting it. Probably an easy one though:
I have checked the list, but did not see the following location mentioned. I am not entirely sure whether there are restrictions to the airports posted, but as this one had - afaik - a significant role in aviation, I think it is worthwhile posting it. Probably an easy one though:
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And as far as Grizzled's challenge, Victoria Airport, is concerned, this is what I found:
VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
From it's early beginnings as an airfield in the 1920s, Victoria Airport has developed into one of Canada's busiest airports through sport and recreational flying, and also domestic, international and charter airline companies transporting passengers to airports in Canada and the USA.
In 1930 the airport was owned privately by British Columbia Airways Ltd. Most of the transportation was by seaplane, and the large body of water called Patricia Bay on the west side of Saanich Peninsula provided a natural haven for the aircraft to land and take off.
The Department of Transport felt there was a need for a large military airport on the southern end of Vancouver Island, and favoured the site at Sidney. The airport opened in 1940, and was soon to accommodate the Royal Canadian Airforce, the Royal Airforce, and the Royal Canadian Navy. The airport was known as Victoria (Patricia Bay) Airport. The name remained until 1959 when the airport received the official title of Victoria International Airport.
Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) started a regular passenger service to Vancouver in 1943, and in 1948 Transport Canada took on the responsibility for the airport. RCAF units remained until 1952, and there is still a military presence with 443 Helicopter Squadron of the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1997 the operation of the airport was transferred to the Victoria Airport Authority, which comprises of a locally elected and appointed Board of Directors.
VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
From it's early beginnings as an airfield in the 1920s, Victoria Airport has developed into one of Canada's busiest airports through sport and recreational flying, and also domestic, international and charter airline companies transporting passengers to airports in Canada and the USA.
In 1930 the airport was owned privately by British Columbia Airways Ltd. Most of the transportation was by seaplane, and the large body of water called Patricia Bay on the west side of Saanich Peninsula provided a natural haven for the aircraft to land and take off.
The Department of Transport felt there was a need for a large military airport on the southern end of Vancouver Island, and favoured the site at Sidney. The airport opened in 1940, and was soon to accommodate the Royal Canadian Airforce, the Royal Airforce, and the Royal Canadian Navy. The airport was known as Victoria (Patricia Bay) Airport. The name remained until 1959 when the airport received the official title of Victoria International Airport.Trans-Canada Air Lines (TCA) started a regular passenger service to Vancouver in 1943, and in 1948 Transport Canada took on the responsibility for the airport. RCAF units remained until 1952, and there is still a military presence with 443 Helicopter Squadron of the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1997 the operation of the airport was transferred to the Victoria Airport Authority, which comprises of a locally elected and appointed Board of Directors.
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Good morning Fitter2, I knew it wasn't a hard challenge, but you're really fast! Well done, and you're in control.
The Wasserkuppe does not need much introduction, since it is the Mecca of gliding. Prior to WWII it was used as a Nazi flight traning center, since gliding was allowed due to a loophole in a Convention. The same loophole was used after WWII by the Germans, resulting in outstanding gliders as eg the Weihe 50 (designed by Focke Wulf and also built in licence by Utva Pancevo in former Yugoslavia).
If you ever have the chance, you would probably enjoy the small but very nice glider museum at the Wasserkuppe. Definately recommendable!
More info on the Wasserkuppe:
Google Afbeeldingen resultaat voor http://www.geocities.com/achilles36606/wk1938.jpg
And more about the museum (unfortunately only in German):
Deutsches Segelflugmuseum mit Modellflug, Wasserkuppe
The Wasserkuppe does not need much introduction, since it is the Mecca of gliding. Prior to WWII it was used as a Nazi flight traning center, since gliding was allowed due to a loophole in a Convention. The same loophole was used after WWII by the Germans, resulting in outstanding gliders as eg the Weihe 50 (designed by Focke Wulf and also built in licence by Utva Pancevo in former Yugoslavia).
If you ever have the chance, you would probably enjoy the small but very nice glider museum at the Wasserkuppe. Definately recommendable!
More info on the Wasserkuppe:
Google Afbeeldingen resultaat voor http://www.geocities.com/achilles36606/wk1938.jpg
And more about the museum (unfortunately only in German):
Deutsches Segelflugmuseum mit Modellflug, Wasserkuppe
Last edited by Grueber; 25th Mar 2009 at 09:26. Reason: Link added
Thanks Grueber. The place wasn't improved by the US radar station addition, but the current museum is well worth a visit.
Away from archives currently, so open house.
Away from archives currently, so open house.
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It looks very much like Port Stanley so at a guess, not seeing a land aerodrome in the picture, you might be making an allusion to the inner harbour being used as a water aerodrome for flying boats, seaplanes and amphibians.......
FIGAS had float-equipped Beavers there until c. 1984.....
It's been 25 years since I last was there. (Some of the buildings were definitely NOT there then). The other possibility might be an obscure reference to the racecourse being used as a primitive 'strip. (Its biggest "movement" was a DC6 I seem to recall but that was a one-off!)
MB
FIGAS had float-equipped Beavers there until c. 1984.....
It's been 25 years since I last was there.
(Some of the buildings were definitely NOT there then). The other possibility might be an obscure reference to the racecourse being used as a primitive 'strip. (Its biggest "movement" was a DC6 I seem to recall but that was a one-off!)MB
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Well, I am not a pilot, and to be honest I find it hard to even recognise this as an airfield... 
Surroundings do remind me of certain parts in Scotland or Norway, but I suppose I am way off.
Edit: Madbob, I think you are spot on. Found another picture of Port Stanley and it looks very similar, even from a different angle.
Surroundings do remind me of certain parts in Scotland or Norway, but I suppose I am way off.
Edit: Madbob, I think you are spot on. Found another picture of Port Stanley and it looks very similar, even from a different angle.
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Definitely Port Stanley.
To the north of the settlement ( I hesitate to call it a town ) is the "ring road".
I parked my bimble wagon ( RAF LandRover) outside the post office: when came out Billy No Mates, the plod, was there threatening me with a parking fine!
First thought was...who the f8ck liberated you lot, second, voiced, was go ahead, I'm going home next week.
To the north of the settlement ( I hesitate to call it a town ) is the "ring road".
I parked my bimble wagon ( RAF LandRover) outside the post office: when came out Billy No Mates, the plod, was there threatening me with a parking fine!
First thought was...who the f8ck liberated you lot, second, voiced, was go ahead, I'm going home next week.
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Well Madbob guessed it right first, whereas Slim Shady was the first to be certain... difficult one. Then again Slim still has a parking ticket to pay, that may count as a bonus.
