RAF Ballyhalbert

[303 Charly]

I have been researching the Ballyhalbert Airfield for quite a few years now. I have a copy of the Station Diary as well as maps.


www.ballyhalbert.co.uk


Feel free to contact me.

Hi !

This is unexpected, but I came thru!
My father was in the 303 Polish Squadron, so stationed at Raf Ballyhalbert from Nov.1943 until April 30th before moving to Raf A.L.G Horne.
My question is: Do you have any snapshots from that period pls? Also, he was the witness of the loss of F/O Podobinski on 14th Dec.1943, would you have this record too?

[ww2ni]

Folks,
I was working on some "Then and Now" type pictures at Ballyhalbert a few days ago and got speaking with a few locals.

They told me about a few lights which are along the shore and when illuminated would have been above the waterline but now can only be seen at low tide.

I have never heard of this before. It was suggested to me this may have been another decoy for any passing aircraft however i remain sceptical.

It MAY have been for an approach to the runway depending on wind direction however i simply do not know.

Has anyone any information regarding this?

[PNK]

Sounds like approach lighting but may be that curved approach stuff (Drem?). You can tell I'm no expert

[Carnaby]

Very interesting! I've had a look at AIR10 /4038, SD161 which has an aerial of the station. It also has a rudimentary plan which shows the main runway extension to the west (not on the aerial photograph). These are dated 1942 and the airfield was Drem lighting equipped at that date. Hence it would have needed some form of approach lighting from the sea - a rudimentary funnel perhaps, or being a fighter station it may have had a 'curved approach'. It was also equipped with a VHF Blind Approach system which would work with a fighter's normal R/T set.

Needs further investigation !

Just noted Peter beat me by one minute to a reply. This didn't happed on the old forum - it warned you someone else was replying.

[Carnaby]

This appears to be the remains of a Shooting-in Butt:

LINK - a rare case of Bing being superior.

[PETERTHEEATER]

Too true! But now it's a 25 yard range methinks. I shall have to take another look at the mapping.

[ww2ni]

Even though Google Earth is rubbish from above the street view works well here and on looking it is quite obvious that there are a line of concrete blocks along the shoreline - Some appear to have a short concrete pillar on top.

Looks like perhaps the man I was speaking with was more accurate that i had thought.

Seems I will be back to Ballyhalbert soon!!

[PNK]

I have a note stating that FAA units at Ballyhalbert used Kirkistown (then closed to flying?) for deck landings and bombing practice. Not sure of the source and have no further info.
Any idea if this was the case?

[Carnaby]

Even though Google Earth is rubbish from above the street view works well here and on looking it is quite obvious that there are a line of concrete blocks along the shoreline - Some appear to have a short concrete pillar on top.

Is that about here ww2ni?

http://g.co/maps/emvkh

[ww2ni]

Folks,
I returned to Ballyhalbert thday and got some pictures of what is suggested to be lighting for aircraft approaching Ballyhalbert Airfield.

There appear to be approx 5 or 6 of these in a straight line.

Please see attached pictures.

Any information would be much appreciated.