Loch Doon
LOCH DOON: RNAS Air Station
Note: These four maps and pictures have been kindly provided by Mr Michael T Holder, a great friend of this 'Guide'. Most unusually, if not unique in its own way, the concrete blocks at the north end of the Loch are the remains of a kind of pier which had rails on which a moving target was placed to provide pilots and gunners with a more realistic method of target training.
Operated by: The RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service) School of Aerial Gunnery
Location: At the NW end of the Loch, W of the A713, 17nm SE of Ayr, about 3nm S of Dalmellington
Period of operation: 1916, (some say 1917) to 1918
NOTES: Despite local advice that it was an impossible task, it seems the RNAS tried to establish an airfield here egged on by Brigadier General Sir Sefton Branker. After WW1 he became a committed and most energetic enthusiast for civil aviation being developed throughout the UK. A most remarkable man. He died in the R.101 disaster on Oct 5th 1930.
SOMETHING TO CONSIDER?
It appears that German PoW’s were also employed to build this base, in direct contravention of the Hague Convention regarding the treatment of PoWs.
But when has the British ‘establishment’ ever taken much notice of any Convention, Agreement or Treaty? It appears that, probably even today, the UK has apparently has one of the worst records on ‘Human Rights’ issues compared with most other European States. And of course the record of the warmongering zealot, our ex-Prime MinisterTony Blair beggars belief. He was totally committed to another regime of ‘Crusades’ against Islam led by his best mate, the US President George Bush.
But of course I am no expert, and I suppose it does depend on so many peoples various agendas as to how these matters are interpreted?
A PERSONAL MEMORY
On the 7th of July 2003, I suddenly found myself promoted to ‘Chief Refuelling Officer’, having to clamber up onto the tiny wing strut foot-plate, and lift the bloody heavy ‘Jerry-cans’ well above the upper surface of the wing(s) to refuel. This was during our flight with the Cessna FR.172F G-DRAM from LOCH EARN to SWANAGE BAY in DORSET. (See seperate entries for both LOCH EARN and SWANAGE). This was undertaken pretty much opposite to the WW1 RNAS site where the slipway is still clearly visible.
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