Maydown
MAYDOWN: Military aerodrome (HMS SHRIKE) plus RAF Satellite Landing Ground
A MICHAEL T HOLDER GALLERY
Note: The airfield map was obtained from the Royal Navy Research Archive. Aerial photo - not all the pans had been constructed.
Military users: WW2: RN Formation & working up TBR squadrons
Note: Also used it appears by the RAF and USAAF
Location: 3nm NE of Londonderry
Period of operation: 1940 to 1949
Note: Some sources claim 1941 to 1947
Runways: WW2: 18/36 1234x46 hard 06/24 1509x46 hard
NOTES: 17 SLG (RAF) from 1942 to ? This airfield should not be confused with the nearby RAF EGLINTON which later became CITY OF DERRY airport.
WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SEEN HERE?
I'll make no bones about it - this is pure quesswork. However, I do try to give some idea of the various aircraft types that may well have been seen at MAYDOWN during WW2. What should be accurate are the squadrons who have, even whilst just working up, been based here. The problem of course is that many if not most squadrons were re-equipped, so it is quite possible that some appeared here with two or more aircraft types over a period of time.
It really is a nightmare to sort all this out, and way beyond the remit of this 'Guide'. Still, for what it may be worth:
Armstrong Whitworth Whitley (502 Sqdn)
Curtiss Seamew (850 Sqdn)
Fairey Albacore (822 & 832 Sqdns)
Fairey Barracuda (744, 821, 822, 824, 825 & 860 Sqdns)
Fairey Firefly (822 Sqdn)
Fairey Fulmar (804, 807 & 822 Sqdns)
Fairey Swordfish (813, 816, 819, 821, 822, 824, 825, 836, 838, 842 & 860 Sqdns)
Gloster Sea Gladiator (804 Sqdn)
Grumman Avenger (845, 846, 848, 849, 852, 853 & 856 Sqdns)
Grumman Hellcat (804 Sqdn)
Grumman Wildcat (804, 825, 838, 842 & 1832 Sqdns)
Hawker Sea Hurricane (804 Sqdn)
Lockheed Hudson (224 Sqdn)
Supermarine Walrus (836 Sqdn)
Vickers-Supermarine Seafire (794, 807 & 842 Sqdns)
Vickers-Supermarine Spitfire (794 Sqdn)
Vickers Wellington (221 Sqdn)
Vought F4U Corsair (1834 Sqdn)
NOTE: I have used the most commonly known names for the Grumman Avenger, (Tarpon in the FAA), and Grumman Wildcat (Martlet in the RN).
Squadrons I have been unable to match an aircraft type to, but are reputed to have a presence here are: 758, 831, 833 & 840 Sqdns
ANOTHER QUESTION?
During WW2 the RAF were determined to limit the amount of aircraft types and engine options in order to maximise production, limit spare parts and tooling, and make the war effort therefore more effective. Clearly the Royal Navy through their Fleet Air Arm disagreed, wanting a much more varied variety of aircraft types. I fail to understand this approach, seeing as they had aircraft spread around at least half the world, many based on aircraft carriers.
If anybody can kindly offer advice, this will be most welcome.
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