Mullaghmore
MULLAGHMORE: Military aerodrome, and much later private airfield
Note: This picture (2018) was obtained from Google Earth ©
Military users: RAF Coastal Command 15 Group
36 Sqdn (Vickers Wellingtons) Presumably detached from DONIBRISTLE?
LORAN Training unit (Vickers Wellingtons)
Operated by: 2000: Microflight Ireland Ltd
Location: E of A54, 4nm SW of Ballymorey
Period of operation: Military: 1942 to 1945
Civil: Listed as disused in 1985 but an airfield guide published in the 1980s lists this aerodrome as active. Apparently certainly active again in or around 2000
Note: This map is reproduced with the kind permission of Pooleys Flight Equipment Ltd. Copyright Robert Pooley 2014.
Runways: WW2: 01/19 1829x46 hard 09/27 1299x46 hard
2000: 18/36 420x10 hard
2001: 18/36 420x15 hard
NOTES: There are a couple of facts which raise questions about this aerodrome during it’s period of operation in 1944. First, it had up to 3304 RAF personnel on station and that’s a heck of a lot for a Coastal Command station but no WAAF personnel are listed which is most unusual. Also it only had two runways which again is most unusual for a major aerodrome. Any ideas as to why this was?
In a flight guide published in 2000 the aerodrome details say that Sea Plane docking facilities are available on the river Bann to the east of the airfield. As a pilot who has got a bit involved in UK seaplane operations - bless them for this very rare facility!
ORIENTATION
This is all rather odd. In addition to the map illustrated, I found two others - and none of them agree on the orientation of this airfield. In fact you might find it interesting to compare the layout on the 'Google' map with that published in Pooleys. And indeed, the map published in Military Airfields in the British Isles 1939-1945 (Omnibus Edition) by Steve Willis and Barry Hollis which has served as being virtually a 'bible', is upside down and back to front!
A REQUEST
In 2016, see below, I had a comment from Hannah asking for more information. I have provided all I have to date for this 'Guide', but there is certainly much more out there. Apart from Google for more recent info, I expect the 'Action Stations' series covers MULLAGHMORE? Can anybody kindly provide extra info and suggestions?
Hannah
This comment was written on: 2016-03-23 21:33:58Hello there, I have recently moved to the area and would be interested in using this site. Could you tell me anything else on its history :) , thank you. Hannah
Terry Clark
This comment was written on: 2018-09-29 15:07:24It does seem strange to have a main runway N/S almost at right angles to the prevailing wind. According to the ARG website, construction of a third runway was abandoned when it was only partly built, no reason given although its' possible the end of WW2 was in sight and with the Battle of the Atlantic being won, maybe there was no need to proceed any further
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