Rhu
This map shows the location for the WW2 base.
RHU: Private seaplane base
Operated by: Mr T W B Guthrie
Location: In/near Rhu, about 2nm WNW of Helensburgh town centre on Gare Loch
Period of operation: 1930s only?
NOTES: Mr Guthrie was a Scottish Flying Club member and it appears he purchased a de Havilland DH60G Gipsy Moth on floats, and based it near his home in Rhu building a hangar and slipway for it.
RHU: Military seaplane base
Note: These three pictures are from my Google Earth © derived database.
Operated by: Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment
Note: The main types of flying boat to be seen at RHU were the Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina and Short Sunderland. A Supermarine Walrus was also used for local ferrying duties.
Location: Just ESE of Rhu, about 2nm WNW of Helensburgh town centre
Period of operation: September 1939 until August 1945
Note: These four items were kindly provided by Mr Mike Holder.
BONUS PICTURES
Note: Mike Holder also sent these two images, taken by a Luftwaffe recce flight in May 1941. In the detail shot there is clearly a Short Sunderland but I cannot figure out the type(s) of the other two. Perhaps the lower aircraft is a Catalina?
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Mike also sent me this picture of the Supermarine Walrus L2179. Often if not mainly used for ferrying duties to and from PRESTWICK, it crashed on the 17th July 1942 on approach to RHU, killing an aircraftsman.
NOTES: It seems that this facility had a slipway constructed and was also with beach access.
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