History Of RAF Woodvale

As a result of bombing raids by the Luftwaffe during 1940-41 it was decided to build a new all-weather airfield between Southport and Formby, to provide fighter defence for the Merseyside area. The station became operational in mid December 1941 with construction work continuing for several more months.

The first aircraft to fly from Woodvale were Spitfires belonging to two Polish squadrons. The graves of some of their pilots can be found in Our Lady’s churchyard in Formby. At its peak, Woodvale housed aircraft from 3 front line squadrons together with numerous support squadrons and functions, with over 2000 RAF personnel.

Just before the end of World War Two the airfield was taken over by the Royal Navy and several Fleet Air Arm squadrons were based here. Following the end of the war the RAF reduced in size and the future for Woodvale was uncertain until, in September 1946, No 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force was reformed and moved to the station. They were based here for 5 years during which they flew Spitfires and latterly Meteor jets. After their departure in 1951, Liverpool University Air Squadron arrived, followed in 1953 by Manchester University Air Squadron. Both units have operated from here ever since.

Woodvale’s growing role as a flying training establishment was furthered by periods of attachments by a reserve flying school, a glider school, and in 1958 by No 10 Air Experience Flight. During the 1950’s and 1960’s Woodvale was the base for Temperature and Humidity Meteorological Flight (THUM flight) and then for Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Unit. These 2 units had the distinction of flying the last 3 Spitfires and the last 2 Meteors in routine RAF use. Two of the Spitfires are now part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Amongst the many aircraft types which have operated from Woodvale are Spitfire, Hurricane, Typhoon, Beaufighter, Mosquito and Meteor.

Today the station is home to Liverpool University Air Squadron, Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron, No 10 Air Experience Flight, No 631 Volunteer Gliding Squadron, Headquarters Merseyside Wing ATC, No 611 (Woodvale) Squadron ATC, Merseyside Police Air Support Unit, and a group of civilian fliers. Woodvale is now the only RAF airfield still open in the North West of England. The nearest remaining airfields are at Shawbury (Shropshire), Valley (Anglesey) and Church Fenton (Yorkshire). We hope RAF Station Woodvale will continue for many years to come.

These notes are based on the book ‘Royal Air Force Woodvale – The First 50 Years’ by Aldon P Ferguson, and are produced here with his kind permission. Mr Ferguson is a former cadet and officer of No 1430 (Formby) Squadron ATC.