RAF Wigtown

RAF Wigtown opened in 1941 and was originally used as a relief landing ground for RAF West Freugh. A detachment from 114 Squadron (114 Sqn) equipped with Bristol Blenheim (Mk1s) operated from the Station from July until September 1941. At the time of its opening RAF Wigtown consisted of grass runways, however flooding of the land soon caused these to become unusable, and two concrete runways were installed during 1942. Operational Squadrons For short periods RAF Wigtown played host to several operational squadrons. Sister squadrons 174 and 175 Squadrons were based on the Station having converted from the Hawker Hurricane to the Hawker Typhoon whilst they worked up to operational efficiency. 114 Squadron The first tenants of the Station were the Bristol Blenheim I of 114 Sqn, from July until September 1941. Bomber Command Trials Unit Flying operations resumed at RAF Wigtown in June 1947 with the arrival of the Trials Unit of RAF Bomber Command on the Station. Equipped with Avro Lancasters, the unit operated from the Station until May 1948. Closure Following a rationalisation within the RAF the decision was taken to close RAF Wigtown. The Station closed in May 1948, and was given over to civilian use. ==Units==

During the course of the operation of the station, the following units were at sometime based at RAF Wigtown: 07/41 to 09/41, 114 Sqn with Bristol Blenheims 09/41 to 02/42, No. 1 Air Observers School with Avro Ansons 02/42 to 11/45, No. 1 (Observers) Advanced Flying Unit with Avro Anson 07/43 to 10/43, 174 Squadron with Hawker Typhoons 07/43 to 10/43, 175 Squadron with Hawker Typhoons 09/43 to 09/43, 182 Squadron with Hawker Typhoons 09/43 to 09/43, No. 3206 Servicing Commando 07/46 to 03/48, 14 Maintenance Unit 06/47 to 03/48, Bomber Command Trials Unit with Avro Lancasters ==Current use==

Despite considerable deterioration the airfield remains intact; with the original control tower still standing and nearly all the perimeter and access roads remaining. Within the locality the airfield is often referred to as Baldoon Airfield. Furthermore, the concrete bases of many of the hangars and other buildings can still be seen on the ground. In the 1980s the airfield was being operated by the Baldoon Flying Group. Today much of the land has reverted to agricultural use, with the site becoming popular for locals to conduct leisure activities – such as walking or cycling. The airfield is also the venue for light industrial activity, with a saw mill occupying part of the site. ==References==