HMS Wagtail (1944-1946) The airbase was transferred on loan from
No. 13 Group RAF to the
Admiralty on 6 September 1944, when the
Royal Navy assumed control under
Commander(A) H. L. McCullock. Renamed Royal Naval Air Station Ayr (RNAS Ayr), the station was
commissioned shortly afterwards, on 20 October 1944, as HMS
Wagtail. One of the runways was redesigned for use by the
Fleet Air Arm, enabling pilots to practise
aircraft carrier landing techniques. During its period of naval control, HMS
Wagtail supported a range of Fleet Air Arm activities. The station provided facilities for disembarked fighter squadrons and hosted a Bombardment Spotting School, No. 3 Barracuda Servicing Unit, and the Flag Officer Carrier Training Squadron. It also offered accommodation for two RAF squadrons. HMS
Wagtail was '
paid off' on 10 March 1946, after which the station was placed on Care and Maintenance Status under the administration of
RNAS Abbotsinch.
Squadrons at HMS Wagtail A list of Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aviation squadrons that were either stationed at or deployed to HMS
Wagtail: == United States Air Force ==