RAF West Kirby was also used during the war as a holding centre and inoculation centre for personnel going overseas or returning. They arrived in the camp, had jabs for things like yellow fever, etc, then marched to Meols Station for the train to Liverpool and the troopships. After the war, the need for this was reduced (but not eliminated) and the camp used for National Service basic training. The reason it was named 'West Kirby' was it was to be RAF Saughall Massey, until it was pointed out there was a landing field attached to RAF Sealand from WWI that was named RAF Saughall, only about 10 miles away! So 'West Kirby' it became. During the war, my uncle was posted to the camp, from where, by standing at the east gate (by the crossroads), he could see his wife hanging out the washing at her Mum's house in the village!
I've read a few aircrew memories where people ended up at RAF West Kirby. It had a bit of a dire reputation according to various authors, as it seems to have been a place that was difficult to escape from for those wanting to get back on active service. The commanding officer of 472 (HOYLAKE) Squadron (my local Air Training Corps squadron), Flt.Lt. Ken Peabody, was a drill instructor at RAF West Kirby, but he never told us much about the place. And, strangely, I've never seen the memorial despite having been brought up less than a mile away.
Our horses where kept on the converted fields, and the woodland is a nice spot to now walk the dog, so peaceful hard the think it was a place of so much activity
If you're looking for film footage, I seem to recall that one of the black and white films of the day was made at RAF Sealand. I remember watching it in on TV one afternoon in the 70's. It showed aircraft operations at RAF Sealand, although it was probably more of just a backdrop to the storyline. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the film, but do remember Sealand was mentioned in the credits. Maybe the RAF Museum at Hendon would know?
RAF West Kirby was also used during the war as a holding centre and inoculation centre for personnel going overseas or returning. They arrived in the camp, had jabs for things like yellow fever, etc, then marched to Meols Station for the train to Liverpool and the troopships. After the war, the need for this was reduced (but not eliminated) and the camp used for National Service basic training. The reason it was named 'West Kirby' was it was to be RAF Saughall Massey, until it was pointed out there was a landing field attached to RAF Sealand from WWI that was named RAF Saughall, only about 10 miles away! So 'West Kirby' it became. During the war, my uncle was posted to the camp, from where, by standing at the east gate (by the crossroads), he could see his wife hanging out the washing at her Mum's house in the village!
I've read a few aircrew memories where people ended up at RAF West Kirby. It had a bit of a dire reputation according to various authors, as it seems to have been a place that was difficult to escape from for those wanting to get back on active service.
The commanding officer of 472 (HOYLAKE) Squadron (my local Air Training Corps squadron), Flt.Lt. Ken Peabody, was a drill instructor at RAF West Kirby, but he never told us much about the place. And, strangely, I've never seen the memorial despite having been brought up less than a mile away.
My Dad was instrumental in getting the commemorative stone laid 🙂
Oh that's a great story
@@TheWirralChannel He was the archivist for the RAF West Kirby Association. Sadly he passed away 3 years ago, as have many of the members 🙁
Our horses where kept on the converted fields, and the woodland is a nice spot to now walk the dog, so peaceful hard the think it was a place of so much activity
Thanks for the message. If you subscribe you will be notified of all new Videos that are released. Thank you
Interesting to see built up to back to countryside!
Did some L-driving around the grounds in the 60's long after the buildings were removed.
I always thought there was an air field. Also the raf houses estate just behind the bases in greasby by Frankby motors
My grandma was stationed at Sealand, Cheshire. It is hard to find any footage of it.
If you're looking for film footage, I seem to recall that one of the black and white films of the day was made at RAF Sealand. I remember watching it in on TV one afternoon in the 70's. It showed aircraft operations at RAF Sealand, although it was probably more of just a backdrop to the storyline. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the film, but do remember Sealand was mentioned in the credits. Maybe the RAF Museum at Hendon would know?