The Story of RAF Woodvale - Online Talk

An online talk by Military Historian and ex Formby resident Aldon Ferguson.

RAF Woodvale opened in 1941. It was designated to provide fighter cover to protect Merseyside but was too late for the blitz. It did, however, continue to house fighter squadrons for general protection against the Luftwaffe and was a Sector Control Station with responsibility for north west England.

At the end of the war it became a Royal Navy Air Station prior to a failed attempt by Southport to claim it as Southport Airport. Post war it housed a large number of support and training squadrons and achieved fame in being the last RAF base to operate Spitfires on routine RAF duty.

Still active, RAF Woodvale is currently home to three training units and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force unit.

RAF Woodvale opened in 1941. It was designated to provide fighter cover to protect Merseyside but was too late for the blitz. It did, however, continue to house fighter squadrons for general protection against the Luftwaffe and was a Sector Control Station with responsibility for north west England.

At the end of the war it became a Royal Navy Air Station prior to a failed attempt by Southport to claim it as Southport Airport. Post war it housed a large number of support and training squadrons and achieved fame in being the last RAF base to operate Spitfires on routine RAF duty.

Still active, RAF Woodvale is currently home to three training units and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force unit.

This online talk was first presented 14 July 2021 as part of The Atkinson’s ‘Object of the Month’ series of free talks.