RNAS Prawle Point explained

RNAS/RAF Prawle Point
Type:Military
Operator:Royal Naval Air Service
Royal Air Force
Location:East Prawle
Built:1917
Used:1917-1919
Pushpin Map:Devon
Pushpin Label:RNAS Prawle Point
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Devon
R1-Number:00/00
R1-Length-F:0
R1-Length-M:0
R1-Surface:Grass
R2-Number:00/00
R2-Length-F:0
R2-Length-M:0
R2-Surface:Grass

The RNAS Naval Air Station Prawle Point was a British First World War airfield outside the village of East Prawle in Devon, England and south east of Salcombe, Devon.[1]

The airfield was opened in 1917 to provide a base for de Havilland DH.6 and de Havilland DH.9s of the Royal Naval Air Service to carry out anti-submarine patrols.

History

With the formation of the Royal Air Force in April 1918 the airfield became RAF Prawle Point and aircraft flights became 254 Squadron. The squadron was divided into flights with 492 (Light Bomber) Flight operating the DH.9s and 515 and 516 (Special Duties) Flights the DH.6s. The squadron disbanded on 22 February 1919 and flying at Prawle Point ended.

Current use

The airfield is now used for farming.

References

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. http://chivelstoneparishcouncil.gov.uk/Uploads/Site38/Files/thearchaeologyandheritageofchivelstone.pdf The Archaeology and Heritage of Chivelstone Parish