More information about the site came to light when Ruthin-based builders James Carroll Ltd were called in to renovate the historic buildings at the former RAF Sealand airbase. It was from these hangars that the young pilots learned the skills to take on the might of the Luftwaffe in Sopwith Camels over the trenches of Northern France in the Great War and a generation later in Spitfires and Hurricanes to repel the bombing raids of the Blitz.
The two twin hangars, each covering the area of a football pitch, were originally built in 1917 for a local flying school but were soon sequestered by the newly-formed Royal Flying Corps to train the Biggles-era aces.
They were a revolutionary design in their day because the new-fangled aeroplanes needed a building with a wide-spanned self-supporting roof to house them. Nearly 90 years later it was a new kind of work for Carrolls but one they quickly adapted to, according to site manager Scott Bennett.
"They are Grade Two Listed buildings because of their history over two world wars. They were constructed with what are known as Belfast trusses which basically are just timber and nails but are amazingly strong. Some of them were in a pretty decrepit condition and although it was something we'd never done before we had to repair them on site, keeping them in place."
Much of the work at Sealand was done by employees Ian Jones, from Corwen, and Gethin Edwards, from Llansannan and they said they enjoyed it.
"We'd never done anything like it before and it was difficult, a lot of hammering of six-inch nails," said Ian. "It's good to know though that not many people would know how to do this and we learned on the job."
One of the men who urged the authorities to make sure the buildings were saved was Mike Grant, from Caergwrle, who with a colleague, Derrick Pratt, has written a series of books, Wings Across The Border, about aviation in North Wales and the Marches.
He said: "Carrolls have done an incredible job there because these hangars are an important historic site. Because of the skills they have developed other buildings should now be saved for posterity. These hangars are part of our history and a vital part at that."
The story of RAF Sealand began in 1917 when a local mechanic and entrepreneur, Tom Dutton, began a private flying school on fields rented from the John Summers Steelworks but it was soon sequestered by the Royal Flying Corps to train the pilots to face the likes of The Red Baron on the Western Front - Tom was given a rank and became one of the trainers.
In 1918, the RFC became the Royal Air Force and RAF Shotwick, as it was then known, began its long service history - Tom never did get his airfield back but he ran successful motoring businesses in the Chester area until the 1960s.
Later known as Sealand, it continued to train pilots but the action stepped up in the mid-1930s when it became clear that another war was looming. Though never a fighter base, Sealand did train many of "the few", the men who went on to fly in the Battle of Britain - it was safer to do so away from the crowded and dangerous skies of Southern and Eastern England.
They flew mainly the Miles Master aircraft, very similar to the Hurricanes and Spitfires and even with the same Rolls Royce Merlin engines, with dual controls. Many of the men who trained the fledgling pilots were aces from the Battle of Britain who were attached to a battle group at nearby Hawarden which would be scrambled to intercept German bombers headed for Liverpool.
Sealand was also an important maintenance unit for all kinds of aircraft and their equipment, a role it continued after the war, from 1951 until 1967 as a US Air Force base, until it closed in 2006 though there is still a Defence Avionics Repair Agency on the site.
Meanwhile, Mike Grant has remained fascinated by the men and machines that flew the skies over Deeside and he says: "What's remarkable is that Tom Dutton started it all off and he was born at Beeches Farm, just across the road from the British Aerospace factory where they make the Airbus wings today."
Journalist Alistair Syme is former editor of the Denbighshire Free Press who now works in public relations
your comments
D.R. Land
Has the proposed museum been opened yet? If so, where is it located? Former G.I. 1951/53
Wed May 27 08:26:43 2009
Dennis King, S Wales
Hi there Norman. Yep, that was me in Reliant. Would be nice to contact old friends via Facebook.
Wed Apr 29 08:24:55 2009
Lowell Sikes, Montgomery, AL, USA
Assisgned Sealand from late 1951 to late 1954. Worked in Medical Depot office for Capt. Hollo. Cmdr. was Maj. Sturtevant. I rode a 250cc BSA. Am still in contact with some of our 60 depot personnel. Optical shop OIC, Benjamin Kislin, advanced to Lt. Col. Many others now dead. I loved Sealand.
Wed Apr 1 08:48:07 2009
Norman Roberts, Toronto, ex pat from Mold
To Dennis King, ex radio tech, Sealand. I was also a radio tech at 30MU mid 60s. You must be the one with the suicidal Reliant 3-wheeler driving in from Mynydd Isa? Lots of fun days! We emigrated to Canada 1973. Still drive past the old place on our annual treks home!
Mon Mar 30 08:46:27 2009
Yvette, Bryant, Holland
This is a long shot. My cousin was Marjorie Jones from Butler Street, Shotton, and she supposedly married someone from the RAF and then they were posted to Malta. Would be any time after 1942. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
Fri Feb 27 13:43:38 2009
Henry E Elliott Tyler TX
I was one of the first of seven people who went to Sealand the last of Jan or first of Feb 1951. I left there the last of Nov 1952. My first job was to try and get phones working in key buildings. I later was Col Carl D Feldman's driver.
Mon Feb 23 09:05:42 2009
John Andrews from Dunfermline
I have a book that should be returned to the library there. It is "Trustee from the Toolroom" by Nevil Shute and it is stamped "Property of Sergeants Mess 30 M.U. Sealand".
M.U. = Motor Unit possibly?
Mon Feb 16 08:14:24 2009
Geoff Milner from Horsham,West Sussex
My father was Pilot Officer John Edward Milner stationed at 30 MU, RAF Sealand between 1947 and 1948. He was the only Air Traffic Control Officer who flew there. He used to fly the Percival Proctors based there, s/n HM358, s/n LZ705 to keep his flying experience up. He will be 85 on 23rd Feb 2009.
Mon Feb 9 10:13:49 2009
Pat Pearson, Lancashire
Does anyone remember S/Sgt Robert Kenneth McDonald of North Branch, Minnesota? He married a Leyland girl Jean Anne Bannister in 1953 and he was stationed at USAF Sealand. I know family in USA trying to contact them or their descendents. Robert's friend was Sgt John McDonough. Does anyone know if they returned to the USA when Robert finished his tour of duty? We have been told he could have been stationed in Scotland about 1957.
Mon Feb 9 10:09:22 2009
John Knobbs from Connah's Quay
I notice while scanning through the letters sent to this particular site, that there are a great many people in the Deeside area with RAF connections. Speaking as the chairman of the Royal Air Force Association in Connah's Quay, I would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who wishes to join our branch. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the Naval club on Tuscan Way at 8pm. We are also running a coach trip to visit the Armed Forces Arboretum near Lichfield on Sunday 19th April. This trip is open to anyone with Service connections, be they RAF, ARMY, NAVY, or anyone with relatives whose names may appear on the memorial plaques within the site. The cost of this trip is £7 per head, and will leave the Naval club car park at 08.30, and leave the arboretum at 16.00. Anyone wishing to book can do so by ringing me on 01244 813275.
Thu Jan 29 09:14:55 2009
Peter Billinton
My father was a Radar Op there on Beaufighters during 1942/43 and was killed there along with the Polish pilot in a landing accident on the type. Does anyone know about this period?
Thu Jan 22 14:20:18 2009
Nigel Wren, Connah's Quay
Hi, I was employed at RAF Sealand from 1968 to 2004. First as a trainee technician in the apprentice school then as a "techie" in various departments. I always thought "John Lloyd" built the place. Would like to find a copy of the History of RAF Sealand. I have information up to 1957, but require the later booklet. Also, like to hear from folks who worked there Civ/Service.
Thu Jan 22 08:12:32 2009
Christine Madsen
For Colin Barber, my boyfriend was called Mike Williams. I met a John Lennon at a dance in Sealand, sadly not "the" John Lennon. Do you remember them?
Mon Dec 15 08:39:27 2008
Dennis King, ex radio technician
Would like to contact old staff from radio wing or days in billet. Trained with John Carey, Tommy Howard, Arnie Sears, Pete Read, also Jim Comish, Alex Audley, etc. I'm also on Facebook.
Wed Dec 3 08:21:53 2008
Colin Barber, Lixwm
To pick off a few of the comments. Chris the radars were Green Satin and Blue Silk not Green Silk. What was the chap's name? Dennis King, I knew Rip Grunner and Arnie Sears quite well so I probably knew you also. Carl Mann please keep me in touch with the Museum Project, did you know Jim Maxwell and Rick Marker were local?
Fri Nov 28 09:53:37 2008
Irene - Deeside
Does anyone remember the years 1958-61? Wing Commander Wakelin, what a character, Squadron Leader LeGallez who sadly died while serving at RAF Sealand also Sergeant Wild in the stores, Taffy the Corporal dead spit of Harry Seacombe and many more. Lance playing the piano and singing in the club on site and the Vaughan Hall Shotton where we used to meet - great days.
Fri Nov 21 14:14:17 2008
Carl Mann (Yogi), Sealand 1968-2002
Hope to open a RAF Sealand Museum 2009/10 in what was the Officers Mess. Plans in hand but slow moving due to the tender for the sale of West Camp being put back ref current financial crisis.
Tue Nov 18 08:22:20 2008
Chris Madsen
I used to "go out with" a young man who worked on "green silk" the code that was used in those days (late 1960s). He became a vicar, or so I am told.
Mon Nov 17 08:30:10 2008
Dennis King, ex Belfast
Trained at 30MU Radio School from Sept 64 then in Radio Wing until posted to Aldergrove in '75. Lived in billets 13 to a room. Made many good friends there. Worked on Tacan and many other equipment.
Mon Nov 3 09:20:47 2008
Robin Clark, Yorkshire
My uncle Wiliam Maurice Clark was training to be a pilot at Sealand. He collided with a Hurricane from Hawarden, crashed and was killed on June 4 1941. The Hurricane pilot survived. Does anybody know anything about this?
Tue Oct 28 08:08:42 2008
Dick Gaughran from Colchester
Good to read about Sealand. Did my basic training with the USAF in 1952 and returned in 1955 to Burtonwood to help in the closedown of Sealand as a USAF supply base. Good memories. My wife Jeanne is from Flint, we met at a Shotton dance in 1955
Fri Oct 24 08:18:35 2008
Tony
Very interesting page.
Tue Oct 14 10:13:48 2008
Chris Cooper, Berkshire
Please can John Lloyd or anyone else help me to trace my father who was stationed at RAF Sealand from the USAF in 1952? I don't know when he would have arrived or left and I'm not sure of his correct surname. My mother worked there at that time and her name was Gracie Beryl Stanley. My father's name was Danny.
Tue Oct 14 10:07:00 2008
Chris Cooper, Berkshire
Replying to D.R. Land or Jim Sanderson who were at RAF Sealand during 1952. Did you know my mother Gracie Beryl Stanley? I believe she was known as Beryl. My father Danny, was stationed at RAF Sealand in 1952 and I would love to find out anything about him.
Tue Oct 14 10:06:37 2008
Paul Kennelly, Llangeler
My father was George Albert Kennelly who served with the RAF at Sealand in the late '20s and early '30s. I have a host of wonderful photos of his time there including fellow airmen and aircraft along with football team pictures. One photo is of George stood alongside Winnie Mae, Wyley Posts transatlantic plane. I am sure these images are of historical importance and I intend scanning them and making them generally available. One name on a photo is Bill "Ginger" Dicken and another is Jack Norris. John Seabrooke also served alongside George at Sealand. Do any of these names ring bells? It is a very long time ago.
Fri Sep 5 08:45:19 2008
Stu Duncan
LUCILLA DUNCAN. Just to let anyone out there who knew my mother at RAF sealand who worked at the officers' mess and the sergeants' mess 45 years ago - she is still going strong fit and well.
Tue Aug 12 08:39:56 2008
Jim Sanderson, Southern CA
I was assigned as an Optician at Sealand RAF Station from the first of June, 1952 thrugh July, 1954. I would enjoy conversing with anyone who knew me.
Mon Aug 4 10:39:49 2008
Ron Brown, Staffordshire
Interesting to be reminded of Sealand's trainer aircraft, and in particular the Rolls Royce Merlin engines they used. My dad, 527512 Flight Sergeant Rowland Brown was posted to Sealand for a time pre-1942. He was billeted for a while at least in Cestrian Street with a Mr & Mrs Lloyd. I don't know much about them but do remember us visiting their family as a lad, and they had a daughter Denise. Dad met my mum (Irene Jones, then of Primrose Street, CQ) at that time. He was a flight mechanic with the RAF and worked on Merlin engines throughout the War, including at Sealand until about 1942. Mostly on Spitfires and Hurricanes, but later also on Mosquitoes and Lancasters. He was posted to Cape Town for a few years around 1942, rebuilding damaged/salvaged 'planes. I have (amongst other treasures) a 1st Edition Rolls Royce Handbook for the Merlin engine which dad left to me. The drawings are hand-coloured and R/R's later update notes were carefully added (by my dad) as they were issued. It really is a piece of history. For the engine enthusiasts, it's quite surprising that the Merlin had 12 cylinders (around 20 litres capacity, delivering about 1,000 BHP at first), 4 valves and two spark plugs per cylinder, and a supercharger all as standard. And that was a 1938 design. Quite a "lump" of aluminium alloy, but a remarkable engineering feat for its time. It was built in huge volumes in the USA too (lend/lease deal) and I think in their "Mustang" aircraft. After the War dad was demobbed and worked at Summers' Steelworks (Blastfurnace Chargehand Fitter) until he retired in 1980. Locals to Connah's Quay would know him from his membership of the CQ RAFA and Shotton Conservative Club, and his liking, with mum, of "Old Tyme" dancing. He never had the chance to actually pilot 'planes for the RAF, but he was always proud that he'd "done his bit". I'm proud too, of him.
Wed Jul 30 12:01:31 2008
Colin Donajkowski from Michigan
Hi, was wondering if any one knew my dad, Frank Donajkowski, he was with the 3rd motor transport at Sealand and Burtonwood. He sure did love that place. [There from 1950 to 1956]
Fri Jul 25 07:53:33 2008
Rob Jones in Buckley
Replying to Lewis Farnley. I was an Insty Appo (7th entry). Seem to remember a certain Mr Farnley. I served 33years at Sealand, then got early release for good behaviour (early retirement at 50). Bri Collis exited the same route, shortly after me. Sadly, Ken Harrison (he of the tie), exited via another route. Ciggies finally did for him about six years ago. Only leaves Oggy Griffiths still there from entry 7.
Fri Jul 18 08:52:03 2008
D.R. Land
I was stationed with the USAF at Sealand 1951/1953. I'll never forget my time there, the English people were very nice to us GIs. Spent a lot of time in Chester and the surrounding areas. Beautiful country.
Wed Jun 18 09:05:04 2008
Amy Stanners
Just wondering if anyone knows John Stanners or "Jock". He was my grandad but died when I was was 5. I'm trying to put together my family history and would love to hear some stories about him. If anyone knew him he was at RAF Sealand in the early '60s and '70s. If you know anything I would be grateful.
Mon Jun 9 08:11:52 2008
Christina Wright, Melbourne
My grandfather Arthur Jones was gaffer for Beeches Farm, he worked for Ken Hanley. Arthur was made honourable member of the Sargents Mess at Sealand. Does anyone remember Arthur Jones?
Fri Mar 14 08:19:54 2008
Elaine Hazeldine, Warrington
My interest on Sealand is mainly on the researching of American fathers. It seams the Americans were there during WWII traing and dealing with the overloads of the bombers sent into Liverpool docks. The consignments were sent into Speak and then onto Sealand. My main question on this, were there any names of these men listed anywhere? If there is any information say writen in books or info at the library I will be very grateful for any information. Many thanks.
Wed Mar 12 16:57:00 2008
John Lloyd, Connah's Quay
To sac Peter Clark, sorry I don't remember you, but Tony Conlin died in '97 I think, interesting you remembered me though.
Tue Mar 11 09:28:37 2008
Jim Tarbox from Essex
Does anyone know of a G Moss possibly an American who may have been based at Sealand 1942/3? I would like to get in touch.
Mon Mar 10 10:57:28 2008
Eddy Caddick from Shotton
It's great to hear from you guys from the USA who were based in Sealand. I met a guy in New Orleans in the 1970s who had been based there. We had a very interesting conversation. I don't know the details, but I have been told by members of my family, that when the Americans were leaving the base, that a lot of the cars they owned were just buried in a huge pit, as the cost of taking them back to the USA was prohibitive. Not sure if this is another "urban myth" or not. I would be interested to find out if there was any truth in the story. I do know a relative of mine (now deceased) was a garage owner, who did a good trade servicing the cars belonging to the American servicemen. His name was Joe Stone. Anyone remember him?
Mon Mar 10 09:22:37 2008
Peter Clark, Newcastle
Hi John Lloyd, I was at Sealand as a sac 1989 to 1992 working in the stores with another sac. Just been back down to RAF Sealand for the first time, great to see the old place again after so long. Is Tony Conlin still around. I worked with him then.
Thu Mar 6 08:25:50 2008
Elaine Hazeldine from Warrington
The North American Aircraft--Dragons-XB-28 were at Sealand during 1940/42. My question: were these manned by the Americans? Does anyone know this for sure?
Mon Mar 3 08:50:31 2008
Jim Johnson, Jasonville, Indiana. USA
I was with the USAF at RAF Station, Sealand, from 1955 through June, 1957. Remember going to Queens Ferry Pub very often. I was an auto mechanic and lived in what we called the Air Police Barracks on the north side of the parade ground. Each Sunday morning one of the RAF pilots would dive bomb us at about daybreak to ensure that we were awake. I really enjoyed my time there and visiting Connahs Quay, Chester, Liverpool, Denbigh, and St Asaph.
Fri Feb 29 08:02:41 2008
Henry J. Hagen, Seattle, U.S
I was stationed at Sealand RAF Stn from August 9, 1955, to May 12, 1957. Only a few remained when I left. All had to be gone by June 30, 1957, as that was when thefiscal year ended. I have fond memories of Sealand, so I paid a visit to the Station on June 20 1996. It was exactly39 years and 39 days since I was there last. Security was very tight. I went to my old barracks 32A in east camp, the NCO club which was still operating as an NCO open mess, for the RAF. West camp seemed to be managed by Flintshire county and I went in building 505. I worked there and it was designated Supply Warehouse #10. I had so many fond memories of the place that I knew I had see it one more time. This past July 2007, I had the chance to meet an old friend from the Supply squadron at Sealand. I knew his wife too, she was from Rhyl, and I hadn't seen them for over50 years. What a great reunion.
Fri Feb 22 10:59:21 2008
Earl Osborn, Beaumont, Texas
I was stationed with the 3rd Motor Transport Squadron at Sealand from Jan '55 until Jul '57. We then moved to RAF Burtonwood because the USAF was vacating Sealand. I am not sure of the exact date all USAF personnel left but it was shortly after July '57.
Mon Feb 11 10:10:24 2008
Earl Osborn, Beaumont, Texas
I was stationed at Sealand from January 1955 to June 1957 with the 3rd Motor Transport Squadron. I later spent 27 years in the USAF but my most memorable moments in those 27 years are those spent at Sealand. I loved the Base and North Wales and constantly think of the great times we all enjoyed at Sealand and in the surrounding area. I spent most unforgettable times in Prestatyn, Rhyl and Liverpool. Would love to hear from anyone from the the 3rd Motor or a former resident or airman from the area.
Mon Feb 11 09:41:49 2008
Fred Knox B.E.M
Does anybody who served at RAF Sealand (WW11) have any information on the Bomb Disposal (RAF) that used to be located there? I am a ex Hawarden lad who served with the RAF BD and currently doing some research for the RAF Bomb Diposal Association on the BD organisation within the service.
Mon Jan 7 11:49:23 2008
Mike Hayward, Torrevieja, Spain
Hi John Lloyd, I was just sitting here thinking about the old times and some of the characters we used to know i.e. Normon Garland, John the Black, Denise Hines, and then of course productivity came in and I think a lot of the closeness between sections disappeared. Must go, barbie ready - 24 degs and it's 21:30. See you.
Fri Nov 9 08:38:41 2007
Kirsty Till (Holland) from Chester
Does anyone remember Squadron Leader James Holland being at Raf Sealand around the 1950/60s? I'm trying to build a family tree. My brother was in the cadets there. His name is Easdale (Dale for short). He told me that my dad was highly thought of there so if anyone can help me that would be great.
Thu Nov 8 09:11:06 2007
John Lloyd, Connah's Quay
Hello Frank, forgive me but wasn't 47mu RAF Hawarden before it became RAF Sealand. It then became no 30mu in its latest form in 1959 complete with 2 mu south camp.
Tue Oct 30 09:49:07 2007
Frank Martin
Mr John Lloyd. My father was the police inspector at 47 MU Sealand for many years, his name was Jock Martin. We also lived in the Quay at the Old Quay House when Mrs Duffy ran it so you might say that I am a Quay lad.
Mon Oct 29 08:27:31 2007
Rob, Flintshire
I am trying to trace family back to RAF Sealand or Hawarden during WW1 (14-18). There is a story in the family relating to an incident in Queensferry where a Canadian pilot stationed locally flew his plane under or through the open bridge at Queensferry. Not sure how much truth is in this but would be very grateful if anybody could either verify the story and/or remember the name/s of the pilots that day. Thank you.
Mon Oct 22 08:54:17 2007
Malcolm Millichap, Stafford
I was born in 1940 and lived for the next 17 yrs in Shotton. As boys we used to visit RAF Sealand in the hope of getting chocolate from the 'Yanks'. Many years later as a senior police officer in Staffordshire, I used to liaise wih the RAF special safety team from Sealand, undergoing the annual training exercise. I believe that service has now ended at Sealand.
Wed Oct 17 08:36:20 2007
John Lloyd, Connah's Quay
Hello Mike, nice to hear from you. As you said we all had some good times at Sealand but, let's be honest about it, Sealand could be a very frustrating place at times but nevertheless some of us stayed there a very long time for little reward until we retired early like me!
Fri Oct 12 09:06:04 2007
Mike Hayward, Torrevieja, Spain
Just read your letter John Lloyd, I do remember you. I myself was in the MT section, very surprised more people don't write in, good times were had by most people. I have not been back to Sealand in 3 yrs, roads changed a bit I hear. I will be back in UK end of Nov for a week.
Tue Oct 9 08:23:22 2007
John Lloyd, Connahs Quay
I was at Sealand for almost 40 years in the stores. If you were there you will know me...please contact if you want to recall anything about that time.
Mon Oct 8 10:48:53 2007
Harry Leyland from Lincoln
I was an ATC Cadet and Staff cadet at 631 during 1974/5. I left to spend more time on my A levels, and joined the RAF as aircrew in 1976.
Thu Sep 13 15:48:40 2007
Tim Cooper, Bristol
I served my apprenticeship at RAF Sealand 1974-1978, 10th entry as an instrument maker. It would be great to hear from anyone else, insties or lecies from the 10th entry. I later flew with 631 Volunteer Gliding School on South Camp and became an instructor. I have some great memories from RAF Sealand - happy times.
Fri Sep 7 09:05:27 2007
Irene Ireland - Deeside
I agree with Colin Barber regarding the date the American Air Force left RAF Sealand. This was in fact 1958/59. My friend Marjorie and I were the first female typists to be employed by the Air Ministry after the Americans left and we started our employment in 1959.
Mon Sep 3 10:07:38 2007
Mike Hayward, Spain
I was under the impression that the Polish air force flew from Sealand during the last war, as the two plaques either side of the main door of station HQ verify. I worked at Sealand for 32 yrs, but I must admit that I have learnt quite a lot reading the letters, hoping to learn more.
Tue Aug 28 10:42:23 2007
Lewis Farnley, Sealand
I served my apprenticeship at RAF Sealand from 1972 to 1975, had a great time. Anyone remember the good times?
Mon Aug 13 10:04:02 2007
Colin Barber, Lixwm
Your dates for the USAF occupancy are in error. I was posted to 30 M.U. Sealand in February 1964, when the Valiants at Marham were grounded. There were no Americans present on the base, just approx 50 RAF personnel from Group Captain downwards but literally hundreds of civilian technicians. This remained the case until the instrument servicing relocated from St Athhan.
Mon Jul 30 07:56:27 2007
JAMES DUTTON FROM HENLLAN
All very interesting, Tom Dutton was a great great uncle to me. Also interesting to see that he was born at the Beeches as I know the Wrench family that farm there now. I wunder if there is some connection? Tom was a great engineer who at some point built an aircraft to his own personal design from anything he could find at the time! I may be able to source some pictures. If anyone is able to shed some light on the connection with Beeches Farm I would love to hear from them.
Fri Jul 27 08:09:15 2007
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