Dale was built on a peninsula with several of the approaches to the runway over sea cliffs.
June 1 - 15 1942
Dale Airfield was manned and opened on this day, its first aircraft arrived on June 15th. They were Wellingtons of 304 Squadron from Tiree.July 10 1942
No. 304 Squadrons first operational trip was an ASR patrol carried out by seven aircraft. Wellington T was lucky enough to find a U-Boat. They attacked it with depth charges. The results were uncertain and strike aircraft were called out to the same position and did not see anything.July 27 1942
The same Wellington attacked am Arado Ar 196 floatplane but again without confirmation.August 11 1942
A particularly tragic accident occurred on this day. When a HX 384 T of 304 Squadron was taking off on an anti-submarine sweep, there was a very strong crosswind and as a result the aircraft failed to get airborne. It went over the cliff into the rough sea below. Many efforts were made to rescue the men on board but sadly there were no survivors.
April 1943
The next resident here was the Coastal Command Development Unit from Tain. They came with a variety of aircraft. They were joined for a short period by 303 FTU whilst the Drem lighting was installed in Talbenny.September 5 1943
The Royal Navy exchanges its base at Angle for Dale. Dale then became its base for 794 Squadron, a target throwing unit. They came with a mixed fleet of Defiants, Fulmars, Masters and Martinets.April 1 1944
762 Squadron came to Dale on this day. They are a twin engine conversion unit equipped with Blenheims and Beaufighters, and later Wellingtons and Mosquitoes. A few RN air stations had long enough runways to take these aircraft but Dale was an ideal choice. This unit then moved on to Ford on December 8 1945.February 1 1946
784 Squadron arrived equipped with Fireflies and Ansons. They later disbanded on October 1 1946 and became part of B Flight of 790 Squadron.December 13 1947
When 790 Squadron left for Culdrose on this day, Dale was closed down. This was the last squadron to be based at Dale.
Angle AirfieldAngle was the scene of the first Sunderland airfield landing in Britain. Angle was built on a peninsula this is why it was never a very popular posting because of its remoteness.
1 December 1941
Angle first came into action on this day. It was used first as a forward station in the Fairwood Common Sector under 10 group.
18 April 1942
From this day Angle was called home for the 263 Squadron, this was one of the two squadrons that operated the Westland Whirlwind. When the squadron was travelling down to Angle it suffered some major setbacks. While they were travelling down past Llanelli a truck that was carrying A Flights armoury caught fire.
The truck was isolated from the rest of the fleet, and the local fire brigade extinguished the flames before they could reach of its 20mm shells it was carrying.22 May 1942
May 22nd. saw the longest operational flight ever made with the Whirlwinds. They were called to take out an enemy bomber over the Irish Sea. They chased the enemy to the Irish Coast. They were forced to give up due to poor visibility and fuel shortage.30 June 1942
Ten Whirlwinds (escorted by Spitfires of 310 Squadron) attack Lannion and Morlaix airfields. This attack was without any loss of life.23 July 1942
No. 263 Squadron saw its first casualty since December 1941. No. 263 Squadron were on their way back from Rhubarb, they were just flying over North West France when two aircrafts were shot down by Me 109s. Angle was the base of several other fighter units for varying periods. The first squadron to be placed there were:
No. 32 Squadron from June to November 1941. They took part in flying convoy patrols with Hurricanes until they moved to Manston.
32 Squadron were then replaced by 615 Squadron Hurricanes. This squadron had just spent a hectic two months in Kent. This unit left for Fairwood Common in January 1942.
After 615 Squadron this left room for 312 Squadrons Spitfires to fly convoy escort for three months, before they followed 615 Squadron to Fairwood Common.After 615 Squadron left the Spitfires of 152 Squadron spent a month here before going on to Wittering in September.
The Hurricane IVs of No. 421 Squadron then occupied the station until January 1943 when they left to go to Kenley Wing to replace 412 Squadron there.
The later Squadron then came to Angle but only stayed for a month before moving to Fairwood Common.Sometime during the last two points Sergeant Norman Jack Rolfe was killed.
Angle had no flying units for a few months until a detachment of Whitleys and Horsa gliders were based here for a week in April 1943 for exercises with the 9th. Parachute Regiment. Also in April a Mosquito flying from Angle tested the Highball weapon.
May 1943
The airfield was temporarily loaned to the Royal Navy for No 794 Squadron, an air target-towing unit. Angle was then occupied by a Coastal Command Development Unit, which exchanged its base at Dale with the Royal Navy on September 5th. 1943.29 May 1943
On this day a Sunderland from T9114 had suffered extensive hull damage whilst taking off in heavy sea. This needed a touch-down on dry land; this was successfully performed at Angle. When the salvage party arrived from 78 MU they considered it a write off because any attempt to move it would cause more damage. But even though it would be a risk, they decided to move it. It took nearly seven days to move it. After the repairs it was put back into service but only as a maintenance training airframe. In its heyday Angle had only one T2 and four Blister hangars. Six fighter dispersal pens were located on the South-East side and the watchtower was in one corner of the airfield facing South West.
your comments
We're making some changes to the sites shortly and although this form will be closing, you will have other opportunities to contribute on our new-look site.
Caroline Church New Zealand
My father Ronald Church was a crew member in the Sunderland that successfully landed on the Angle airfield captained by Gordon Singleton of 461 squadron. I have to visit the memorial one day.
Mon Jun 15 15:55:20 2009
Neville Bougourd from Durham
Can anyone help with information on whether there is a memorial to the crew of HX384 who were blown over the cliffs at Dale in August 1942?
Mon Jun 23 15:29:55 2008
Cyril Griffiths,Brampton(TORONTO)CANADA
How iteresting to read about the Sunderland A/C. As a 19-year-old technician (78 M.U.) we prepared and transported it to St.Athans (via Pembroke Dock). Due to its size (HT & WIDTH) we had to take a circuitous route - 60 mlles or so took approximately eight or nine days to PD where we modified it, and then on to St. Athans.
Wed Jun 11 13:33:43 2008
Colin Fine-Thompson Tamworth
My wife and I have often walked Dale airfield and find it inexplicably eerie. One thing that puzzles me is how supplies were brought there; there is no road much wider than 18ft and from the road to Dale harbour only a winding muddy track.
Fri Feb 1 09:11:36 2008
Kerry Ann Murphy
I am looking for anyone who remembers serving with my Father (Paul "Spud" Murphy) with 421 Squadron overseas 1943-45. Sadly my Dear father passed away Feb 14, 2006 and he served with the RCAF as a Spitfire Pilot with 421.
Mon Nov 19 11:57:19 2007
Carol Lange from Vancouver BC Canada
My father, William Prest (J15101), scored victories with Nos.122 and 443 Squadrons, but commanded No.421 from July to November 1944. His Spitfire crashed somewhere on the shores of France (he survived) and they left the plane there for quite some time. Does anyone know of this story or the town where the plane remained?
Thu Aug 30 09:07:39 2007
Anne from Boscastle
My father was CO at Dale. He moved the squadron to Ford. I am very proud to have been born in Wales at Haverfordwest.
Wed Jun 27 16:02:05 2007
John Mortimer, Milton Keynes
I am not sure if this is of any help to you. But last week my wife and I spent a week's holiday at Bosherston, Pembrokeshire. In the cottage was a leaflet about Angle. Under the heading 'Wartime', the leaflet mentioned Angle airfield, and the departure of 421 Squadron in January 1943.
Significantly, for me, there was a reference to Barnes Wallis. The leaflet says the departure of 421 Squadron in January 1943 was the end of Angle as an operational station, apart from a short exercise of airborne forces gliders and Barnes Wallis' experimental bouncing bombs in Spring 1943.
This is a leaflet put out by the Dyfed Archaecological Trust..so it must be official, but my question is, 'What was Barnes Wallis doing in Angle?' And why Angle, and not any other airfield close to the shore? Does anyone know the answer? I once met Barnes Wallis and so am interested in his work.
Sun Apr 29 16:05:08 2007
Alan Sharpe - Melton Mowbray
I am doing research into Melton Mowbray airfield during WW2. Some of the land was owned by my family who witnessed a fatal crash while working in the fields. I have trawled through records at Hendon RAF museum but would be grateful for any other source of information you my know of.
Thu Jan 18 08:55:43 2007
Mal Arkless, from Melton Mowbray, daughter of 304
I was very intersted to read your research. My father was in 304 Squadron and I remember him telling me of the incident in August 1942 - he lost many friends throughout the war year. Thanks you so much for posting the details of your research. Somewhere in the loft I have further information and photos that may be of interest to others and now I will try to make the info available.
Again, many thanks!!!
Thu Sep 28 09:06:38 2006
Ray Nicholas from Dyffryn, Goodwick
As a native of Fishguard & Goodwick(1933) I clearly recall the football teams from Dale coming to Goodwick to play duing the war. I never went to Dale with our team so I don't know the place at all, but their football teams were very strong and highly respected. I cannot remember any results of the games, but I believe we were always the losers. In those days we also had powerful and skillful players such as Dickie Delaney who's decendant plays for one of the English Div. One teams I believe.
Thu Jul 28 16:10:54 2005
G Brown
I grew up in Angle but long after the war I would love to hear more about the village during the war.
Sat Jun 25 17:09:08 2005
Percy Perry Vancouver B.C.
I was stationed at Angle with 421 Squadron
in 1942 as ground crew. Our aircraft were
Spitfire 5Bs. I recall sea mines exploding
on the rocks and a steady diet of rabbit
meat as there was an ample supply in the hedge rows to the delight of our female
messing officer. A very desolate place.
Tue Mar 15 05:18:07 2005
Geraint and Joe from Milford Haven
We remember writing this project a few years ago!!! The picture is a bit out of date but we'll let it go!!!
THank You
Geraint and Joe
Mon Feb 21 13:00:46 2005
Mandy Gulley
My dad was stationed at Angle for a while during the war. He was a flight engineer with the Air Sea Development Unit. He told tales of landing late one night and being really hungry. The only food they could find was a duck off the local farmers pond. The next morning all hell broke lose when the local farmer woke to find one less duck!I was hoping there are books or literature available about the base and it's war time service. Can you help?
Wed Nov 3 12:15:20 2004
Do you have any memories of Dale or Angle airfields? Send in your comments here.
