RAF Davidstow Moor

RAF Davidstow Moor
Davidstow, Cornwall in England
RAF Davidstow Airfield - 2 June 1951
RAF Davidstow Moor Shown within Cornwall
Coordinates	50°38′07″N 004°37′04″W / 50.63528°N 4.61778°W / 50.63528; -4.61778Coordinates: 50°38′07″N 004°37′04″W / 50.63528°N 4.61778°W / 50.63528; -4.61778
Type	Royal Air Force station
Site information
Owner	Air Ministry
Operator	Royal Air Force
Site history
Built	1942 (1942)
In use	1942-1954 (1954)
Airfield information
Elevation	294 metres (965 ft) AMSL
Runways Direction Length and surface 06/24 1,290 metres (4,232 ft) Concrete 12/30 1,820 metres (5,971 ft) Concrete 18/36 1,280 metres (4,199 ft) Concrete

Royal Air Force Davidstow or more commonly RAF Davidstow Moor is a former Royal Air Force station located 2.9 miles (4.7 km) north east of Camelford, Cornwall and 11.5 miles (18.5 km) west of Launceston, Cornwall, England.

It was used from late 1942 until 1954 and despite a few periods of intense activity it was one of Coastal Command's lesser used airfields.

The land was acquired in 1941 and a three-runway airfield with extensive dispersal area was constructed in the first half of 1942. Despite the moorland conditions construction was reasonably straightforward, although it did involve the removal of various field boundaries, the closure of minor roads and some drainage work.

RAF Station Davidstow Moor was closed in December 1945 due to the end of World War II. It became a motor racing circuit, known as Davidstow Circuit and in the early 1950s three Formula One races were held there (the Cornwall MRC Formula 1 Races) including the first success for the Lotus marque.

The main Watch Tower/Air Traffic Control Tower is clearly visible on the airfield.

The airfield is also used for microlights and motor gliders with three runways in use. The runway lengths and directions are: 02-20, 395m, 06-24, 489m, 12-30, 1450m. PPR is essential for this site. It is currently run by Davidstow Flying Club.

The Davistow Airfield, ICAO XDAV, and Cornwall at War Museum has been set up to commemorate the work and people of RAF Davidstow Moor. It is located next to a creamery where Davidstow and Cathedral City cheeses are produced. Many exhibits cover life in World War II in Cornwall, including other airfields along the North Cornwall coast, the Royal Navy, Army civilian services, and life on the home front. Other exhibits include artifacts from the Royal Observer Corps and the Light Infantry, vehicles and weapons.