RAF Woodvale
Royal Air Force Station Woodvale or RAF Woodvale is a Royal Air Force Station located 4 mi (6.4 km) south of Southport, Merseyside in Woodvale. Although constructed as an all-weather night fighter airfield for the defence of Liverpool, it did not open until 7 December 1941 which was just after the Liverpool Blitz, which had peaked in May.The Second World WarDuring the Second World War RAF squadrons were brought up from the south of England to 'rest' for short periods, during which time they defended Merseyside. 308 (Krakowski) Squadron was the first to arrive, on 12 December 1941, from RAF Northolt before leaving on 1 April 1942. Squadrons were rotated regularly. Several were Polish, including 315 (Dęblinski) Sqn and 317 (Wilenski) Sqn. Spitfire IIs and Vbs were operated by these units.Support units working with all three Services also served there, calibrating anti-aircraft guns and towing targets for the Royal Navy. In April 1945, Woodvale briefly became a Tender for the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm airfield at Burscough, HMS Ringtail, being given the name HMS Ringtail II.
