On the 7th December 2016 a memorial was dedicated to all the airmen and aircrew killed on service at RAF Woodvale during the Second World War.

This memorial is located at Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve which is the single largest lowland heath site on Merseyside.

RAF Woodvale was designed as a fighter airfield for the defence of Merseyside, but was completed too late for the 1940-41 Blitz. The base was officially opened on 7th December 1941, two months after its first runway had been completed and continued this task for the duration of the war.

In 1943, No.222 (Dutch) Squadron’s Spitfires added to the Polish squadrons already based at Woodvale. Night protection was undertaken by Beaufighters and Mosquitos; Woodvale became Sector Control Station for the North West, controlling all operational flying, especially enemy aircraft interceptions.

In June 1957 a Spitfire made one of the last operational Spitfire flights in active British military markings from RAF Woodvale. No.5 Civilian Anti-Aircraft Co-Operation Unit moved in on 1st January 1958 and operated Meteors until 30th September 1971.

RAF Woodvale is probably the last “temporary” RAF site built to protect our shores during WW2 to remain active today.

More information and photos can be seen at (you will need to scroll down)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/formby...57649024829742

What an interesting article, hope it will be in the local papers

Very interesting, thanks for posting. My uncle was in RAF based at Woodvale during the war. His wife & son moved to Ainsdale & rented a house in Sandbrook Rd to be nearby & her sister (my Mum) came from Ashton UL to live with her. After the war when my Dad was demobbed from RAF they settled here & then I came along. So indirectly Woodvale is responsible for me living here for most of my life. Would love to do some research about my Uncle's service, I know there were Polish airmen based there but he was English. A task for when I retire.....