Location
Banff to Portsoy road near Portsoy
Portsoy, Banffshire
Date
1989
Description
The inscription reads:
"This memorial commemorates the men and women who served with the six multi-national squadrons which formed the Banff Strike Wing at R.A.F. Banff between September 1944 and May 1945. Under the command of group captain the Hon. Max Aitken the mixed Mosquito and Beaufighter units mounted concentrated attacks on German surface vessels and U-boats in the North Sea and along the Norwegian coast. Their success in the closing months of World War II was important in the defeat of Germany and strike wing aircraft operating from the airfield near here inflicted heavy damage on enemy shipping and supply routes. Many thousands of tons of vital iron ore and other supplies were lost to the German forces as a result of rocket and cannon attacks carried out by this gallant strike wing. Losses amongst R.A.F. commonwealth and Norwegian squadrons were high. More than 80 aircrew gave their lives flying with the R.A.F. Banff Strike Wing."
Related Information
The memorial at RAF Banff; this was
designed by Leslie Barlow Taylor as one of the trustees of the "RAF Banff Strike Wing
Memorial Association" and was built by funds raised from ex-servicemen and
women based at Banff, and by donations from The Beaverbrook Foundation
etc.
The plaques were designed so that they would revert to 'natural patina' that
is, a green colour, which in effect protects the bronze from long-term
corrosion. On the reverse plaques, are drawn an outine map of the airfield,
and also of the two main warplanes used at the base, the Mosquito and
Beaufighter. The additional small stone marks the achievements of number
14(Pilot) advanced flying unit, who were based there from 1943 until the
strike wing moved in during late 1944.
A roll of honour (entirely hand calligraphy) was placed in St. Mary's
Church Banff, containing the names of over 80 aircrew who died from
Banff's runways in the last nine months of the war.
Era
1900s
Information Source
Leslie Barlow Taylor
Categories
Iconography
- aircraft
- eagle
Creator
- Leslie Barlow Taylor, Designer
External Links
Photographer
- Dianne Sutherland
Unavailable Data
- OS Map Reference
- Related Artefacts
This content was submitted by external contributors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Aberdeen.