A History of RAF Skaw (AMES 56)– The Out-Post – Issue 12

A S Arnold, who had just taken over as the Editor of the Outpost, was unable to return to Unst from leave due to illness. At short notice AC Chape took over the responsibility for this issue. Though no fault of his, my copy has some letters missing on the left hand side of some pages following a number of copies being made from an original; however, a little thought should fill in most gaps!

Two of the significant items which can be can be highlighted from this issue are the Royal Canadian Air Force and Entertainment. Many Commonwealth counties provided invaluable support to the UK during WWII. Canadian personnel made a great contribution to the war effort . RCAF Sqns operated within Bomber and Coastal Command in particular, with one Canadian Canso (Catalina) pilot, David Ernest Hornell, being awarded a posthumous V.C. for sinking a U-Boat some distance north of RAF Skaw. Many Canadians were also involved in the UK radar world &, at one time of another, I have information about their employment at 9 CH/CHL sites in Shetland alone. An article, about the Canadian contingent at RAF Skaw begins on Page 11. Although work kept everyone busy for much of the time there was still the need to provide entertainment for the troops. Page 21 shows the first advert I have seen for forthcoming films. Left click on images to enlarge.

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A History of RAF Skaw (AMES 56) – The Out-Post – Issue 10/11

This Issue of the Outpost is unusual as it marks the first changeover of editor since its inception. Cpl Catford, who had been the Editor for all previous issues, was finally posted and was replaced by Cpl Arnold. It was possibly the switch in personnel which resulted in one magazine to cover 2 months. The small sketch on page 20 of a Radar Operator going on duty reminds me of my own tour at Saxa many years later, when the crew would go on watch prepared for most eventualities!

A History of RAF Skaw (AMES 56) – The Out-Post – Issue 9

By the time Issue 9  of the Outpost came out the radar station had been operational for a year, The main Chain Home was still not ready and the watch-keepers were still using the wooden huts and smaller towers at the eastern end of Lambaness. Construction work was continuing in the winter months and the servicemen posted into the station would be able to see the sixe of the towers which would soon be supporting the main antenna.

CONTENTS LIST

http://ahistoryofrafsaxavord.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/contents-list.html