RAF Inverness


Royal Air Force Inverness or RAF Inverness is a former Royal Air Force station located by the Moray Firth in Highland, Scotland. It was also known as RAF Longman.

History

The airfield was built in 1933 as a civilian airport for Highland Airways to link Orkney and Wick to Inverness and the major rail links, the base was converted to an Royal Air Force base at the Outbreak of World War II, but didn't officially become an RAF base until 1941. The base itself was spotted and recognised the base by German Reconnosance Units, however, incorrectly noted it down as a seaplane base, which likely, saved Inverness from any major bombing by the Luftwaffe.
Under the command of No. 13 Group, it hosted No. 70 Wing Calibration Flight between 17 February 1941 and 25 August 1945.

Operational Squadrons & Aircraft

Other units

Following the war, it was converted to general use under the title Longman Airfield until Inverness Airport became the primary hub in 1947, due to the airfield being regarded as too small for safe operations. Prior to its closure, it was served by the British European Airways, and its fleet of captured Ex-Luftwaffe Junkers Ju 52. It is also believed that for some time, Hitler's personal Ju 52, was stored at the Longman after the war.