Dunkeswell
The Dunkeswell Airfield was the only USN base to be commissioned during World War Two. Dunkeswell was home to the PB4Y Liberators, which took part in the Battle of the Atlantic. These aircraft also used the Smeatharpe airfield for a brief time whilst the runway was being repaired. The air field was granted permission to build in 1941.
The American soldiers came to Dunkeswell to be trained to assist RAF Coastal Command, who were in control of the submarines. To start with, the Americans were sent to St. Eval in Cornwall (January 1943). Being a major centre for anti-submarine activity, St Eval was quite crowded and the Americans were not impressed with the amenities and was looking for alternative bases for their operations. In July 1943, the Dunkeswell airfield was ready for the Americans to move in, but to start with, the British Forces did most of the ground work.
The winter of 1943-44 was extremely severe, making it difficult for the US Navy squadrons to maintain their operations. In addition they were also hampered by shortage of ground staff and equipment. Such were the appalling conditions, Dunkeswell acquired the 'honour' of being known by USN personnel as “Mudville Heights"!
The American soldiers came to Dunkeswell to be trained to assist RAF Coastal Command, who were in control of the submarines. To start with, the Americans were sent to St. Eval in Cornwall (January 1943). Being a major centre for anti-submarine activity, St Eval was quite crowded and the Americans were not impressed with the amenities and was looking for alternative bases for their operations. In July 1943, the Dunkeswell airfield was ready for the Americans to move in, but to start with, the British Forces did most of the ground work.
The winter of 1943-44 was extremely severe, making it difficult for the US Navy squadrons to maintain their operations. In addition they were also hampered by shortage of ground staff and equipment. Such were the appalling conditions, Dunkeswell acquired the 'honour' of being known by USN personnel as “Mudville Heights"!