Forres
Forres was opened as a Grass surfaced Satellite for bombers on 27th April 1940. When D flight of 19 OTU, which was based at Kinloss, moved in, they remained there until 22nd October 1944, they used this airfield almost continually. Due to the grass construction, the airfield was regularly closed during periods of foul weather. No 19 PAFU of Dalcross used Forres as a relief Landing Ground in 1943.
The aircraft of 19 OTU gradually ended up in a sorry state due to inexperienced pilots, these often resulted in serious crashes. One particular one on 7th Nov 1940 resulted in a Whitley (N1440) nose diving into the town Centre, no civilians were killed but the 6 aircrew were. A plaque commemorating the incident was erected in 1989 in Tolbooth Street.
Another incident in Aug 1944 happened outside a hanger which resulted in a Whitley exploding due to electrical work igniting fuel which was being used to clean an engine.
When 19 OTU gave up the airfield, it was loaned to the War Department. No further military use was gained from the site. The site was put on Care an maintenance on 22nd Oct 1944. The buildings were then used to house POWs and then members of The Polish Army.
A small concrete strip was laid to enable small aircraft from local businesses to commute. There is virtually no evidence now that it was used as a Wartime Airfield.
Click here to read about an ex-Forres pilot
Map Reference: - 27/020580
Access: -1 Mile west of Forres on A96
Sights: - Memorial located in Little Chef Car Park
What's left: - Only a few buildings remain on the far side if you are standing at the memorial. The buildings are used for cattle and one is used as a small bore gun range.
Click here to view a dedicated RAF Forres web site
ø One of the several old flying buildings at Forres. ø Looking across the old airfield, all now farmland. the buildings are at the opposite side to where this picture was taken. ø South eastern corner of the site ø South eastern corner of the site ø The Memorial at Forres, This is beside the Little Chef Cafe on the A96, The old Airfield is directly across the road.
