RAF Weston Zoyland - Subsequent RAF Use

Subsequent RAF Use

The station had never been officially transferred from the RAF and the anti-aircraft support units were quick to return. Several Squadrons were based at Weston Zoyland, but the longest stay was by No. 16 Squadron RAF who flew Lysanders, and later with the P-51 Mustang. Later Spitfires became a common sight being flown by No. 19 Squadron RAF and others. Nos. 286 and 587 Squadrons with their mixture of Martinets. Hurricanes. Oxfords, Vengeances and Harvards remained in residence until near the end of hostilities. 587 was formed at RAF Weston Zoyland, on 1 December 1943, from 1600 Flight, 1601 Flight and 1625 Flight for anti-aircraft co-operation duties over Wales and the south east of England. It operated a variety of aircraft in this role. Due to the ongoing training requirement the squadron was not disbanded at the end of the war and it moved to RAF Tangmere on 1 June 1946 to cover the south coast, but was disbanded shortly afterwards on the 15 June 1946.

Four fighter squadrons came and departed during the months following the end of the war in Europe but by 1947 the station was reduced to care and maintenance.

There was virtually no further flying at Weston Zoyland until the summer of 1952 when, to meet the Soviet threat. an increase in the RAF's strength and a demand for more aircrews found Meteors and Vampires operating in a training role.

Canberra squadrons were present during the mid-1950s when Weston Zoyland was used as a work-up station prior to overseas assignments. By 1958 the station was once more deserted of aircraft and, although retained by the Air Ministry for another ten years, it never reopened for military flying. Some of these Canberras flew out to Australia to take part in the British atomic tests at Montebello Islands.