Introduction
During the Second World War, Renfrewshire’s two main airfields—Renfrew and Abbotsinch—played critical but distinct roles in supporting the war effort. Both contributed significantly to aviation, military operations, and the development of the region’s strategic importance.
Renfrew Aerodrome: A Wartime Transport Hub
Early History
Known then as Renfrew Aerodrome, this site was the birthplace of early aviation in Scotland and briefly served as a military airfield during World War I. On 1st September 1939, it was requisitioned by the Air Ministry as war broke out.
Air Transport and Secret Missions
In the early years of WWII, Renfrew became a base for air transport services. Aircraft carried passengers and goods to northern Scotland and the islands, though windows were painted over to prevent views of sensitive military areas below.
The Spitfires for Malta Operation
In May 1942, fifty-four Spitfires destined for Malta were flown into Renfrew. These were transported to the docks and loaded onto an American aircraft carrier that would take them within flying range of the island. This marked Renfrew as a strategic site due to its closeness to the Clyde.
A Transatlantic Gateway
Later that year, Renfrew was named the European terminal for a major transatlantic ferry operation. Aircraft arrived from the United States for the USAAF in Britain. The airport temporarily closed in 1942 for major upgrades, including two new runways and three hangars.
Busy Days and Return to Civil Use
Renfrew reopened in 1943 and quickly became a vital centre for aircraft assembly and testing. Aircraft were delivered by sea, reassembled, and flown to USAAF bases in England. While civilian flights were briefly suspended in 1939, they soon resumed and operated throughout the war. The military presence was phased out in 1945, and Renfrew continued as a civilian airport until the new Glasgow Airport opened in 1966.
RAF Abbotsinch: From Airfield to Naval Base
Origins and Wartime Use
First used in 1933, Abbotsinch was located just across the White Cart Water from Renfrew. A maintenance yard was established early in the war, and it became home to military aircraft, many linked to naval operations.
HMS Sanderling
In August 1943, Abbotsinch was handed over to the Royal Navy and renamed HMS Sanderling. It supported aircraft carriers stationed on the Clyde and worked with Fleet Air Arm bases across Scotland.
Post-War Role
After the war, Abbotsinch served as a storage site for decommissioned naval aircraft. It retained the HMS Sanderling designation until its closure in 1963, and it reopened as Glasgow Airport in May 1966.
602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1925, 602 Squadron was part of the Auxiliary Air Force, a part-time military force similar to the Territorial Army. Initially based at Renfrew, the squadron moved to Abbotsinch in 1933.
Spitfires and Battle of Britain
In January 1939, it became a fighter squadron and by May was the first auxiliary squadron equipped with Spitfires. As war approached, the squadron was assembled at Abbotsinch and later deployed to Scotland’s east coast. In 1940, it relocated south to join the Battle of Britain.
Local Heroes of the Skies
First Enemy Plane Downed Over Britain
On 16th October 1939, the first enemy aircraft to be shot down over Britain fell near the Forth Bridge—claimed by 602 Squadron. Two Paisley men were involved:
- George Pinkerton – A Flight Commander who became the first auxiliary officer to lead a regular RAF squadron.
- Archie McKellar – One of Britain’s most successful fighter pilots, killed in action the day after the official end of the Battle of Britain.
Air Crashes in the Renfrewshire Hills
Wartime Hazards
The increased air traffic during wartime led to numerous crashes in the remote hills near Lochwinnoch. While peacetime crashes also occurred, the war years saw a spike in incidents.
Notable Incidents
- January 1941 – A Wellington bomber crashed on Box Law during a secret mission.
- October 1941 – A Beaufort aircraft went down.
- 1942 – A Swordfish and a Blenheim both crashed in the same rough terrain.
- 1943 – Another crash on Queenside Hill, where white heather reportedly grew on the site for two years.
Theories and Unknowns
The reason for this area’s danger to aircraft is still uncertain. Some suggest soil minerals affected instruments, others point to inexperienced pilots. Most likely, sudden bad weather in the steep, hilly terrain caught many off guard.
✈️ RAF Abbotsinch Airfield (c.1933)
Above: Historic aerial image of RAF Abbotsinch, later renamed HMS Sanderling.
🗓️ Timeline: The Airfields of Renfrewshire
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1914–1918 | Renfrew briefly used as a military airfield in WWI |
| 1925 | 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron formed |
| 1933 | Abbotsinch airfield begins operations; 602 Squadron moves in |
| 1939 | WWII begins; Renfrew taken over by Air Ministry |
| 1940 | Polish No. 309 Squadron stationed at Renfrew |
| 1942 | Spitfires arrive at Renfrew en route to Malta |
| 1943 | Abbotsinch handed to Royal Navy – renamed HMS Sanderling |
| 1945 | Military use of Renfrew declines post-war |
| 1963 | Abbotsinch closes as HMS Sanderling |
| 1966 | Glasgow Airport officially opens on Abbotsinch site |