RARE RAF WARTIME WEST COUNTRY FOOTAGE RAF PORTREATH

Welcome to my short film about the wartime service of RAF Portreath, I have been able to include some rare footage filmed at RAF Portreath around 1942.
The film opens with footage of 276 squadron Westland Lysander which were flying air sea rescue missions from RAF Portreath.
RAF Portreath was opened as an RAF Fighter Command Sector Station and Overseas Air Dispatch Unit on 7th March 1941 as part of 10 Group whose headquarters was at RAF Box at Corsham. Prior to this, the Sector Station had been at St. Eval. An unusual feature of RAF Portreath was four tarmac runways, although only the main runway was suitable for anything other than a single seat fighter. Twin blast pens and four blister hangars were spread out around the perimeter track and at a later date four T2 hangars were also built on the technical site. 263 Squadron was the first to arrive at Portreath, providing defence for the Western Approaches with the Westland Whirlwind Mk 1 fighter; they were soon replaced by Spitfires as Portreath took an active role as a fighter station.
Many thanks to Phil Hadley please check out his channel. / @philsteletime
www.philhadley... www.philhadley...
Follow me on Facebook / salcombe.bunker

[@SheepyCTF]

My paternal grandparents were in the RAF and met at Portreath. I've struggled to find much about it, so thank you for posting this.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks sheepy there are more wartime films on my channel please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@Rupe51]

Wonderful to see the old films ... and the faces around the tables! Thanks for all the obvious work you put into this.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks glad you enjoyed the film, please have a subscribe to my channel. Chris.

[@alb707]

Bristol Beaufort y Beaufigther?????

[@kennedysingh3916]

Watched from Old Harour Jamaica.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Kennedy, please have a subscribe to my channel. Chris.

[@tarzan1504]

Thank you for posting the wonderful footage, especially the flight scenes of the Beaufighters. What you didn't mention was that Portreath was used as the departure field for staging gliders to Sale, in North Africa. My father was a Horsa pilot ferrying gliders for the Sicily campaign. They completed the hazardous flights over the Bay of Biscay and Southern Spain which, at that time was the longest towed passage ever attempted. Some Tug/Glider combinations were lost, but thankfully my dad was one of the lucky ones. Otherwise I wouldn't be writing this! We visited Portreath this year (2023) along with a walk around Perranporth Field. One really feels the remoteness of each place, but on a good day a wonderful place to be.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many apologies for missing off the Horsa gliders, I had read about them and found a still image of a Horsa coming in to land at Portreath but sadly I didn't include them in the finally edit. I spend many hours researching for these films and sometimes get overwhelmed with the volume of material collected. I am sorry to miss off the Horsa gliders their contribution to D Day was remarkable. Do ponder subscribing to my channel. Cheers Chris.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks again my friend and i just Sub'ed to your awesome channel and fly safe..... Old F-4 Phantom ll fighter jet pilot Shoe🇺🇸....l am in my 80's now...

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Much appreciated Steve. Chris.

[@BrianWMay]

Thanks, my dad was a WOp/AG on both the Lysander and the Blenheim during WW2, not seen any of this footage before.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Brian appreciate your feedback. Chris.

[@joeschenk8400]

Great archival footage and story, thank for the posting. 👍👍👍

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Joe glad you enjoyed it. Chris.

[@bill2066]

GULL !! THANK YOU for NOT showing those annoying "computer cartoons (or whatever one wants to call it)," because you show REAL clips (everyone wants to live in a computer Fantasy world now, it seems). AND, you dont use the annoying "Hal" Computer voice narration. SO Annoying! So, Much Thanks to you. A breath of fresh air.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Bill it is the original footage I find most interesting. Chris.

[@seanmacailin]

on the 2.50 section, the Blenheims are MK1 and the two coloured roundels denote that this is pre-war, probably 1937-38. Really rare colour film!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Sean I felt it was worthy of inclusion as Blenheims were flying in the West Country as detailed in Squadron Leader Mick Ensor's book, Ensor's Endeavor. Please be sure and subscribe. Chris.

[@debbiekennedy4500]

Debbie. Big Thank you For Brilliant AirCraft Film Footage.Not seen Before . My Homes n bombed Out before! But love My Lancaster Bomber. Got Film from Jubilee Flypast end my Road. London W11. Towards Colindale Air Museim.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very many thanks Debbie. Chris.

[@paulnorris2756]

Thanks. A proper history. Well done.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul, do please consider subscribing. Chris.

[@leapingfogey]

I really enjoyed this film. Thanks for all the work and research. I've subscribed and will be viewing your other films tonight.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Brilliant very glad you enjoyed the content. Many thanks for subscribing. Chris.

[@rogerminost6945]

From my own experience this sort of film takes a lot of time and effort to put together. Well done!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your kind comments Roger, please have a subscribe and check out some of my other films. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@OldPM]

Amazing to see colour film showing the early Mk1 Blenheim. There were some shots of the Mk2 with its unusual "Dimple" cockpit though. The shots of the Lysander having bombs and what looked like what could have been supply canisters, were particularly great to see. And some good footage of my personal favorite and much underrated RAF aircraft, the Bristol Beaufighter, one of the most versatile aircraft of the war. The Japanese called them "The whispering death" as on approach, you would not hear them, this apparently was due to the use of sleeve valves on their Hercules VI engines. I will certainly take a look at your other films, many thanks.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks OldPM yes the Beaufighter was quite a machine they used to fly from my local RAF Bolt Head on night missions. Be great if you can have a subscribe. Chris.

[@daiichidoku]

amazing indeed. and i think actually they are mk IF with the .303 belly pack. i read long ago that in at least one case, when firing, the recoil action made the rear mounts come apart or dislodge, resulting in the barrels deflecting upwards enough to shoot thier own blenheim. so the type was withdrawn rather quickly

[@angusclark8330]

Nice one, mate. I'll use your work to help me navigate my former life. Back in 1979, I found a propeller near Looe. I thought it might be a Blenheim or Beaufighter. No interest locally. Nowadays, ye olde internet would get things moving.👍

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Angus you may like to subscribe and check out my other films. Chris.

[@anthonychappell9409]

That was very interesting and absolutely wonderful footage

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Anthony appreciate your kind feedback, please have a subscribe and check out my other channel films. Chris.

[@maurbyrne]

Thank you sir, that was a wonderful vignette!!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it, please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@IanLawrie-l9q]

Wonderful to see the base looking much like it did in your photos of the time. Great video 👍👏👌

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks much more on my channel please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@trainsontuesday]

Thank you. Excellent footage and very well presented

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it. Best Regards Chris.

[@stuartlynn-q8q]

Good stuff, love the aviation vids

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Stuart keep an eye out for the next one, hopefully out Sunday evening. Chris.

[@thelatemickb6927]

Excellent.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks TheLateMick. Cheers Chris.

[@dereksollows9783]

Wonderful narrative and footage

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very glad you enjoyed the film Derek, please have a subscribe and check out some of my other films. Chris.

[@jeffwindham6834]

Thank you for the interesting content.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Jeff please consider subscribing to my channel. Chris.

[@SmallEyeSpecimenHunter]

Fantastic video, I’ve been to harrowbeer and there’s not much to see now but there is a cafe which has lots of information and a mini museum/display. It’s definitely worth a check out. There is also a golf course near by and I was told by a local that the 19th bunker was a crater from a German bomb.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Do please check out my channel. Chris.

[@wdguild1]

Thank you I have enjoyed all your videos, please keep it up.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Warwick, the new film should be out tomorrow evening all about what came after the Westland Whirlwind. Chris.

[@theflyingfool]

Thank you for posting this interesting video GPF!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks the flying foot please consider subscribing. Chris.

[@theflyingfool]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER already done :D

[@vipertwenty249]

If they had attacked those Arado seaplanes - and if those were the Arado 196 - the Beaufighters might've come in for a nasty shock. The AR196 was both highly manouverable and armed with 20mm cannon. Edit: Rex's Hanger has a very good video indeed. Well worth a watch.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

That is very interesting vipertwenty thanks for that feedback. Chris.

[@vipertwenty249]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER It was the best armed and most combat capable of all the small reconaissance seaplanes of it's era. No other nation really had an equivalent. If you search a bit here on utube you can find some good videos about it. Edit: Rex's Hanger has a very good video indeed. Well worth a watch

[@vipertwenty249]

@@paulhicks6667 Yes I don't doubt that for a moment. They caught a lot of people out when in the hands of a competant pilot, and fast is not a word one might reasonably use when talking about the Whitley. Personally I'd go with "slow" as a better option!😁

[@kenh3344]

Im actually at portreath at this moment chris. As i watch this footage of yours . 1 45 am Thursday morning . 😊

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Very interesting Ken, the aerodrome became some sort of chemical store post war, not sure of the present use. Chris.

[@markuk7935]

Fantastic footage and commentary. Thank you.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Mark glad you enjoyed it. Chris.

[@Majortruth.]

Hi nice work i love it. Did thay have a matte Black Bristol Blenheim ?. Some time ago now i see one matte black with no markings going across the A10 from Stowbridge Tree top level to Wimbotsham. If no i think i my of seen a Ghot Blenheim. Thanks.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Major check out this link which you will find interesting. Chris. www.aircraftrestorationcompany.com/blenheim

[@daviddjerassi]

Thank you so much at 89 years i understand this video keep safe.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks David. Best Regards Chris.

[@RussellJamesStevens]

A truly lovely part of the country❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Cornwall bit of a gem agreed on that one Russell, please have a subscribe to my channel. Chris.

[@sonnyburnett8725]

I love how the British maintain such a civilized way of treating one another compared to the rest of the world. On another note, the exhaust ports on those engines “10:50” is so restricted it had to reduce HP.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback Sonny, please consider subscribing to my channel and checking out some of the other films. Chris.

[@IntrospectorGeneral]

That is a 'hedgehog' exhaust flame damper used on a number of types engaged in night operations. It did indeed entrain air flow and impair performance and ground crews would sometimes remove them when the aircraft was on day operations.

[@bill2066]

LIKED and subscribed.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Much appreciated Bill. Best Regards Chris.

[@nicholasbell9017]

Amazing post. Thank you!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks Nicholas please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@johndavey72]

Hello Chris . Wonderful rare colour footage , particularly as they were Blenheims ! I was trying to work out what those fittings were on the Lysanders , l thought camera's but then thought otherwise. That Mossie was equipped with the Molans 7 pounder and was known as the "Tetse " . The "U" boats certainly didn't welcome them !! So where did the Typhoons fly from ? I know they were hurriedly put into service to combat the "tip and run " raiders ( FW190 's ). As always many thanks Chris .

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

The Lysanders were 276 Squadron air sea rescue, my guess is that it was some air sea rescue equipment, maybe a compact dinghy. 266 and 247 Squadron flew Typhoons from Portreath. Chris.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks John. Chris.

[@debbiekennedy4500]

Debbie. Wow! I lived on st. Megan Airbase 1946. 1st Air Dislay 1947.Got to Crawl Through Wellington Bomber ect. B.17. Bomber-Fenced Off.I Delivered milk On RAF St Evel- By Crate To Families on Base ~Then school bus 🚌To Newquay! 86yr now! Also Movie 🎥 Shane ~Had Special Camp Showing~Early 1953

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Debbie appreciate your feedback. Chris.

[@kevchilton908]

Some amazing footage Chris, a very interesting video and commentary giving an idea of what it was like back then. Keep them coming 👌🏻👍🏻

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad you enjoyed it Kevin. Chris,

[@trikkke11]

Cool footage I haven't encountered earlier !

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Glad it was of interest, it was a good project to put together. Chris.

[@f.dmcintyre4666]

Good video.............Thanks.............

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Many thanks please have a subscribe, the next film will be on the Whirlwind and Welkin. Chris.

[@kernow..exp.]

Magic video

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Kernow. Chris.

[@buffplums]

15:52 Ah that’s a nice shot of our Type 102 radar inside it’s white radome … I was on the team that deployed the first T101 radar here from Cosford in 2001 post Sept 11 and many years earlier in 85 I was on a fitting party that fitted out the new bunker at the time, went back a few years later to cover maintenance on the UNITER data and comms switch, all of which has now all been ripped out… how times change so relatively quickly.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks buffplums very interesting please consider subscribing. Chris.

[@PaulMacklinAmazing]

Those cliffs would make a great site for Flying model gliders

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Sure would Paul please have a subscribe. Chris. kzbin.info/door/Oh3lzlK4b9UtMzHagk7SaQ

[@Jonny_Red]

The lovely old Bentley at 6:08 ... I just checked if it still exists ... and yes indeed it does! Taxed/MOT'd upto date May 2024 😊 .. it'll be 100 years old in 2027 and according to the data i read it does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds.. not shabby at all.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Jonny appreciate your kind feedback. Chris.

[@bobawatsit]

well done ol' boy , top hole

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks Bob. Chris.

[@debbiekennedy4500]

Debbie ~Jubilee May/june~2023!

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thank You. Chris.

[@kenh3344]

May be I should enquire while I'm here .mmm.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

I think it's reverted to RAF Portreath now, some more reading needed. Chris.

[@pcka12]

Used to look out the window at this airfield. Apparently they took all the poison gas there post war.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

There is a lot of post war history still to read up about, please have a subscribe. Chris.

[@pcka12]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER thought that I was subscribed! Thanks, used to go to the adjoining airfield just up the coast to teach teenagers to drive - is it RAF Perranporth?, remarkable number of airfields up that coast including a grass one a bit west of Tintagel - Trebarwith?

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

@@pcka12 the grass one was Treligga.

[@pcka12]

@@FlyingForFunTrecanair wandered around it once & noticed a cannon shell embedded in some brickwork

[@FlyingForFunTrecanair]

@@pcka12 Crikey!

[@mrnexus8seven949]

At video point 6:13, whilst talking about a vintage motor car, I'm very disappointed to hear you use that truly AWFUL Americanism "lootenant" when using the RAF rank of Flight Lieutenant. I won't unecessarily labour the point by saying how this is actually pronounced but I'm very sad to hear this sloppy mispronunciation used in context of an RAF rank. Many will likely scoff at my comment but you know, it IS really important to correctly pronounce words in an historical video like this. Rest of the video is very good and really interesting but please (well, its your channel so you can do what you like) take care to also say words correctly.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Appreciate your feedback my apologies my pronunciation is not to your liking, I do aim to improve with each film. Do please have a subscribe and check out my other films. Chris.

[@mrnexus8seven949]

@@GULLPERCHFLYER I had already just subscribed prior to my comment ... it's very enjoyable content :-)

[@ruadhagainagaidheal9398]

Pronounced locally as ‘por-TRAY- th’

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Thanks for that very helpful. Best Regards. Chris.