The Crossways of the World

published in the weekly magazine “Illustrated”, 27 June 1942,

Submitted by Dr. John Darbyshire

Whilst searching for information about the activities of the Atlantic Ferry Organization and RAF Ferry Command during WW2, I came across your website. My interest stems from my late father’s contribution to the wartime ferry operations. After joining the RAFVR in 1940, he was posted to Technical Branch, RAF Station, Prestwick, Scotland in May 1941. He remained there throughout the war, eventually becoming Station Signals Officer. He helped to establish the Transatlantic Air Control (TAC) Centre and Oceanic Control in Redbrae House, a requisitioned country house adjacent to the airfield. This came into full operation in November 1941. Subsequently, Prestwick was to become the main UK terminal for deliveries of aircraft to both the RAF and the USAAF. TAC records indicate that between October 1940 and April 1945 around 38,000 flights were controlled over the Atlantic routes.

Conscious of wartime security, the article coyly avoids naming the “Terminal Base”, but it is clearly Prestwick.

Editors Note: For more information on RAF Ferry Command visit this link

 

 

researched & submitted by Dr. John Darbyshire