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HMS Vulture was situated near St. Merryn, Cornwall.
St Merryn Aerodrome Ltd opened in January 1937 as a civil airport, in 1940 it was rebuilt as a Fleet Air Arm Station, HMS Vulture. The site was also known as HMS Curlew after the war.
The Air Station closed in 1956 much of it still survives today, but is in a run down and derelict condition in the main, although part of it is used by a Parachute Club. The disused Control Tower, Hangar's, Accomodation Blocks and Cinema are still standing and the CO.'s Quarter's is now a Farmhouse.
My father also served at HMS Vulture between 07.02.42 and 23.08.42 . His name was Howard Capell No DKX146212 4th Division Devonport. Julia Harding
I am seeking information on Two relatives from both sides of my family Flt Lt Thomas Noel Shinkfield was killed in April of 1943 whilst serving with 808 Squadron. his Seafire IIc crashed into the sea off The Cornish coast whilst he based at HMS Vulture in St Merryn Cornwall I am hoping someone-somewhere may remember him or even have a photo of him. The Second was My Grandfather James Cuthbert who was a Petty Officer Air Frame Fitter by wars end having served with 884 Squadron on board HMS Argus and Victorious with H force and during the remainder of his career he served on many shorebases including RAF Manston during the Invasion in 44 Then with MONAB 5 Any help would be appreciated Steve Cuthbert
I have recently found out that my grandfather is burried in St. Merryn church yard, Cornwall. (Grave reference :Grave 21,)
WILLIAM WALTER FX CAMP Petty officer 76504 H.M.S.. Vulture, Royal Navy. DIED 1 AUG. 1944
I know he was based at HMS Vulture - a fleet air arm airfield and possibly a combat school, close to St Merryn village in Cornwall, a couple of miles west of Padstow Apparently most of the 29 war graves in the church yard were as a result of accidents during training not enemy action. (but not sure)
I only have one photograph of him (in his vavy uniform the day he got married 1940 ! ) my father is dead and was on only child so I have no other personal leads to go on. Apart from this I don't know any other any information about what his duties were , if he was training , how he died or what was going on around this time around that area of the coast.. Kind Regards, Melanie Camp
In response to the lady asking about the fate of her father named above, I can tell her that he was a crew member of a Swordfish aircraft P4017 of 774 Squadron, St Merryn. On 1st August 1944 the aircraft was seen to crash at Tregolds Farm, on the airfield boundary. All the occupants, Sub Lt OC Reed, PO HR Wilkinson and WW Camp were unfortunately killed. Tregolds is situated at 200/885725.
774 Squadron was an armament training unit for telegraphist air gunners and observers.
David Williams
Photographs
If you have any Photographs you would like to share please get in touch.
List of those who served at HMS Vulture
- Air Mechanic Jim Bunting
- PO W W Camp. 774 Squadron Read his story
- Lt Commander Geoffrey Legge
- Howard Capell Read his story
- Aaron Lewis. armourer
- Lt Cdr D J McDonald. 1851 sqdn
- Frank Mitchell Read his Story
- Sub Lt O C Reed 774 Squadron
- Flt Lt Thomas Noel Shinkfield. 880 Sqd Read his story
- PO H R Wilkinson 774 Squadron
If you have any names to add to this list, or any recollections or photos of those listed, please get in touch.
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