Wartime Heritage
Wartime Heritage
Another fascinating location is Limavady Airfield which was known locally as Aghanloo, it is adjacent to the Causeway Coastal Route as you head towards Magilligan or on the right as you approach Limavady. This was opened in 1940 with three operational runways. It was used by Wellington and Liberators to patrol the north-western approaches. Hudsons, Blenheims and Whitley bombers also used the base as well as Hurricane fighters. It was used by Churchill's secret transport command of women pilots who flew Liberators from a transit airfield in Canada to Limavady and other local airfields. The airfield had a high aircraft loss because Binevenagh mountain was in line of sight for take-off and also the circuit for landing.
Pilots gave Binevenagh the nickname of 'Ben Twitch' who had to clear it, often in cloud cover. One of the biggest losses in one day occurred in early 1943 when five planes took off from the airfield and only one returned. One landed on Downhill beach, another crashed in Kent, one crashed on Binevenagh mountain and another on Loughermore Mountain with the loss of all the crew. Many local churches contain the graves of young servicemen and women who lost their lives serving on the RAF bases. At Christ Church on Main Street in Limavady, there is a memorial to all those lost during the second world war and post-war, it takes the form of a tail fin for an Avro Shackleton. This area was extremely active during the Second World War and provided the main bases for North Atlantic patrols.
On a low tide you can still see the remains of a Chance Vought Corsair (JT693) which ended up on the mudflats in October 1944. Having developed engine problems the pilot Lt C.H. Schwenger, RCN had to make a forced landing from which he escaped unhurt. The plane has lain there ever since with no attempts to salvage it due to the conditions of the mudflats. Although it has decayed over the years you can still make out the wings and fuselage. To find your way to the banks:- As you drive the Causeway Coastal Route between Limavady and Ballykelly, on the shore side, for Broighter Road. Follow this until you come to a T junction and turn left onto Lomond Road, at the next T junction turn left onto Carrowclare Road, then take the first right. This will take you Ballymacran banks.