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Dunino

Major

Also known as:	Dunino Aerodrome / HMS Jackdaw II / RAF Dunino / RNAS Dunino
County:	Fife
Current Status:	Farmland
Date:	April 1941 - 1957
Current Use:	Disused
Used By:	RAF / FAA
Landing Surface Types:	Unpaved, later metal/unpaved
Aircraft Roles:	Army aviation / Fighter-reconnaissance / Naval aviation

Land at Dunino in Fife was acquisitioned for use as a satellite airfield for Leuchars in 1939. However, it was not until May 1941 that the only major RAF users of the site moved here, Westland Lysanders of No 309 (Polish) Squadron. This unit flew from various airfields around Scotland, as well as Gatwick further south, carrying out training in army co-operation. The Lysanders were replaced with North American Mustangs by the summer of 1942 before moving to Findo Gask in November 1942.

Dunino was transferred next month to the Royal Navy to become HMS Jackdaw II, primarily for Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance use. Fairey Barracudas and Swordfish carried out this role from the airfield. Air-Sea Rescue Supermarine Walrus aircraft were also based here, as well as Dunino seeing use by Fleet Requirements Unit No 770 Squadron, though from mid-1944 aircraft storage became the primary use of this airfield. Although closure occurred in 1946 the site was retained by the Navy until 1957.

Dunino was equipped with a single surfaced metal runway and three grass strips. Most of the site has now been demolished leaving just part of the perimeter track, the control tower, at least two hangars and a few other miscellaneous buildings.

The following organisations are either based at, use and/or have at least potentially significant connections with the airfield (as at 01/07/2013):

Boarshills and Dunino Community Council
Kingsbarns Community Council

Main unit(s) present:

No 309 Sqn
No 737 Sqn
No 770 Sqn
No 785 Sqn
No 786 Sqn
No 813 Sqn
No 820 Sqn
No 824 Sqn
No 825 Sqn
No 827 Sqn
No 833 Sqn
No 837 Sqn
No 837A Flight
No 837D Flight
No 838 Sqn
No 860 Sqn

A Westland Lysander of No 309 Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron at Dunino, 12 March 1942. © IWM (H 17778)

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The control tower at Dunino, 6 September 2006.

Second World War buildings at Dunino, 29 October 2007.

Aerial view centred on the north-east dispersal area with the farmstead adjacent, taken from the west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the north-east dispersal area with the farmstead adjacent, taken from the south, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the airfield, taken from the south-south-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the airfield, taken from the south-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the airfield, taken from the west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the domestic site, taken from the north-north-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the control tower, taken from the north-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the control tower, taken from the south-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the remains of the aircraft hangar dispersal area, taken from the north-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk

Aerial view centred on the remains of the aircraft hangar dispersal area, taken from the west-north-west, 23 November 2007. © Crown Copyright: HES. Licensor canmore.org.uk