When reading the Archdale thread from James S I noticed a very detailed map of RAF Castle Archdale when it was operational and noticed a pier that many folk refer to till this day as the RAF Pier. Its a Pier that I learnt to swim from and learnt how to fish from and had my first sneaky smoke from too. I've attached a few images of it taken from last year and last month. As you can see a good part of it was removed but the rest has been retained and even strengthened back in the 1980's if I am correct. It is now out of bounds and I fear it days are numbered as in recent years the condition of the pier has gone down hill and there appears to be no attempt to preserve it which goes for the Shetland dock too on the site. Does anyone have further details on this surviving piece of war time history. How and why was it used, who would have built it etc Would dearly love to see a photo of this pier when it was used by the RAF as any aerial pictures I have seen of the base appears to miss this essential part of the site. Its the scorn for many boaters, jet skiers these days but I just find the pier fascinating and a place I will drift down to every time I'm down at the Park.
Savo, Nice photographs. I am sure that someone will produce a photograph knowing the interest in this area. Regards Tom
Savo , it is a while since I have been down to it , I am almost sure it is a post war construction, but an RAF build , a nice photo of it from the water . Out of bounds, a huge "H & S" issue no doubt.
Thanks James. Wait till I tell me all at the Pilots Nook its pre war B) Its is a wonderful piece of history never the less. Going to stretch/test the knowledge on this picture. I guess its coastal commnad related. Its just outside the actual base of Archdale. Is on the Duross townland I think. There's no roads, lanes to reach it and this picture was taken over looking the water. Is it WW2 ? I google earthed it and its certainly appears to be part of something of value in its day !!!!
Looks as if it may be connected to a radio mast perhaps?? Did you see if there are any concrete bases for a mast? Love the jetty pictures.
Cheers Gerard Photobucket makes everything look good !! ww2ni. I don't know yet if there are any other parts to what you can see on the photo. On google earth its shows more as if there are four concrete markings infriont of the building. Its all on private land and the lough is on three sides of it overlooking the broad lough. Going to check it out next Spring. Maybe James S will bring his dog along too for the exploration project
