RNAS Caldale
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RNAS Caldale is a former Royal Naval Air Service airship station located 2.1 miles (3.4 km) west of Kirkwall, Orkney and 4.1 miles (6.6 km) south east of Finstown, Orkney, Scotland. It was constructed in 1915 and was operational from 1916 to 1920.
Air Ministry 1918-1920
Royal Naval Air Service
Royal Air Force| RNAS Caldale RAF Caldale  | |
|---|---|
| Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Military - Airship station |
| Owner | Air Department 1915-1918 Air Ministry 1918-1920 |
| Controlled by | Royal Naval Air Service Royal Air Force |
| Location | |
  RNAS Caldale Location in Orkney  RNAS Caldale RNAS Caldale (the United Kingdom) | |
| Coordinates | 58.978°N 3.020°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1915 |
| In use | July 1916-1920.[1] |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
History
Caldale had two large airship hangars which housed Submarine Scout Pusher airships that operated anti-submarine and mine spotting sweeps near to Orkney.[2]
However, this was fraught was danger as during November 1917 SSP-2 and SSP-4 were both destroyed in high winds with the crew of SSP-4 lost at sea. Not long after these losses and other damage caused to airships due to the wind the Admiralty decided to close the airship station and move the airship further south on mainland Britain.[3]
During January 1918, the airship station became a kite balloon repair station[3] and was home to No. 20 Kite Balloon Base.[1]
Current use
The site is currently open land.[1]