NAS Whiddy Island
U.S. Naval Air Station Whiddy Island was a naval air station that was commissioned 4 July 1918 located on Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland. This base's mission was to utilize Curtiss H-16 seaplanes for for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) patrols.
U.S. Naval Air Station Whiddy Island was a naval air station that was commissioned 4 July 1918 located on Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland. This base's mission was to utilize Curtiss H-16 seaplanes for for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) patrols.
History
History
At the start of United States of America's involvement in the First World War five sites in Ireland; Queenstown, Wexford, Lough Foyle, Whiddy Island and Berehaven were identified to be operated by the United States Navy in support of allied operations against enemy submarines.
At the start of United States of America's involvement in the First World War five sites in Ireland; Queenstown, Wexford, Lough Foyle, Whiddy Island and Berehaven were identified to be operated by the United States Navy in support of allied operations against enemy submarines.
Operations
Operations
The Whiddy Island station was located on the eastern side of the island of that name in Bantry Bay. Patrols and convoys for the waters to the southwest of Ireland were furnished by this station.
The Whiddy Island station was located on the eastern side of the island of that name in Bantry Bay. Patrols and convoys for the waters to the southwest of Ireland were furnished by this station.
The Curtiss H-16 aircrew consisted of four men; two pilots with two dedicated machine gunners. Weaponry included up to 7 Lewis machine guns on flexible mountings. The H-16 could carry a bomb load of up to 460lbs.
The Curtiss H-16 aircrew consisted of four men; two pilots with two dedicated machine gunners. Weaponry included up to 7 Lewis machine guns on flexible mountings. The H-16 could carry a bomb load of up to 460lbs.
Mishap
Mishap
NAS Whiddy Island aircrew crashed H-16, A1072 on 22 October 1918. Walford A. Anderson USNRF, AE2 of Springfield, MO gave his life for his country.
NAS Whiddy Island aircrew crashed H-16, A1072 on 22 October 1918. Walford A. Anderson USNRF, AE2 of Springfield, MO gave his life for his country.
