Shell Research Performance Test Track, Stretton - February 2011

[The Littlest Jellyfish]

It's likely that everyone in the world, even the under-5s, know about this place, and if you haven't been here it's probably because it's not interesting enough for you, but I found it all by myself, and I liked it, so here's the report.

Royal Naval Air Station Stretton began life as an RAF Night Fighter station. During World War II both Manchester and Liverpool were getting hammered by the Luftwaffe, so 465 acres of agricultural land around Appleton were set aside by the War Ministry for the construction of an airfield to protect both Manchester and Liverpool.

Thankfully, Germany switched tactics and started hammering Russia instead, meaning that there was a drastic reduction in Luftwaffe attacks on Liverpool and Manchester. It also meant that the RAF had no use for the airfield under construction. An agreement was reached between the War Ministry, RAF and Admiralty for the new airfield to be loaned to the Admiralty in exchange for facilities at Macrinhanish in Scotland. After hand-over, the facility became known as HMS Blackcap.

This isn't about the airfield though, even though I was on the land. Following eventual closure the whole place was rented by Shell Research Ltd as a test track for high performance engine oils. Although they've seen better days, the fuel store, workshops, garages and observation tower are still there.

It would have been good to have seen the rest of the area, other runways and few remaining hangars, but I was on my way to an appointment, so this was a very quick opportunistic SAS-style dash in, take some snaps, dash out type explore.

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Anyone who's seen my reports before will know how much I love corners. I really love corners.

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