RAF Castle Archdale/RAF Lough Erne

The primary reason for closure was the end of World War II, which eliminated the need for a large-scale anti-submarine warfare base in the Atlantic. The post-war reduction in military forces and the decline of the military flying boat as a strategic asset made the base redundant.

The site of the former RAF base is now the **Castle Archdale Country Park**, a popular public recreational area managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The park features walking trails, a caravan park, a marina, and various outdoor activities. Many remnants of its wartime past are still visible, including the original concrete flying boat slipways leading into Lough Erne, sections of the pier, and several repurposed wartime buildings. There is also a small museum and interpretive displays within the park's visitor centre that commemorate its significant role during World War II.

RAF Castle Archdale, also known as RAF Lough Erne, was one of the most important RAF Coastal Command flying boat bases during World War II. Its strategic location in Northern Ireland provided vital air cover for Atlantic convoys operating beyond the range of other UK-based aircraft.

- **Role in the Battle of the Atlantic:** The base was home to squadrons flying Short Sunderland and PBY Catalina flying boats. Their primary mission was long-range anti-submarine patrols, convoy escort, and maritime reconnaissance. Crews from Castle Archdale played a crucial role in protecting Allied shipping from German U-boats.

- **The 'Donegal Corridor':** To reach the Atlantic more quickly, aircraft from Lough Erne were given clandestine permission by the neutral Irish government to fly over a short strip of its territory in County Donegal. This 'Donegal Corridor' saved nearly two hours of flying time on a round trip, significantly extending the aircraft's patrol range and effectiveness.

- **Sinking of the Bismarck:** The base is famously linked to the hunt for the German battleship Bismarck in May 1941. After the Bismarck had evaded the Royal Navy, it was a PBY Catalina flying boat, operating from Castle Archdale (piloted by an American US Navy officer, Ensign Leonard B. Smith, on secondment to the RAF), that re-located the battleship. This sighting was critical, as it enabled the Royal Navy to intercept and ultimately sink the pride of the German fleet.

- **International Presence:** In addition to RAF squadrons (such as 201, 209, and 240), the base also hosted squadrons from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and accommodated US Navy personnel operating Catalinas.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening RAF Castle Archdale as an aviation facility. The site was a specialized flying boat base without traditional runways, and it has since been fully repurposed as a protected public country park and recreational area. Its historical and environmental status makes any future aviation development extremely unlikely.