Wings Over Sands: A History of RAF Cark Airfield & RAF Grange-over-Sands

This richly illustrated and often humorous book explores the fascinating history of the Cark Airfield site—from the proposed airship factory development of 1916–1917 to its pivotal role during the Second World War as RAF Cark.It covers the activities of several key wartime units, including No. 1 Staff Pilot Training Unit (1942–1945), No. 9 Light Artillery Unit, and 650 Squadron Anti-Aircraft Cooperation Unit (1942–1944). It also features the story of RAF Grange-over-Sands’ Equipment Officer’s Training School, which was based at the Cumbria Grand Hotel from 1941 to 1944.More than just a local history, this book takes readers on a journey far beyond Cumbria—to Iceland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, America, and even Blackpool—revealing the wide reach and unexpected connections of this quiet corner of the South Furness peninsula during wartime.Written in recognition of the enduring interest in Britain’s wartime past, this volume reflects the author’s deep and ongoing fascination with the airfields of South Cumbria and their role in a global conflict. Read more