RAF Kalafrana was a seaplane operations centre on the southernmost tip of Malta between 1917 and 1946 when it was transferred to the Royal Navy. It played an important role in both world wars, starting as a base for anti-submarine and anti-piracy operations, its role being expanded to include Air Sea Rescue (ASR) operations as aircraft usage and accident rates increased in the inter-war years.
The DH9s formed the nucleus of Malta's first shore-based air element, increasing the islands all-weather anti-submarine capability. By January 1923, a dedicated aerodrome was built at Ħal Far, providing a shore base for carrier-based aircraft. These were supplemented by another grass and earth airfield at Ta' Qali in 1940, both of which imposed severe operating restrictions in wet weather. In October 1939, work began on an aerodrome with a paved runway at RAF Luqa.
By December 1936, 701 Naval Air Squadron moved to Kalafrana operating , Fairey 111Fs, , and Fairey Swordfish. By September 1937, 209 and 210 Squadrons was operating the Short Singapore on anti-piracy patrols for the benefit of British shipping during the Spanish Civil War. By 1940, these were supplemented by anti-submarine of 228 Squadron RAF along with Supermarine Walrus flying boats and a float-equipped Fairey Swordfish in the ASR role. A detachment of Short Sunderland Mk.Is from 228 Squadron based at RAF Alexandria operated out of Kalafrana between 10 June and 25 March 1941.
RAF Kalafrana also served as an ASR centre, operating several high-speed launches of various types. A secondary base at Ta' Veccia in St. Paul's Bay gave the maritime section greater coverage and reduced reaction times.
The maintenance wing at RAF Kalafrana operated as the logistical recycling centre for RAF operations in Malta throughout the war. Engines, electronics, airframe parts and armaments from damaged aircraft were recovered, stored, repaired if necessary and reused where possible. Recycling had become critical to the war effort in Malta as the island's isolation increased with the southward shift of Axis forces in late 1941.
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