Hal far
An operational base for fighters - Hurricanes
& Spitfires. The Fleet Air Arm also based Swordfish & Albacore Squadrons
here.
Hal Far was the oldest airfield on Malta.
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Standing at the entrance to
a hanger at Hal Far airfield. On the far left is John William Tully
- Leading Aircraftsman (AC1). John was stationed on Malta 1935-37
& is thought to have taken the following photos. He served on
HMS Glorius. |
The following photos are thought to have been
taken between 1935-37 (pre-war). Photos courtesy of Norman Tarrant. |
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Hal Far camp. |
Hangers on Hal Far airfield. |
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Circling Hal Far. |
Cliffs with Hal Far airfield behind. |
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Hal Far airfield from the air. |
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3F crashes during a night flight.
June 1935. |
Vancias first stop on the way
to India. May 1936. |
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Vickers Wildebeest torpedo bomber.
October 1935. |
74 (TG) Squadron line up. October
1935. |
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Baffin which took off in tight
formation force lands in a Monastery near Hal Far. July 1935. |
Wildebeest crash. August 1936. |
Hal Far Airfield.
In November 1936 the airfield suffered strong winds (cyclone). This is mentioned
in the book 'Carrier Glorious' by John Winton (page 60). No photographs
accompanied the text.
Aircraft & hangers suffered severe damage as depicted in the following
photos.
Photos courtesy of Norman Tarrant
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Hal Far Airfield. |
Hal Far taken in 1956
Photo courtesy of Jason Pisani.
The link below is a satelite imageof modern day Hal Far.
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Squadrons based at Hal Far included:- 185 Squadron
Army units stationed |
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In January 1942 the airfield
along with Ta'Kali became waterlogged after heavy rains & all fighter
aircraft were moved to the bomber field at Luqa.
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