Halfar

An operational base for fighters - Hurricanes & Spitfires. The Fleet Air Arm also based Swordfish & Albacore Squadrons here.
Established around 1920 (possibly just before), shortly after Kalafrana. Closed mid 1960's.

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.
Sadly John went down on HMS Courageous which was later sunk on September 17th 1939 in the Western Approaches by U-29. See website here:-
http://www.uboataces.com/battle-courageous.shtml

The following photos are thought to have been taken between 1935-37 (pre-war).
Hal Far airfield can be seen as the clear area middle/right.

Photos courtesy of Norman Tarrant.

Hal Far camp.

Hangers on Hal Far airfield.

Circling Hal Far.

Cliffs with Hal Far airfield behind.

Hal Far airfield from the air.

3F crashes during a night flight. June 1935.
Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant

Vancias first stop on the way to India. May 1936.
Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant

Vickers Wildebeest torpedo bomber. October 1935.
Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant

74 (TG) Squadron line up. October 1935.
Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant

Baffin which took off in tight formation force lands in a Monastery near Hal Far. July 1935.
Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant

Wildebeest crash. August 1936.
Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant

Hal Far Airfield.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Beesley

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