Knightstone RAF Harrowbeer Archive
Knightstone RAF Harrowbeer Archive
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Dates for your diary

2025 Tractor Rally

The  date  for  this  year's  ' Tractor  Rally ' is  Sunday  May  18th  on  the  land outside  ' Knightstone  Tearooms ',  Crapstone  Road,  Yelverton.

The day is always a great day-out for all the family with something for everyone.

There are normally around forty tractors ( old and new ) that about eleven o'clock leave the compound and have a drive round the local roads arriving back at around three  o'clock ready for the raffle.  For those left behind there are various stalls of all types for people to browse and purchase items from.

Food and drinks are available throughout the day.

Please come and support  your local community.


The R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives, Education and Heritage Centre will also be open all day for hot and cold drinks plus pre-packed cakes and biscuits. 


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The  R.A.F. Harrowbeer  1940's  Week-end  is  over  the  week-end  of  16th  and  17th  August  2025  on the  land  outside  ' Knightstone  Tearooms ', Crapstone  Road,  Yelverton.


Two  days  of  great  fun  and  excitement  -  not  to  be  missed.

The two days are packed with re-enactors, military vehicles, stalls, singing and dancing, plus  lots, lots more.


The R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives, Education and Heritage Centre will also be open all day for hot and cold drinks plus pre-packed cakes and biscuits. 


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A Happy New Year and Welcome to 2025

Open as usual throughout the Winter months - Wednesdays and Sundays

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We at the Archives have had a very busy year during 2024 with a large amount of visits by schools, Beaver  and  Cub  Scout Groups, local History Groups, Organizations as well as members of  the  general public ( both families and individuals ). 


I would like to thank my team of volunteers ( and especially Lucy - my wife ) who without their help the Archives would not be able to operate in the way  it does.


            2025  looks to be equally as busy - if not more so.


Schools are booking  their  visits for a World War Two Experience Day at the Archives, in fact we had our first visit of the year on Friday 17th January  ( get in touch for an Education Pack,  call in and see us or download a pack from this Website ).

    Contact,   Archivist  - Michael          Telephone - 01822 853679

                      Email  -  knightstonetea@yahoo.co.uk


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There  will  be  another  R.A.F. Harrowbeer  1940's  Week-end  this  year  in  August  -  date  to  be  confirmed.              Keep  in  touch.


Christmas Opening Times

We  would  like  to  take  this  opportunity  of  wishing  all  the  

                           followers  to  the  website  a 

      Very   Merry   Christmas  and  a  Happy  New  Year.  


The  Archives  will  be  closed  from  Sunday  22nd  December  over  Christmas  and  re-open  on  the  Sunday  29th  December.


Our  opening  times for  2025  are  exactly  the  same  as  now :-

Wednesday  10.00  -  04.00 pm  and  Sundays  11.00  -  04.00pm.  for  the  General  Public.  

The  rest  of  the  week  is  allocated  for  school  visits,  organisations  and  clubs,  etc.


Thank  you  for  your  support,  we  look  forward  to  seeing  you  some  time  in  2025.          Michael  Hayes - Archivist

Dates for your Diary - 2024

         Next  main  event  is  August  17th  and  18th    2024

                The  R.A.F. Harrowbeer  1940's  Week-end


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19th May  2024     Yelverton  Tractor  Rally

          Sunday  only  from  10.00 am  until  4.00 pm

On the moorland outside ' Knightstone Tearooms '  /  ' R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives and Educational Heritage Centre '

Vintage Tractors and farming equipment, classic and vintage vehicles, side stalls, etc.          

Hot dogs , burgers, cakes, hot and cold drinks, etc.  available/

The Archives and Tearooms will be open for everyone to view.



1st  June  2024     Woodland  Fort  celebrate  ' D - Day  80  years '

          A one day event in the Historic building at Woodland's Fort, Honicknowle, Plymouth.                     10.00 am  until  4.00 pm  

Tabletop  exhibits  -  Re-enactors  -  Historic  vehicles  -  Singers  -  etc.



17th  and  18th  August          R.A.F. Harrowbeer  1940'S  Week-end

          A week-end of historic enjoyment with lots of things to view, take part in and experience.          Learn about R.A.F. Harrowbeer and why it was at Yelverton and the role it played during the Second World War.                         Re-enactors, historic / classic vehicles, various stalls, 1940's music, dancing and singing.  A Cheetah working engine with re-tractable undercarriage as used on an Anson aeroplane. 

          A two day event on the moorland between ' Knightstone Tearooms ' and the first Dispersal Bay on the old airfield.          The Tearooms will  also  be  open on both days for hot and cold drinks, pre-packed cakes and biscuits.

May 2024 update

28th May 1944

Flight Sergeant Jack ( Paddy ) Donnelly Pringle R.A.F.V.R.,  Service No.1485878 was twenty one years old when he was killed in a tragic accident.  Flight Sergeant Jack Pringle liked to be known as ' Paddy '.  His home was in Belfast, Ireland where he lived with his family  before joining the Royal Air Force.  Paddy had already lost his Father and one of his brothers during the early 1940's.  He had not long turned twenty one when his Mother was taken seriously ill and was rushed into hospital ( not expecting to survive ).  Paddy was granted compassionate leave to return to Ireland and look after the rest of the family.  Paddy's mother made a remarkable recovery and was released from hospital.  Paddy had to return to R.A.F. Harrowbeer on Friday the 26th May 1944.  We do not know how long he was on leave for but on Sunday the 28th May  1944 he took his first flight for a while.  Paddy took off in a Typhoon aircraft as No.2 to another pilot Flight Sergeant Ian Dunlop on a practice / familiarisation flight early on the Sunday morning.  There was a church service underway when Flight Sergeant Paddy Pringle's Typhoon aircraft wing-tip struck the pinnacle of St. Paul's Church of England Church, Yelverton, this caused six stones to be dislodged and roll down the roof.  The service carried on, but the children ran outside to see what was happening.  The Typhoon after hitting the pinnacle nose-dived into the ground landing in a field at Gratton Bottom, the aircraft caught fire and Paddy was killed instantly.  

Flight Sergeant Jack ' Paddy ' Pringle's body was taken back to Ireland to be laid to rest in the ' Carmony Cemetery Belfast ' in Section - AL     Grave - 36.

                                                          May  he  rest  in  peace.

A Terrible incident on the 30th April / 1st May 1944

It should not have happened. A needless waste of life.

No, 838  Fleet  Air  Arm  Squadron :-  They arrived at R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer on the 20th April 1944 with Fairey Swordfish aircraft from R.A.F. Machrihanish, Scotland.  

The Squadron were only here for a very short period leaving R.A.F. Station Harrowbeer on the 8th August for duties at R.A.F. Worthy Down, Hampshire.


While at R.A.F. Harrowbeer the detachment was a General Reconnaissance Wing which was formed in Knightstone House ( now the Knightstone / R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archive, Educational and Heritage Centre ) ' The Original Watch Office ' on the 22nd April 1944 under the control of No.19 Group.  The Squadron became part of No.156 Wing Coastal Command.


On the night of the 30th April 1944 twelve Fairey Swordfish aircraft were sent off on an operation out in the English Channel.  It is believed that the mission was to fire rockets at a beached German Destroyer somewhere off the French Coast.  Unfortunately they were given wrong co-ordinates.  The ones given turned out to be that of a Mine-sweeper in a heavily defended harbour, ( Abervrach ) approximately 10 - 15 miles further to the East which Typhoon aircraft had been attacking during the day.  R.A.F. Harrowbeer and No.838 F.A.A. Squadron lost three aircraft and their crews in the very early hours of May 1st 1944.  Two of the aircraft crashed in France, the third was badly damaged and ditched in the sea off the English Coast.  The remaining nine aircraft immediately turned for home where they landed safely.


                                  The air-crew of the three aircraft were :-

                                                Lieutenant ( A )  J. B. Cook

                                                Pilot Officer Airman  R. C. Grapes                         

                                                Sub-Lieutenant ( A )  S. F. Such


                                                Sub-Lieutenant  E. T. Clarke

                                                Pilot Officer  A. Rockley

                                                Sub-Lieutenant  ( A )  I. L. R. Wilson



                                                Sub-Lieutenant ( A )  D. J. Hanson

                                                Sub-Lieutenant ( A )  . F. Hayward

                                                Leading Airman  B. L. Rowntree



              For many years the nephew of Sub-Lieutenant Leslie Frank Hayward

                 had an ' In Memoriam ' placed in one of the National Newspapers.

            A customer to the ' Knightstone Tearooms ' showed me ( the Archivist )

           a copy of this and contact was made with Leslie's nephew and his family.

              This resulted in a visit by them to R.A.F. Harrowbeer and a tour of the 

             airfield and a look at the research that had been carried out regarding 

            the incident.  Four families of the nine air-crew have been in touch with 

            the Archives and information has been exchanged for which we are 

            particularly grateful.  The Archives recognise these nine airmen as real

               heroes and should never be forgotten  -  May  they  rest  in  peace.



                       IN  MEMORIAM  THEIR  NAME  LIVETH  FOR  EVERMORE


       HAYWARD :-  In memory of Sub-Lt. ( A ) Leslie Frank Hayward  RNZNVR,

                                pilot of Swordfish  II   NE923 / G  838  Squadron  F.A.A.  

                                R.A.F. Harrowbeer, and his crew, Sub-Lt. ( A ) David Hanson

                                F.A.A. and Leading Airman Brian Rowntree  F.A.A., shot down

                                by flak over Baie des Anges, Brittany at 00:15hours, 1st May

                                1944.     Uncle  Les is proudly remembered by his family both

                               in New Zealand ad the U.K.


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January and February 2024 Update

R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives latest

     The team here at the R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives Educational and Heritage Centre hope that you all had a very pleasant and happy New Year. 


      It was nice catching up with relatives, friends and also the various visitors that came by to have a look around the various Archive areas.


     The month of January started relatively quiet ( mainly due to the weather ) but there is always plenty to get on with behind the scenes - paperwork, cataloguing, re-arranging exhibits, etc. but never too busy to stop and have a chat and a cup of tea.


     The Archives received several donations of aviation books and in particular some items from a family who's father was in the Royal Army Medical Corps which consisted of medical books going back to the First World War.  There was also a quantity of Second World War Army Maps of Europe plus items of German personal equipment.


     Our latest acquisition is a 1950 / 1960's  ex R.A.F.  Airborne Lifeboat Trailer which needed rescuing from a local boatyard.  This is now at the Educational and Heritage Centre awaiting refurbishing.  More details to follow as and when research of ' type and photographs, etc. ' can be obtained. 


     January finished with a School Educational visit by two Primary Schools that combined, making thirty six children and four adults from the Landscove area. They had a very full and informative day ( the weather could have been a bit better ) but we made the best of it.  We were very impressed with the behaviour, politeness and respect for the volunteers, school staff and the artefacts they were shown.  Certainly a credit to the school.


     Another group of twelve family and friends booked in for a Saturday talk on R.A.F. Harrowbeer and viewing of the artefacts lasting from 1000 am until 330 pm.  

Starting with tea / coffee and cake  -  talk  -  packed lunch  -  viewing  -  more tea / coffee  -  home.     A great day had by all.


     February is set to be a fairly busy month with two School Educational visits by :- Horrabridge Primary  and  Thornberry Primary School.


     Please contact us if you want to visit ( out of opening times ) or discuss a visit.

                                Michael Hayes   telephone  01822 853679


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Christmas Greetings for 2024

We at the  ' Knightstone / R.A.F. Harrowbeer  Archives, Educational  and  Heritage 

       Centre '  would like to take this opportunity to wish all our followers a very  

               ' Merry  Christmas  and  a  Happy  and  prosperous  New  Year '


                        The  Heritage  Centre  is open after Christmas from 

                                     Wednesday the 3rd of  January 2024 

                         ( Wednesdays  and  Sundays  or  by  appointment )

          when we look forward to meeting anybody interested in the history of           

                    R.A.F. Harrowbeer  or  for a hot drink and a piece of cake.


        We are always interested a chat, maybe you have a wartime / blitz story 

                                   that you would like to share with us.


                                                                     Thank  you  for  your  support   Michael

December update to the Archives and Heritage Centre

Education visits latest

We at the Heritage Centre have been fairly busy during the months of October and November with various Primary School visits from as far as Newton Abbot and Totnes.  


The groups vary between twenty five and thirty six children plus  teachers and assistants.


The children have a full and very busy day listening to information and looking at original World War Two artefacts in a controlled environment.   After they have had their packed lunch we have a session outside on the old airfield before the group return back to school.


For more information and a typical days programme please go to website pages :- 

Educational Visits          or  contact          Michael  Hayes  on  telephone :- 01822 853679



The Heritage Centre also welcomes groups and organisations who want to learn about R.A.F. Harrowbeer and it's role in the Second World War.

80th Anniversary - 16th October 2023

On Monday the 16th October 2023  R.A.F. Harrowbeer celebrates it's 80th Anniversary  of when  No.193 Squadron received nine Typhoon aircraft from money raised by the 

                                  ' Fellowship  of  the Bellows  of  Brazil '.


More information is available in the pages on this website titled 

                                           ' The archives 80 years ago '.


A large amount of material is also available for viewing in the R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives on No.193 Squadron and also ' The Fellowship of the Bellows '.

The Archives are open Wednesdays and Sundays or by appointment.

Update and forthcoming event

          A  DATE  FOR  YOUR  DIARY      -     AUGUST  the  19th  and  20th  2023


                         OVER  THIS  WEEK-END  WILL  BE  HELD  THE                                                                     

                       " THE  R.A.F.  HARROWBEER  1940'S  WEEK-END ".


          The  " R.A.F. Harrowbeer  Archive  Educational  and  Heritage  Centre " 

    will  be  open  on  both  Saturday  and  Sunday  from  10.00 am  until  17.00 pm.


         There  will  be  stalls  in  the  car  park  under  marquees  selling  books,                     .           sweatshirts,  aviation  related  items,  toys,  games,  bric-a-brac  and  

                                   various  other  items  of  interest.


 The  grounds  will  be  open  showing  the  ' Anderson  Shelter,  Morrison  Shelter, 

   Air  Raid  Warden's  Post,  Airborne  Lifeboat,  Spitfire  Cockpit  and  Museum 

           ( in  the  garage )  besides  cabinets  etc.  inside  the  Tea  Rooms.


                   Hot  and  cold  drinks,  pre-packed  cakes  and  biscuits  

                                      available  inside  the  Tea  Rooms.


  Any  questions  regarding  R.A.F. HARROWBEER  and  the  ARCHIVES,  MUSEUM,  ETC.  please  ask  for  the  Archivist -   Michael  or  Lucy  Hayes  in  the  Tea  Rooms, 

                                        or  telephone :- 01822 853679


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There is always lots to see and do with various stalls, re-enactors, music, singing and food outlets.  Please come and support this locally organised event.


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THE  ARCHIVE,  EDUCATIONAL  AND  HERITAGE  CENTRE


April was a very busy month for the Centre with lots of re-arranging of cabinets and artrefacts with Spring cleaning going on inside the Tearooms and Museum.  There is still plenty to do in trying out new layouts and putting out items that may not have been seen before.  It is always great to hear visitors feedback and is always taken on board.  Please talk to Michael ( the Archivist ) if you have any comments or suggestions.


There has been a few items donated by various visitors that are either connected with the R.A.F. or the Second World War.  After these have been catalogued they will be put out on show.


There is a lot of back-ground research going on by one of our researchers on some World War One medals and artefacts that have been purchased locally.  The story behind some of these items is amazing.  When the research is complete the findings will be available for anyone interested to come and view.


                          Thank  you  for  taking  the  time  to  read  this  article,  i  am  always  glad  to  meet  and  talk  to  anyone  interested  in  our  history  -  Michael

Archives, Education and Heritage Centre update - March 2023

Please note :-  the Archives, Educational and Heritage Centre will be closed on Easter Sunday but open on Easter Monday from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm.


The  R.A.F. Harrowbeer  Archive,  Education  and  Heritage  Centre is becoming very popular on its Wednesday and Sunday openings with a lot of interested individuals and families wanting to find out what happened in this area of Yelverton.


We finished the month of February with a visit of thirty schoolchildren from an Ivybridge School who were working with the Dartmoor National Park Rangers carrying out scrub clearance and litter picking for the day on the 28th.

Three groups of ten children and adults came over to the Centre in turn to hear about the history of this area and view World War Two artefacts.

A fantastic day of outdoor learning for the children.


On Saturday the 18th March we have a local group of adults spending the day at the Centre.  We shall be starting with a talk on the aerodrome and its history followed by viewing the artefacts / museum / etc. and finishing with a walk around part of the aerodrome.


If you are a school teacher or member of a group that would like to arrange a visit for your club or organisation please contact  Michael Hayes on  01822 853679.

Education and Heritage Centre update - February 2023

We are now entering our third month at R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives promoting the Education and Heritage Centre new venture.

Since the 1st December 2022 we have played host to four local primary schools who spent the day learning about rationing, gas masks, air raid shelters, etc. finishing up with an exercise on the airfield before returning back to school.

There have been two visits by children working with the Dartmoor National Park on the airfield for a one hour visits each and there have been a considerable amount of individuals ( local and tourist ).


The ' Centre ' is open on Wednesdays and Sundays serving hot and cold drinks with pre-packed cakes and biscuits.


If you would like to find out more or to book a visit please contact me on  -  telephone  01822 853679.     Archivist  -  Michael Hayes


   We welcome  -  schools, groups and individuals by appointment.


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RAF Harrowbeer Archives, Education & Heritage Ctr

Knightstone, Crapstone Road, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6BT GB

Archivist - Michael Hayes 01822 853679

All images copyright of :-  PHL Archives,  R.A.F. Harrowbeer Archives,   Graham Buchan Innes or HIG

© 2020 RAF Harrowbeer Archive - All Rights Reserved.

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