My return to RAF Sandy Bay took a while to get around to capturing it, the weather was either torrential rain or brilliant sunshine. I remained patient until the weather was just right and on my return I took my time in capturing this area. Very little remains so I had to visualise from what historians like Ernie Cromie had said and the book Actions Stations “Sandy Bay Flying Boat Base was established within haven of Rams Island, on the east side of Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland. It was constructed during World War II as a seaplane base. The base contained 12 moorings for flying boats, along with extra moorings for attendant vessels. Another 4 moorings are known to have been established to the east of Rams Island, providing additional refuge from regular westerly winds. Navigation buoys were positioned to the north and south of Rams island to help steer flying boats onto the open Lough, and similar to other identified airfields in Northern Ireland, Sandy Bay was used to facilitate bombing and gunnery practice.” (Smith, 1983)
It was crucial to capture Rams Island as this element was prevalent in the Stations geographical placement. I took several images around this area, seeing what would and wouldn’t work photographically, it was a lovely evening and I wasn’t bothered by any passes by. At least 3 images will make my WIP and it was a good exercise to determine what I should photograph when little of the site remains.
Smith D. J. 1983. Military Airfields of Scotland, the North-East and Northern Ireland. PSL Publishing Ltd.
Critical Research Journal 