# RNAS Portland

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Former Royal Naval Air Station in Dorset, England

RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey) Near Portland, Dorset in England Westland Whirlwind HAS.7 XL878 of 771 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Portland Dorset in 1967 Site information Type Royal Naval Air Station Owner Ministry of Defence Operator Royal Navy Location RNAS Portland Shown within Dorset Coordinates 50°34′08″N 002°27′02″W / 50.56889°N 2.45056°W / 50.56889; -2.45056 Site history Built 1917 (1917) In use 1917–1999 (1999) Airfield information Elevation 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) AMSL Helipads Number Length and surface 03/21 230 metres (755 ft) Asphalt

**RNAS Portland** (ICAO: EGDP) was an air station of the [Royal Navy](/source/Royal_Navy), situated at the [Isle of Portland](/source/Isle_of_Portland), [Dorset](/source/Dorset), [England](/source/England). It was established in 1917 on the western edge of [Portland Harbour](/source/Portland_Harbour) as **HMS Sarepta**. From 1959 the station shared the name [HMS *Osprey*](/source/HMS_Osprey%2C_Portland), the anti-submarine establishment based at Portland, with helicopters used for research and development in anti-submarine techniques. RNAS Portland remained operational until 1999.

## History

Osprey Quay, the site of the former RNAS Portland, seen in 2006.

The original seaplane base was established during [World War I](/source/World_War_I), in 1917, as HMS *Sarepta*. The station used floatplanes, which flew coastal patrols to protect shipping from German U-boat attacks.[1] In August 1918 HMS *Sarepta* was taken over by the RAF, and a larger unit of 12 aircraft was formed as [No. 241 Squadron RAF](/source/No._241_Squadron_RAF).[2] Following the Armistice in November 1918, the squadron was disbanded and aviation operations ceased at Portland in 1919.[3]

Following the inter-war period, a Fleet Requirements Unit, 772 Squadron, arrived at Portland in September 1939 and stayed until July 1940. With the fall of France early in the war, the Naval Base at Portland became a prime target for the [Luftwaffe](/source/Luftwaffe). As a result, HMS *Osprey* was moved to Campbeltown in July 1940, taking 772 Squadron with it, and leaving Portland's base to remain under Care and Maintenance.[1]

The former headquarters building, operations centre and control tower.

After the war HMS *Osprey* returned to Portland and a helicopter base became an important centre for the school to perform experiments and development. In 1946 [Sikorsky R-4](/source/Sikorsky_R-4)Bs moved in and the success of their trials at Portland led the Admiralty to replace fixed-wing aircraft with helicopters for use in the fleet. A major building programme followed at Portland, with the base's playing fields taken over as a landing ground,[1] while the old fleet canteen was converted into a headquarters building, containing the operations centre, a workshop and control tower.[2]

During the late 1950s the marshy area known as the Mere was filled in and built over, and later expansion meant that this tidal lagoon was completely covered. This created a large concreted area to produce the modern, large helicopter facility.[3] Upon the completion of the work, [815 Naval Air Squadron](/source/815_Naval_Air_Squadron) flew its 12 [Westland Whirlwinds](/source/Westland_Whirlwind_(helicopter)) to the new Portland Heliport on 14 April 1959.[2] The station was formally commissioned as HMS *Osprey* on 24 April 1959.[2]

For the next 40 years RNAS Portland was one of the busiest air stations on the south coast. As a helicopter development and training base, it was largely responsible for training aircrew in anti-submarine operations. The site of the base was gradually improved over the years,[4] with considerable expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, notably between 1967 and 1970, with new hangars.[1][2]

The former RNAS, seen in September 2003, when much of the site was being redeveloped for academy, and a new hangar planned for the adjacent coastguard helicopter.

With the reduction of armed forces, Portland's naval base closed on 29 March 1996, with Flag Officer Sea Training ([FOST](/source/Flag_Officer_Sea_Training_(United_Kingdom))) moving to Plymouth. With this RNAS Portland became surplus to requirements, leading to its eventual closure on 31 March 1999.[5] RNAS Portland held its final open day for the public on 17 October 1998.[6]

Following the closure of the base, the 80-acre site was renamed Osprey Quay in 2001, as part of the site's regeneration project. The [Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy](/source/Weymouth_and_Portland_National_Sailing_Academy) was established there in 1999 and began redevelopment in 2003.[7] A SAR helicopter operated by [Bristow Helicopters](/source/Bristow_Helicopters) for the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) was also based at the quay until 2017.[3]

By 2012 Osprey Quay had been transformed into a mixed use site. Aside from the academy, the site offered over 11 hectares of business space, along with a new Dean & Reddyhoff Marina, Portland Marina.[8] The redevelopment of the station's former Helicopter Control Tower has also been announced.[9]

With the removal of the Coastguard Helicopter Service from Portland on 1 July 2017 the site once again become surplus to requirements and in October 2016 the formal process for the disposal of the site was commenced by the Homes & Communities Agency. With much support from the local MP (Richard Drax) and the local population the company who provided the aircrew that fly the Coastguard helicopters at Portland, [HeliOperations](/source/HeliOperations), has purchased the site. The company now provides training services for Search & Rescue aircrew.[10]

## Squadrons (1959–1999)

- [737 Naval Air Squadron](/source/737_Naval_Air_Squadron) (August 1959 – February 1983)

- [771 Naval Air Squadron](/source/771_Naval_Air_Squadron) (July 1961 – December 1964 and June 1967 – September 1974)

- [829 Naval Air Squadron](/source/829_Naval_Air_Squadron) (December 1964 – March 1993)

- [703 Naval Air Squadron](/source/703_Naval_Air_Squadron) (January 1972 – January 1981)

- [772 Naval Air Squadron](/source/772_Naval_Air_Squadron) (September 1974 – September 1995)

- [702 Naval Air Squadron](/source/702_Naval_Air_Squadron) (July 1982 – January 1999)

- [810 Naval Air Squadron](/source/810_Naval_Air_Squadron) (Detached regularly 1982–1999)

- [815 Naval Air Squadron](/source/815_Naval_Air_Squadron) (April 1959 – August 1959 and July 1982 – February 1999)

## See also

- [List of air stations of the Royal Navy](/source/List_of_air_stations_of_the_Royal_Navy)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-autogenerated1_1-3) [Historic England](/source/Historic_England). ["Monument No. 1487063"](https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1487063&resourceID=19191). *Research records (formerly PastScape)*. Retrieved 30 July 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-jurassicagent1_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-jurassicagent1_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-jurassicagent1_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-jurassicagent1_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-jurassicagent1_2-4) ["The Jurassic Coast - HMS Osprey"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305064557/http://www.jurassicagent.co.uk/index.php/library/history/portland-s-deep-sea-harbour/86-hms-osprey). Archived from [the original](http://www.jurassicagent.co.uk/index.php/library/history/portland-s-deep-sea-harbour/86-hms-osprey) on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-hampshireairfields1_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-hampshireairfields1_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-hampshireairfields1_3-2) Dave Fagan. ["PORTLAND R.N.A.S."](http://dorset.hampshireairfields.co.uk/pot.html) Retrieved 5 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["EGDP Portland Heliport – Helicopter Database"](http://www.helis.com/database/gps/EGDP). Retrieved 5 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Portland's naval history ends as last warship sails"](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/portlands-naval-history-ends-as-last-warship-sails-1592621.html). *The Independent*. Retrieved 5 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Westland Whirlwind HAR3 (XG574)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180824065720/https://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibit/westland-whirlwind-har3-xg574/1-29-78.aspx). Archived from [the original](http://www.fleetairarm.com/exhibit/westland-whirlwind-har3-xg574/1-29-78.aspx) on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["History of WPNSA"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150716044801/http://www.wpnsa.org.uk/history-of-wpnsa/). *Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy*. Archived from [the original](http://www.wpnsa.org.uk/history-of-wpnsa/) on 16 July 2015. Retrieved 5 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Osprey Quay, Portland"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141006074120/http://www.investindorset.co.uk/strategic-sites/osprey-quay-portland/). Archived from [the original](http://www.investindorset.co.uk/strategic-sites/osprey-quay-portland/) on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 2 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["50 homes, shops and a 60-bed hotel planned for Osprey Quay on Portland"](http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/10811274.50_homes__shops_and_a_60_bed_hotel_planned_for_Osprey_Quay_on_Portland/). *Dorset Echo*. 15 November 2013. Retrieved 2 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["Heli Operations wins contract for Portland helicopter base after search and rescue leaves in 2017"](http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/14909136.EXCLUSIVE__Portland_WILL_remain_as_helicopter_base-_meaning_refuelling_station_for_search_and_rescue_but_it_s_not_enough__say_campaigners/). Dorset Echo. 17 November 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2018.

## External links

- [The Heritage Coast – HMS *Osprey*](https://web.archive.org/web/20081121004326/http://www.theheritagecoast.co.uk/historyfile/portland_and_weymouth/portlands_deep_sea_harbour/hms_osprey.htm)

- [RNAS Portland at Helis.com](http://www.helis.com/database/?menu=2&tpais=UK&tbase=33&menudiv=1)

- [Portland Yacht Club](http://www.portlandyc.co.uk)

- [Portland Marina](http://www.deanreddyhoff.co.uk/portland-marina) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130304190051/http://www.deanreddyhoff.co.uk/portland-marina) 4 March 2013 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

v t e Royal Naval Air Stations Current RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) (1947–) Predannack Airfield (1959–) RNAS Merryfield (1956–1958, 1960–1961, 1972–) RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron) (1940–) Former UK A Abbotsinch (HMS Sanderling) (1943–1963) Angle (HMS Goldcrest) (1943) Anthorn (HMS Nuthatch) (1944–1958) Arbroath (HMS Condor) (1940–1971) Ayr (HMS Wagtail) (1944–1946) B Ballyhalbert (HMS Corncrake) (1945) Ballykelly (HMS Sealion) (1945–1971) Belfast (HMS Gadwall & HMS Gannet III) (1943–1973) Bramcote (HMS Gamecock) (1946–1958) Brawdy (HMS Goldcrest) (1946–1971) Bungay (HMS Europa III) (1945–1946) Burscough (HMS Ringtail) (1943–1946) Bush Barn (1944) C Campbeltown (HMS Landrail II) (1940–1945) Charlton Horethorne (HMS Heron II) (1943–1945) Cowdray Park (1941–1945) Crail (HMS Jackdaw) (1940–1947) Culham (HMS Hornbill) (1944–1953) D Dale (HMS Goldcrest) (1943–1948) Donibristle (HMS Merlin) (1939–1959) Dounreay (HMS Tern II) (1944–1954) Drem (HMS Nighthawk) (1945–1946) Dundee (HMS Condor II) (1941–1944) Dunino (HMS Jackdaw II) (1942–1946) E East Haven (HMS Peewit) (1943–1946) Eastleigh (HMS Raven) (1939–1946) Eglinton (HMS Gannet & HMS Sea Eagle) (1943–1963) Evanton (1944–1948) F–G Fearn (HMS Owl) (1942–1946) Ford (HMS Peregrine) (1939–1940, 1945–1948, 1950–1958) Gosport (HMS Siskin) (1945–1956) Grimsetter (HMS Robin) (1943–1945) H Haldon (HMS Heron II) (1941–1943) Halesworth (HMS Sparrowhawk) (1945–1946) Hatston (HMS Sparrowhawk) (1939–1945) Henstridge (HMS Dipper) (1943–1946, 1959–1954) Hinstock (HMS Godwit) (1942–1947) I–K Inskip (HMS Nightjar) (1943–1946) Kirkistown (HMS Corncrake II) (1945–1946) L Lawrenny Ferry (HMS Daedalus II) (1942–1943) Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus & HMS Ariel) (1939–1996) Limavady (1945–19??) Lossiemouth (HMS Fulmar) (1945–1972) Ludham (HMS Flycatcher) (1944–1945) Lympne (HMS Buzzard & HMS Daedalus II) (1939–1940) M Machrihanish (HMS Landrail) (1941–1946, 1951–1952) Macmerry (1945–1946) Maydown (HMS Shrike & HMS Gannet II) (1943–1945) Middle Wallop (HMS Flycatcher) (1945–1946) Milltown (HMS Fulmar II) (1946–1972) N–P Nutts Corner (HMS Pintail) (1945–1946) Peplow (HMS Godwit II) (1945–1949) Portland (HMS Osprey) (1959–1999) Prestwick (HMS Gannet) (1971–) R Crimond/Rattray/Rattray Head (HMS Merganser) (1944–1946) Roborough (HMS Drake II) (19??–19??) Ronaldsway (HMS Urley) (1944–1946) S Sandbanks (HMS Daedalus II) (1940–1943) St Davids (1947–1961) St Merryn (HMS Vulture & HMS Curlew) (1940–1952, 1952–1956) Skaebrae (HMS Tern II) (19??–19??) Stretton (HMS Blackcap) (1942–1958) T–Z Toome (1947–1954) Treligga (HMS Vulture II) (1939–1955) Twatt (HMS Tern) (1941–1957) Weston Park (HMS Godwit II) (1945) Woodvale (HMS Ringtail II) (1945–1946) Worthy Down (HMS Kestrel & HMS Ariel II) (1939–1950, 1952–1960) Zeals (HMS Hummingbird) (1945–1946) Former overseas Bermuda

v t e Heliports in the United Kingdom Civilian England Ascot Racecourse Heliport Botany Bay Cheltenham Racecourse Heliport Fleetlands Heliport Goodwood Racecourse Heliport London Heliport Manchester Heliport Penzance Heliport Silverstone Heliport Tresco Heliport Scotland Glasgow City Heliport Wales Cardiff Heliport Military Fleet Air Arm RNAS Yeovilton RNAS Culdrose former RNAS Portland Army Air Corps AAC Middle Wallop JHC FS Aldergrove Wattisham Flying Station Dishforth Airfield RAF Support Helicopter Force RAF Benson RAF Odiham

v t e Isle of Portland Settlements and areas Castletown Chiswell Clay Ope Easton Ferry Bridge Fortuneswell The Grove Portland Bill Portland Harbour Southwell Tophill Underhill Victoria Square Wakeham West Cliff Weston Beaches and coastal features Balaclava Bay Cave Hole Chesil Beach Chesil Cove Church Ope Cove Freshwater Bay Hallelujah Bay Little Beach Mutton Cove Portland Raised Beach Pulpit Rock Salt Pans Wallsend Cove Attractions Broadcroft Quarry Nature Reserve Chiswell Earthworks Culverwell Mesolithic Site Fancy's Family Farm Jurassica King Barrow Quarry Nature Reserve Nicodemus Knob Perryfield Quarry Nature Reserve Portland Museum Royal Manor Theatre Tout Quarry Sculpture Park Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy Military Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment Blacknor Fort East Weare Battery East Weare Camp East Weare Rifle Range HMS Osprey Inner Pierhead Fort MOD Portland Bill Portland Breakwater Fort RAF Portland RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey) Royal Naval Hospital Verne Citadel Verne Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery Verne High Angle Battery Castles Pennsylvania Castle Portland Castle Rufus Castle Lighthouses, daymarks and NCI NCI Portland Bill Old Higher Lighthouse Old Lower Lighthouse Portland Bill Lighthouse Portland Breakwater Lighthouse Trinity House Obelisk Prisons HM Prison Portland HM Prison Weare HM Prison The Verne Gardens Chiswell Walled Garden Easton Gardens Governor's Community Garden Victoria Gardens Buildings and houses The Captain's House The Cove House Inn The George Inn Queen Anne House St George's Centre Churches All Saints Church Avalanche Memorial Church Church of Our Lady and St. Andrew Conjurer's Lodge Easton Methodist Church Southwell Methodist Chapel St Andrew's Church St George's Church St. John's Church St. Peter's Church Underhill Methodist Church United Reformed Church Memorials Portland Cenotaph Royal Naval Cemetery Industry Durdle Pier Folly Pier Folly Pier Waterworks Grove Lime Kiln King's Pier Portland stone Portland Windmills Red Crane Southwell Business Park Sureline Verne Cistern Working and disused quarries Bowers Quarry Broadcroft Quarry Coombefield Quarry King Barrow Quarry Perryfield Quarry Tout Quarry Yeolands Quarry Railway Merchant's Railway The Old Engine Shed Portland Branch Railway Sports Portland United F.C. Events Easton Massacre Great Southwell Landslip

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [RNAS Portland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNAS_Portland) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RNAS_Portland?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.