HMS TERN (RNAS Twatt) Travel Guide

Royal Naval Air Station Twatt, commissioned as HMS Tern in April 1941, was constructed to bolster the Royal Navy’s air capabilities in Orkney during World War II. Situated near Twatt on Mainland Orkney, it was part of a network of airfields supporting the Home Fleet anchored in Scapa Flow, a crucial naval base. HMS Tern primarily functioned as a training airfield and a staging ground for squadrons disembarking from aircraft carriers, providing vital support to naval aviation operations in the North Atlantic.

The airfield’s layout included runways, hangars, barracks, and operational buildings, many of which survive today. The most iconic structure is the control tower, uniquely designed with an exposed upper floor serving as the control room, protected by earth banks to deflect bomb blasts. Though the control tower is only accessible externally, its preservation offers a tangible connection to the wartime environment. Other remnants include the camp cinema’s front facade and memorials that enrich the site’s historical atmosphere.

HMS Tern hosted several Fleet Air Arm squadrons, including the 771 Naval Air Squadron, which relocated here in 1942. The base was equipped to accommodate amphibious aircraft such as the Supermarine Walrus, used for reconnaissance and fleet support. The station played a pivotal role in training and preparing aircrew for operations, supporting the Royal Navy’s strategic objectives in the region until its closure in 1945, with maintenance continuing until the late 1950s.

After WWII, HMS Tern was placed on care and maintenance before closing fully in the mid-20th century. Proposals to expand the site into a NATO base were ultimately abandoned. Today, the airfield is a historical landmark, with many original buildings standing as silent witnesses to Orkney’s wartime past. Guided tours and self-guided visits enable visitors to explore the site’s layout and reflect on its role in naval aviation history.

Nestled in Orkney’s scenic West Mainland, HMS Tern offers a tranquil yet evocative environment. The site lies near the Loch of Isbister and is surrounded by rugged landscapes typical of Orkney. Visitors can appreciate the juxtaposition of natural beauty with remnants of military infrastructure, gaining insight into the challenges faced by service personnel stationed here during the war.

Memorials on site honor those who served and sacrificed during the air station’s operational years. The preserved structures and interpretive materials contribute to the cultural heritage of Orkney, highlighting the strategic significance of the islands in WWII. HMS Tern stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm and remains a key historical attraction for military history enthusiasts and visitors to Orkney alike.