Comments on: HMS Osprey / RNAS Portland – Dorset

By: Terry Robinson

Terry Robinson — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:38:57 +0000

How very sad to see dear Osprey in such a state. I believe it is called ‘progress’. I spent some memorable time with 737 squadron on Advanced Flying Training and then as a staff pilot for Wessex Mk3. I also contracted hepatitis there (in the days before “A” to “C”, it was just ‘hepatitis’!!). Fond memories nevertheless abound.

By: Mike Foster

Mike Foster — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:34:14 +0000

I trained as a TAS underwater control operator in HMS Osprey (TAS School) in 1959 when it was situated above the naval base at East wear. Where can I find history or photo’s of that period. This phase in Osprey’s existance seems to have been completely overlooked.

By: Clive Bone

Clive Bone — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:42:08 +0000

For those who served at Osprey it must be galling to see the dereliction described above. As a civilian who has known Portland as a holidaymaker for some fifty years it is for me too. However, for what it is worth, and only in fiction, the Navy went back to Portland and extended the runway up to the A354 to take STOL aircraft.

Some fifty helicopters and aircraft were based there – including Harriers taken out of mothballs by the defence cuts. The reason, Portland is to go back in time to avoid asteroids heading for the Earth. The mission is to industrialise the ancient world to have the technology in time to destroy them.

The Empress of Rome may be read free online on the Harper-Collins authonomy web site at http://www.authonomy.com/
The first chapter briefly sets the scene at the airbase. I hope people find this of interest. Portland has been used in fiction before now, and may that continue.

Clive Bone

By: peter ganley

peter ganley — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 17:50:30 +0000

Had a brill time at Portland, 829 Squad and SE section, happy days. Sad to see the place run down……

By: colin wyatt

colin wyatt — Sun, 22 May 2011 11:32:53 +0000

first draft after aircraft handler training at culdrose feb 1976, long hot summer , long walk to airfield from barracks if no bus , even longer going up incline rd,great time many memories .

By: Ronald Harry Szczecinski

Ronald Harry Szczecinski — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 03:26:52 +0000

I had a wonderful time when I visited Portland for 6 weeks at BOST in the late 80´s and early 90´s on the FGS “Rheinland-Pfalz” (4 times). I can still remember our shore leaves to HMS “Osprey”, The Green Shutter, Jolly Sailer, Little Ship, Victoria Hotel (Dorset Bikers) and of course The Greasy Spoon. Not to forget the Chinese Food salesman at the Q-Pier. We had a lot of fun together with our friends from the British Navy, drinking beer and playing darts or pool.
Yours sincerely
Ronny
SCPO GN (retired)

By: Dave Jones

Dave Jones — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 09:02:24 +0000

I served at Osprey for 2 stints from 1966-1968 & 1970-71 as a Met observer. Fond memories. Its a crying shame to see it now.

By: Nick Hoare

Nick Hoare — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 16:35:22 +0000

LAEM(M) 1983 Worked on Wasps (829) and Wessex 5 (772)
Had many happy days and nights here (Little Ship, Green Shutters)
Very sad that it is now gone.

By: Peter Neal

Peter Neal — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:07:55 +0000

AEW (bombhead) 1979 worked on wasps, very sad to see the base like this, happy memories including B&B weymouth, went back this year and all that remains is the new SAR building, old control tower and faded spots for 737 (Wessex 3), 703 829, difficult to believe how busy the station was looking at it now.

By: Alan Renwick

Alan Renwick — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:05:00 +0000

based in HMS Osprey in the seventies working on FMG,Spent a month in barracks then B&B in Weymouth. As has been said,only memories left now.Happy Days lads and lassies.