Biplane At Cochin Air Base WW2, 2 Old PCs 1942

There are two rare 1942 photo postcards of a biplane at the Cochin Naval Air Base, WW2. The Naval Air Base at Cochin, now Kochi was based on Willingdon Island. Willingdon Island was created from the soil dredged from the construction of a modern port. And from the ship’s channel leading to the port. The project was completed in 1939.

At the height of WW2, a part of the land was delegated to set up an airfield. To support the Royal Air Force (RAF) activities in Cochin. By 1943, the airfield was converted into a Royal Navy Air Station as a bolster for Royal Navy ships. Coastal Defence Flights (CDF) were created after the occurrence of WW2.

Most of the aircraft used were obsolete biplanes. Along with the RAF, Indian Air Force Volunteer Reserve (IAFVR) crew members strengthened the various units. The IAFVR consisted of 100 or more civilian air-licensed holders. Who had volunteered for this service. It consisted of-

No.1 CDF raised at Drigh Road Airport (Karachi), operated from St Thomas Mount in Madras.

No.2 CDF at Juhu Airport, Bombay, now Mumbai.

No.3 CDF from Dum Dum Airport, Calcutta.

No.4 CDF raised at Dr at Drigh Road Airport, moved to Moulmein in Burma. A second 4 CDF was raised at Dum Dum in February 1942. They later moved to Visakhapatnam in April 1942.

No.5 CDF at Drigh Road Airport and moved to Cochin.

No.6 CDF, another raised at Drigh Road Airport on Feb 42.

The aircraft were the Wapitis, Audax, Blenheims, Atlantas, Harts, Tigermoths, Tata Airlines DH89s, and so on. Visible are the RAF and IAFVR officers and airmen with one of the biplanes (not sure which). Click on the photo for better view.

Did you know- the air base is now part of the Indian Navy.

From the collection- 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal On Paper Lovers (#5)., Fort St George – Old Photo 1890., Street Scene In Bombay – Old Print 1873., Princess Leila Of Gondal On A Wolseley Car, Old 1911 Print.