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RAF Harrowbeer - Dartmoor

Description of Area

RAF Harrowbeer, located near Yelverton on the edge of Dartmoor, was a WWII fighter airfield active from 1941 to 1945. Built on open moorland, it featured a triangular layout of three runways, allowing for multi-directional take-offs despite frequent poor weather.

Key features included:

  • Three intersecting runways (longest approx. 1,525m)

  • T2 hangars, technical buildings, and a central control tower

  • Dispersal bays (blast pens) around the airfield perimeter

  • Domestic and support buildings in surrounding wooded areas (accommodation, mess halls, medical facilities)

  • Located near the A386 for easy access

Much of the original layout is still visible today, and the site includes a memorial with visitor information.

History

RAF Harrowbeer was commissioned in August 1941 as a fighter station to defend Plymouth, Devonport, and the Western Approaches during WWII. Positioned near Yelverton on Dartmoor, the airfield played a key role in coastal patrols, convoy protection, and intercepting enemy aircraft.

It was home to several RAF and Allied squadrons, including:

  • No. 276 Squadron (Air-Sea Rescue)

  • No. 193 Squadron (Typhoons)

  • 310 (Czech) Squadron, among others

✈️ Notable Events & People

  • Squadron Leader John “Jack” Charles, a Battle of Britain pilot, served at Harrowbeer and later became a Group Captain.

  • WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) personnel played a critical support role on-site, including radar, comms, and ops.

  • Flight Sergeant William Maguire of 276 Squadron died during a rescue mission in 1943 when his aircraft crashed in bad weather.

  • Pilot Officer Vaclav Jicha, a decorated Czech fighter ace, also operated from Harrowbeer before being killed in action in 1941.

The airfield closed in July 1945, shortly after the war ended in Europe. Today, remnants of the runways and dispersal bays remain, along with a memorial near the Yelverton roundabout to honour those who served and died.

Reported Possible Activity

🕯️ Common Reports:

  • Apparitions of RAF pilots in full uniform seen walking near the old dispersal bays or standing silently on the airfield at dusk.

  • Phantom aircraft sounds, including the distant roar of propeller engines and the screech of tyres on tarmac—often reported when no planes are in the area.

  • Cold spots and sudden drops in temperature in and around what remains of the control tower and former accommodation sites.

  • Disembodied voices and footsteps, especially in areas where WAAF personnel were stationed.

  • Feelings of being watched or followed, commonly reported by visitors walking the old taxiways.

🕊️ Notable Legend:

Some believe the spirit of a Czech pilot—possibly Vaclav Jicha—still lingers, especially near the old flight line, where a figure has been seen saluting and vanishing into the mist.

Investigation Report

📍 Former Dry House Area – RAF Harrowbeer, Dartmoor
📅 Investigation Date: [Insert Date]
🕰️ Time: Evening through to nightfall
🌡️ Conditions: Clear and still night, chilly, especially as dusk fell; very quiet atmosphere, no wind or natural movement detected

🔧 Equipment Used

  • 6 x Cat Balls (🔵)

  • 3 x K2 EMF Meters (📶)

  • EVP Recorder (🎙️)

  • Glasswork Table (🔮)

👣 Investigation Summary

Upon arrival, we set up near where the original dry house foundations would have been. Cat balls were positioned at each corner of the area, plus at both ends. K2 meters were placed randomly within the perimeter. We also prepared a table for glass divination and began with some EVP recordings.

👻 Almost immediately, we noted regular activity from one cat ball located nearest the group—flashing consistently during initial callouts. Encouraged by this, we moved to the glasswork table to attempt direct communication.

After a brief pause, the glass began to move. We established a presence—a male airman, active during WWII. While he declined to share his name, rank, or nation, he confirmed he was not British and withheld any squadron affiliation.

During this session:

  • The cat ball continued flashing intermittently 🔵

  • The airman confirmed knowing someone present at the table. When asked to indicate who, the glass moved swiftly toward Ros, a frequent visitor to the site.

  • When questioned further, the airman claimed to recognise Ian as well and implied that Ian had served on the base in the same time period—despite Ian's clear protests at the implication of his age! 😂

💬 The atmosphere during this exchange felt light but respectful. The spirit gave the impression of being friendly, cheeky, and pleased by our presence.

🔄 Notable Activity

🟣 Cat Ball Activation on Glass Table:
Following the spirit's withdrawal (glass ceased movement), we were casually discussing the encounter when the cat ball placed directly beneath the glass lit up. Nobody was near the table at the time, and there was no possible physical explanation for the trigger.

🦶 Auditory Phenomena:
Shortly after the cat ball incident, we all heard distinct movement through dead leaves around us. The sounds suggested someone—or multiple individuals—were circling us quietly.

We checked the surroundings:

  • 🌲 Trees were motionless

  • 🐑 Nearby animals were well over 30 feet away

  • 🐦 No birds or ground activity present

Despite repeated callouts and reassurances to spirits that we meant no harm, the noises continued briefly and then ceased altogether.

Ros and Ian both reported that the atmosphere changed dramatically—from active and warm to suddenly still, flat, and peaceful.

🎙️ EVP Review & Spirit Responses

  • No conclusive EVP responses detected during initial review

  • Glasswork session yielded intelligent responses from the airman spirit

  • Cat ball interaction remained consistent with presumed intelligent influence

  • Audible footsteps suggest possible residual or intelligent presence

🧊 Environmental & Atmospheric Notes

  • The site became noticeably colder as the evening progressed ❄️

  • Dartmoor’s openness contributes to rapid temperature drops after sunset

  • The sudden drop in spiritual activity coincided with an emotional shift in atmosphere, commonly reported during spirit withdrawal

🙏 Conclusion

This investigation produced several pieces of potential intelligent interaction:
🔵 Cat ball activation (especially under the glass)
🔮 Clear, responsive glasswork communication
👂 Distinct footsteps and movement without visible source

The spirit appeared respectful, observant, and perhaps even amused by our presence. He seemed to share a personal familiarity with Ros and Ian, possibly connecting them to individuals he once knew or recognising their continued presence at the site.

With the temperature dropping and activity ceasing, we closed the session respectfully and gave thanks to any spirits who had joined us. 🕊️

Until next time, RAF Harrowbeer.
🛩️ Rest well, and thank you for your service. 💂‍♂️🇬🇧

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