Treligga - HMS Vulture II

18th July 2004


		Inside the Quadrant Tower
Looking out of the Quadrant Tower	Quadrant Shelter

This former Fleet Air Arm bombing/gunnery range come emergency landing ground is situated in a relatively remote location on the cliff top 1.5 miles west of Delabole, Cornwall. The site had been used prior to World War II by gliders, however, the Admiralty requisitioned some 260 acres of land in late 1939 for the purposes of constructing a bombing and gunnery range. Three, rough grass landing strips were subsequently marked out, with the intention that aircraft sustaining engine failure or ricochet damage whilst firing on the range could undertake 'wheels-up' emergency landings. The Treligga range became a satellite station to St. Merryn and was later named HMS Vulture II. Unusually, the entire operation at Treligga was staffed by women from the WRNS, which no doubt surprised and subsequently delighted the crew of an American B-17 Flying Fortress that crash landed there during the war. Uniquely, the range at Treligga was later adapted to represent the typical lay-out of Japanese held territory in the Pacific. The rationale behind this being the provision of combat specific training to squadron commanders and senior pilots who were destined to serve in the Pacific Fleet. Treligga range was operated by the navy up until the early 1950's when it was also made available for use by Shackleton squadrons from RAF St. Eval. The closure of St. Merryn and St. Eval in the mid to late 1950's also marked the end for Treligga. Today, the Quadrant Tower stands derelict although in remarkably good structural condition considerating it's age and exposed position. It has been said that there is not a lot to see at Treligga, in my opinion not so, it's picturesque location and unique history make it well worth a visit.