PRESTON - Aviation Fuel Reserve Depot

[PRACHUAP]

Good morning posters,

I am researching RAF owned Aviation Fuel storage depots which existed during WW2.

The large depots, known as Aviation Fuel Reserve Depots were usually located near ports and received fuel by ship tanker, stored and dispatched it by tanker train to Aviation Fuel Distribution Depots located inland, adjacent to railways, which received fuel by rail tanker and dispatched it by road tanker to customer military airfields.

In practice, these depots had either a parallel siding with the main line with the fuel transfer station, or had dedicated siding(s) running into the depot.

So, the railway link was important and visible.

I am trying to identify the location of the Preston Aviation Fuel Reserve Depot but cannot do so positively.

Can any of you rail enthusiasts give me a lead?

 

[merlodlliw]

Good morning posters,

I am researching RAF owned Aviation Fuel storage depots which existed during WW2.

The large depots, known as Aviation Fuel Reserve Depots were usually located near ports and received fuel by ship tanker, stored and dispatched it by tanker train to Aviation Fuel Distribution Depots located inland, adjacent to railways, which received fuel by rail tanker and dispatched it by road tanker to customer military airfields.

Not Preston, but one still exists at Beeston Castle between Crewe & Chester
the site is visable from the train,the storage was under a hill, and the entrances are on full view even now, look at the hillside at Beeston Castle
exactly opposite the signal box,this dump served fighter bases in Cheshire parts of Salop and Wrexham.

 

[driver9000]

Im not certain but it may have been on Preston docks although most of the old docks is now under various retail/industrial units the part of the docks sidings still exist and are used by an oil train. The line leaves the mainline at the south end of Preston station and runs through a tunnel before crossing the road towards the docks so maybe following the railway on a map may provide some clue as it its former location.

 

[PRACHUAP]

Thanks Posters, there were many aviation fuel depots around the coast and inner country during WW2. I have most of them plotted including the Beston Castle.

However, some continue to elude me, and others, as to the exact locations. Often the sites have been redeveloped but there is evidence if you know what you are looking for!

I shall try the Preston Docks area again since that is the most likley location.

Thanks again.

 

[merlodlliw]

Good morning, Para, if you are still with us, did you get the giant fuel dump at Prees Heath, Salop,

This was an enormous one for use of the US Bombers and local fighters in WW 2
much of the site is still there. As in fact is the railway station.