A runway 'perched alongside a cliff', this airfield was constructed in 1940 & had 2 runways; 24/06 of 3,300 feet, and 31/13, with a length of 3,543 feet, both 150 feet in width. It was officially opened on the 10th November 1942. Prior to this it was used as a decoy airfield complete with lighting to encourage bombers to drop their loads here & not on the other airfields.
First to use it were Spitfires of 249 Sqdn on 23/11/42, followed by 229 squadron on 10/12/42, and 185 squadron on 05/01/43. All three squadrons, flying various marks of Spitfires, were involved in interdiction or recce work over Sicily, well before the actual invasion of 10/07/43.
All three squadrons left for Hal Far on 24/09/43.
Commanded in January 1943 by Wing Commander Sandy Johnstone. This aerodrome was probably instumental in converting the Spitfire into a fighter/bomber role using 2 x 500lb bombs fixed under the wings.
Initially they would dive bomb a target using their gunsights. After bombing they would support escort Spitfires in a straffing role.