In 1936 a decision was taken to establish an RAF bombing school at Penyberth, a farm of about 250 acres (101 ha) for RAF Penrhos which was purchased by the Air Ministry,[3] including the area of the low plateau in the bend of the river where the Afon Penrhos joins the Afon Geirch. Opposition was strongly felt, particularly as it was perceived that the sixteenth century house, Penyberth was, in Saunders Lewis’ words, 'one of the essential homes of Welsh culture, idiom and literature'.[4] As work proceeded, an arson attack was carried out on 8 September 1936[3] after which the arsonists gave themselves up at PwllheliPolice Station. Despite this the base came into operation in February 1937.[2]
RAF Hell's Mouth, 5 miles (8 km) to the south west, was commissioned in February 1937 as a Relief Landing Ground, later an Emergency landing Ground, for RAF Penrhos.
Units
During the course of the operation of the station, the following units were at sometime based at RAF Penrhos:
^Sitenský, Ladislav (1991). Z válečného deníku [From a War Diary] (in Czech). Praha: Naše vojsko. p. 78. ISBN80-206-0247-X. with photographs of RAF Pernhos on pages 105-106
Jefford, C G (1988). RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912. Shrewsbury: Airlife. ISBN1-85310-053-6.
Smith, D J (1990). Action Stations: Vol 3. Military airfields of Wales and the North-West. Wellingborough: Patrick Stephens Limited. ISBN1-85260-375-5.