World War II

Between October 1940 and December 1944 HMS St Christopher comprised a Coastal Forces Training Base in and around Fort William.  Although it only existed for four years its impact on the area was significant and long lasting.  Indeed, some of the buildings it used can still be seen today in something approaching their original condition.  First commanded by Commander A.E.P. Welman DSO DSC RN, the base trained the crews of a variety of inshore patrol craft.  There was also a large Admiralty Floating Dock (A.F.D.) moored in Loch Linnhe.

Apparently HMS ST CHRISTOPHER was never given an official badge but a carved wooden plaque bearing a resemblance to a traditional St Christopher Charm Medallion can be seen in St Andrews Episcopal Church in Fort William which, during World War II, was used as the naval Church.

A number of courses were run at the establishment, most of which lasted a few weeks. For example, the torpedo course ran over two weeks during which trainees had to fire two practice torpedoes from two Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs).  Students arrived and left each Friday night by train from Glasgow.   In all, it is estimated that some 55,000 personnel of various nationalities passed through the base during its four years of operation.

Somewhat alarmingly, either a Westland Lysander or a Blackburn Skua would occasionally fly over to provide target practise for the base’s anti-aircraft guns.  Where these aircraft were based and what they did, exactly is not known but they may have used a grass airstrip at Lochyside, a mile or so North of Fort William.