On 20th July, 1927, Pilot Officer Richard Griffith Pace of 32 squadron, Kenley, became the first pilot to lose his life at Holbeach ranges, The Wash, Lincolnshire, when his Gloster Gamecock (J7907) crashed during target practice. He was only 22 years old.
Information about other airfields across the country can be found on the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust website.
On 27th January, 1919 Jackson-Barstow was ferrying Sopwith Dolphin F7307, from Folkestone to RAF Kenley, when he was caught in a heavy snow storm. Visibility was bad when he crashed into a bank at Marden Park, south-east of the airfield. He died instantly.
Having survived as a fighter pilot with 64 Squadron at Kenley during the Battle of Britain, Adrian Laws tragically lost his life on the 30th September 1940 in a mid-air collision, while stationed at RAF Leconfield.
We lived in 9 Anson Close while I was stationed at Kenley between 1963 - 1966. During our time there, it was being continually worked on by the Ministry of Public Building and Works.
Kenneth Victor Williams was born on 16 September 1915 in Fairfield, Victoria to Arthur John Williams and Ethel May (nee Hems) Williams.
James Neate Hanigan, the son of George William Percy and Amy Eliza Hanigan, was born and raised in Hurstville New South Wales.
Author and historian, Melynda Jarratt has been researching the history of Canadian War Brides since 1987. She wrote a book on the subject and dedicated it in part to her friend Doris Lloyd, who served at Kenley during the Battle of Britain. Here is her story....
John Clarke Fee was born in Toronto, Canada, on 23rd May, 1915, the son of Thomas James Fee and Margery Workman Fee (nee Clarke).
By the standards of the day Francis Gilbert Harper could have been considered to be old when he joined up in October 1940. He had already been married for three years to Doris Muriel Harper (nee. Biss) and had two young daughters, Carol Joan and Lynette Merle.
On 1st May, 1943, 403 Squadron's diarist noted the arrival at Kenley of one of the RCAF's great personalities..soon to become one of their most inspiring Wing Leaders.