Born: 2 November 1920 in Farningham, Kent Died: 17 September 1940. Shot down over Ashford, Kent Rank: Sergeant Pilot. Service number: 742787 Edward ...
I was at school when war against Germany was declared by Neville Chamberlain in September 1939. It followed that I was on holiday during that summer of 1940 when the destiny of Britain, and of the free world, was being decided in the blue sky over southern England.
I’d like to tell the story of my great grandfather William Battle, who is on my mothers side of the ...
An August 18th 1940 Kenley raid story. In 1940 my mother was living with her parents in Oak Road, Caterham. ...
On 15th September 1939, Marjorie was one of the first women in her area to sign up. She joined the WAAF and was posted to Kenley Aerodrome.
This eye-witness account of a bombing raid over Surrey comes from “The War Illustrated,” 30th August, 1940. It may describe ...
How does a system, originally designed as a maritime rescue apparatus, end up on Fighter Command airfields in 1940?
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.
Allan Corkett flew with No.253 Squadron at RAF Kenley during the Battle of Britain. Here, Jo Corkett pays tribute to the relative she sadly never met and Dave Brocklehurst MBE, of Kent Battle of Britain Museum, explains the significance of the items which Allan donated to the museum.
Accounts of the Battle of Britain talk of squadrons being “relieved” or “replaced” by another from elsewhere, but was it simply a case of “A” replacing “B” on the same day and carrying on as normal?
Early life in Poland Stanisław Skalski was born on 27 November 1915 in Kodyma, Ukraine. In autumn 1935 he began a ...
The Luftwaffe's attack on RAF Kenley, on 18th August, 1940, was a risky venture, depending on pin-point accuracy and timing. Here is how Fighter Command countered the raids.
These press clippings from the collection of F/Sgt. "Pat" Glover, mark a moment of celebration for No.615 Squadron, when two of their pilots were invested with the Distinguished Flying Cross at Buckingham Palace, but someone was missing.
Jim Crofts, who was stationed in Kenley as a Clerk in 1940, remembers one particular day during his service.
At 2.31am, on 27th August, 1940, a burning, crewless Heinkel He111 hit the ground, ploughed it's way across Queen's Park, Caterham, and into the rear garden of 21 Manor Rd, where it exploded, partially destroying the bungalow.
These are the memories of Corporal Frederick Victor Bashford who served with No.615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, through the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain, from notes taken during a telephone call on 24th July 2020.
It is tempting to think that we have nothing more to learn about 'The Hardest Day,' but somehow, one of Kenley's heroes has been overlooked, a Warrant Officer who was honoured for bomb disposal work which was pivotal in keeping Kenley operational during this vital stage of the Battle of Britain.