At the front of Airmens' Corner, at St. Luke's Churchyard, Whyteleafe, are two metal plaques. One of them remembers an airman who served with 24 (Communications) Squadron, at Kenley, in the 1920's.
On 8th February 1919, pilot Lieutenant Lucien Bossoutrot flew from Toussus-le-Noble to Kenley in a Farman F60 Goliath, with thirteen ...
Our deepest condolences go out to the Royal Family on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
We are indebted to Scott P. M. Godefroy for this wonderful photo of No.401 Squadron RCAF at RAF Kenley on 21st January, 1943.
Sgt. James Metham served briefly at RAF Kenley with No.253 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, before being shot down and injured on 2nd September, 1940.
Arguably the most prolific of RAF fighter aces James Edgar ‘Johnnie’ Johnson took command of the Kenley Wing in March 1943.
In 1943, Squadron Leader Edward George Alford GM, was asked to recall his work at Kenley during the Battle of Britain. This extraordinary correspondence has been shared with the permission of Edward's daughter, Frances Hills Alford and her son, Brett. It has been transcribed as written by S/Ldr. Alford.
Most people remember RAF Kenley for the crucial role it played in the defence of London during the Battle of Britain in 1940, but by VE Day in May 1945, the situation had changed dramatically, and so had Kenley.
The Kenley Revival Project came about through enormous passion for the site, a hefty dose of naïveté and winning the lottery.
On 21st June, 1919, two Canadian Flight Lieutenant's from No.1 (Communications) Squadron set off to deliver a diplomat to the Middle East, narrowly avoiding disaster along the way and gaining a charismatic passenger, Colonel T. E. Lawrence - later known as "Lawrence of Arabia."
On 19th April, 1943, a serious accident befell Pilot Officer Cooke (J21231) of No.416 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, during take-off from Kenley...
On 18th August, 1940, RAF Kenley was singled out for a complicated pincer attack, by Bomber Geshwader 76, which, if it had been successful, would have put the airfield out of action.
On 11th January, 1942, Sgt. Maskill, of 485 (New Zealand) Squadron, had a lucky escape when he misjudged his landing..
Walter James "Bill" Tyrrell was born in Brockley on 7th March, 1922. He was nicknamed Bill after Billy Buster, a carton character of that time, I’m told. His mother Annie Tyrrell, Nee’ Hayward was from Brockley and his Father Frederick Tyrrell was born in Carlshalton, in 1891.
Stephen Reglar has generously allowed us to share the story of his Father-in-Law, "Taff" Powell, who served with 253 Squadron.
