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.
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."
Stephen Reglar has generously allowed us to share the story of his Father-in-Law, "Taff" Powell, who served with 253 Squadron.
Samantha Furmanis kindly contacted us to pass on this wonderful photo of No.615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, which includes her Father, Leading Aircraftman Albert Edward Hart, standing three rows behind Arthur Vere Harvey, the Squadron's Commanding Officer, who is seated in the very centre of the photo.
In the early 1950's, Caterham lad, Cedric Wort must have felt that he was on familiar ground when he heard the news that he was going to be posted to Kenley, as part of his National Service with the RAF.
Thomas Holroyd was the foster son of Alfred E. and Zoe Colley of Liverpool. He was a Flight Mechanic with No.615 (County of Surrey) Squadron.
The photos above come from Jan Jokiel's book “Participation of Poles in the Battle of Britain: a photo album with commentaries of the participants” (original title: “Udział Polaków w bitwie o Anglię: album fotografii uczestników z komentarzem”, Warszawa 1972). Jokiel
This Valentine’s Day, many of you may take a moment to celebrate your relationships and reflect on the good times ...
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.
In the early 50's I was an Air Cadet in the ATC 97th Sqn Mitcham Road Barracks and it was from Kenley that I took my very first flight in a Avro Anson.
F/O GEORGE D. AITKEN's recollections of the daily routine for pilots stationed at Kenley and flying with the Canadian Wing in 1943...
(from the book “I came back the shortest way” by Jan Jokiel) Jan Jokiel was a Polish Intelligence Officer participating in ...
Fond memories of Memory from 1953 to 1959 when as a cadet with 450 Squadron ATC. Served as cadet with final ...
In the late 70s I was part of a group (HAPS) that retrieved a Spitfire tail assembly from Kenley.
Kenley Revival is participating in a new heritage trail to highlight the rich aviation history of the South-East of England has been launched by Military Aviation Heritage Networks.
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.