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.
Frances Cherry was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and in 1994 she conducted an interview with Colin ...
From the very outbreak of World War II all of the military services were eager to enlist women so that ...
We are now recruiting for volunteers to help run our Sky Heroes event on the 10 September. The day is open to the public from 12-5pm so we are looking for volunteers that can help between 11-6pm. Please get in touch if you can help for the day or even a few hours with the role below which suits you.
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.
Here's a map of the day with what's going on - keep checking back for updates!
On 31st October, 1941, Nos. 485 and 602 squadrons took off from Kenley at 3.40pm, under the command of their Wing Leader, Edgar Norman Ryder DFC and Bar for Circus 109.
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.
The photos above come from Jan Jokiel’s book “Participation of Poles in the Battle of Britain: a photo album with ...
On the night of 23rd September, in 1916 three Zeppelins targeted London. The last one to come inland, L31, commanded ...
Want to learn about Kenley's natural features and the types of plants and animals that inhabit here? Join us at the Adventure and Discovery zone and have a go at the following family friendly activities. Either hop on over by land train from the Museums Corner or walk the perimeter track to find us.
Come to flight path to find more about the Surrey Hills Gliding Club Ltd (SHGC), who have been operating during the week from Kenley since 1985 and is owned and operated by its members. They share the airfield with 615 Volunteer Glider Squadron (VGS), who have use of the airfield on weekends and some weeks during school holidays.
Join us at the RAF Kenley tribute pen restored to its former glory with its brand new spine wall complete with replica Hurricane. See Pilot and Ops Room re-enactors invoke the spirit of the war and learn more about the unique role of Kenley during the Battle of Britain with our themed craft activities or take a guided tour.
Want to learn about Kenley's World War II history, have a go at being an archaeologist for the day or find out more about your local museums and the stories they tell? Join us at Museums Corner and have a go at a variety of exciting family friendly activities on offer. Either hop on over from Heritage and Learning by land train or walk the perimeter track to find us
Join us in the Portcullis field which is a living memory to RAF Kenley during the Battle of Britain and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wartime period. See vintage vehicles, local artists, novelists, enjoy live music from the period and even book yourself a flight in a Spitfire! All of which are next to the historic Portcullis Club, the last surviving building on the airfield which dates back to World War I and is full of fascinating wartime memorabilia.
