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.
Sunday 1st September, 1940, saw 11 Hurricanes from 85 Squadron, based at RAF Croydon, sent out to intercept a raid heading approaching Tunbridge Wells and heading towards Kenley....
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.
The wonderful war diary of Joan Snell which covers her wartime exploits, from serving in Signals at Kenley during the Battle of Britain right through to her struggle to gain a commission and training in Codes and Cyphers.
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.