At a reunion of No. 501 Squadron at RAF Kenley, surviving Battle of Britain pilots gather to swap stories and recall the events of 1940.
RAF Kenley is more commonly known for its role in the Battle of Britain or the Canadian Wing, under “Johnnie” Johnson, but it also featured heavily in the Battle of France. Between 10 May and 25 June 1940 eight squadrons, or parts thereof, were based at Kenley.
One of Maidstone's most tragic wartime incidents happened on 10th October 1940, when a Kenley Hurricane, of No.253 squadron, crashed into houses in Albion Place.
This is a brief outline of the planes that took part in the attack on and defence of the airfields defending London and south-east England on Sunday 18 August 1940, specifically RAF Kenley.
Cecil Robert Montgomery was born in Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland early in 1914. His father was John Montgomery ...
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.
An oral history recording of Paul Farnes, the last remaining Battle of Britain pilot from RAF Kenley
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.
"There were times in France when, before a patrol, my stomach would writhe at the thought of meeting a violent end, but I put on an act of don't-give-a-damn rather than let anyone know it."
We are indebted to Michael Henry-May for these beautiful photos of Pilot Officer Hugh Henry-May and his family. Hugh lost ...
Sergeant Wladyslaw Mordasiewicz was a Polish serviceman who served in the 302 Polish Fighter Squadron during the Second World War. In 1941, 302 Squadron was stationed at RAF Kenley for five months, where Sergeant Mordasiewicz served as an office orderly from 7 April to 5 September. Despite only a short stay, he was able to recount in his diary some notable and interesting occurrences during his time at Kenley.
In March 1938, No.3 Squadron were proud to be the second R.A.F. Fighter squadron, after No.111, at Northolt, to get ...
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....
