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.
On 10th May 1940, Germany attacked the Low Countries and what became known as ‘The Blitzkrieg’ was on. That morning No.3 Squadron's pilots were at their base at RAF Kenley. The day was bright and clear although the early morning peace had been disturbed when a section of Hurricanes had been scrambled to investigate an unidentified aircraft approaching the coast.
On 24th January, 1938, Sgt. Ernest Harry Lomax, of No.3 squadron, Kenley, bailed out of his Gloster Gladiator (K6150) when he got into a spin from which he couldn't recover, while practicing aerobatics in a formation of four.
We are indebted to Michael Henry-May for these beautiful photos of Pilot Officer Hugh Henry-May and his family. Hugh lost ...
In June 1917 an area of Coulsdon Common, part of which was in use as a golf course, was commandeered for ...
In March 1938, No.3 Squadron were proud to be the second R.A.F. Fighter squadron, after No.111, at Northolt, to get ...
