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.
This letter dated 20th July 1945, was sent to Flight Sergeant "Pat" Glover by Petrus "Dutch" Hugo, who had risen up the ranks since the two had been stationed together at Kenley during the Battle of Britain.
On Friday 14th October, 1939, Leslie Victor Knights (30), his wife Queenie Hilda Mary Knights (28),and their two children John (5) and Doris Jeanette (14 months), were found dead from gas poisoning at their home at Parkway, Addington. The chain of events which led to this tragedy had begun with the seemingly trivial matter of a wrongly addressed letter..
Douglas Harry Leason served in the RAF from the end of January 1936, until November 1945. We don't have many details about his service, but know that he was with No.615 Squadron in France and at Kenley during 1939/1940.
Derrick Wilson Halton was born in Northamptonshire in 1919. His father was John Wilson Halton, born Ulverston 1878, and Ethel ...
Peter Collard was born in London early in 1916. His parents were Charles John and Gladys Mary Collard. Aged 19 ...
Cecil Robert Montgomery was born in Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland early in 1914. His father was John Montgomery ...
As part of the Kenley Revival Oral History Project, we have interviewed speial people with memories of Kenley during World ...
"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."
In June 1917 an area of Coulsdon Common, part of which was in use as a golf course, was commandeered for ...
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.
Of the many squadrons which served at RAF Kenley, No.615 County of Surrey, "Churchill's own," is probably the one most closely associated with the airfield.
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.
