At a time when everyone faced mortal danger, the vital task of dealing with unexploded bombs stands out as one of outstanding risk and danger. Sadly, the exploits of those brave men were sometimes left unrecorded, and this seems to be the case for a terrible tragedy that took place in Whyteleafe.
401 squadron RCAF were stationed at RAF Redhill at the end of July 1943, when they lost two pilots in unrelated accidents only a couple of days apart.
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....
Kenley Revival is participating in a new heritage trail to highlight the rich aviation history of the South-East of England has been launched by Military Aviation Heritage Networks.
I was at school when war against Germany was declared by Neville Chamberlain in September 1939. It followed that I was on holiday during that summer of 1940 when the destiny of Britain, and of the free world, was being decided in the blue sky over southern England.
William Alexander Miller Dabney was born on 20 September 1918 to William Miller and Thea Boyd, nee Goode, Dabney in Lynchburg, Virginia.
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.
'Curly' Hill had taken part in a dozen operational sorties when he lost his life on 29th November landing after a Squadron Formation practice.
Joseph Louis Osias Primeau was born 12th May, 1920, in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, Canada. During his Initial training for the RCAF, it was noted that he was: "One of a large family who has had to work hard for what he got."
