We are indebted to Scott P. M. Godefroy for this wonderful photo of No.401 Squadron RCAF at RAF Kenley on 21st January, 1943.
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 11th May 1941, 302 (Polish) Squadron were returning from a patrol in darkness. Porucznik (Pilot) Aleksander Ryszard Narucki was killed when his Hurricane WX-B Z3435 collided with Hurricane Z3433 flown by P/O Z Wróblewski as they came in to land at Kenley.
Here are a few of the events which took place in the run-up to V.E. Day in 1945.
Most people remember RAF Kenley for the crucial role it played in the defence of London during the Battle of Britain in 1940, but by VE Day in May 1945, the situation had changed dramatically, and so had Kenley.
We are saddened to learn that Flight Lieutenant William Terence Clark has passed away this evening, only a few weeks after his 101st birthday. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
George was born 16th January, 1922, in Yorkshire. His Father, Gibson Uttley, a Yorkshireman, was working as a Special Investigator for the Department of Pensions and National Health, in Toronto, when George enlisted in May 1941. His Mother, Ethel Smith, was from Leicestershire.
"Mac" was 21 years old, the son of Robert Taylor McKim, a clergyman, and Mary Annetta Renfrew Gilchrist, of Westfield, New Brunswick.
