On 28th March, 1942, Warrant Officer Rudolf Ptacek of 602 Squadron, RAF Kenley, was reported missing after a "Rodeo" fighter sweep. It was assumed that he had been shot down in the Calais area during a huge dogfight with a large number of FW190's.
LAC William John Tanner was the son of William and Emily Tanner, of Old Coulsdon. He was married to V. J. Tanner, of Old Coulsdon.
On 18th August, the "Hardest Day", Peter was shot down by a Messerschmitt Bf109 of Fighter Geschwader 3, near Kenley at 1.23pm. It was only his eighth sortie. Tragically, in apparently trying to avoid some houses, his Hurricane Mk.I (P2768) crashed onto Morden Park Golf Course and he was killed.
Francis Victor Beamish was born in Dunmanway, County Cork, Ireland, on 27th September, 1903, - three of his brothers served in the RAF and also attained high-ranking positions.
Christopher John Drake Andreae was a Londoner. He was educated at Shrewsbury School between 1930 and 1935. He then joined Caius College, Cambridge reading Natural Science.
Peter Frank Kennard-Davis initially joined the Royal Navy, but thereafter joined the RAF on a short service commission in May 1939.
Lewis Reginald Isaac hailed from Llanelli in South Wales and joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in the spring of 1939 as an Airman under training Pilot.
Francis Dawson-Paul was born in London in February 1916. He originally joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers (RAFO) in August 1934, but had to resign in May 1937 due to ill health.
Alistair John Oswald Jeffrey joined the RAF in March 1937 on a short service commission. Following a period with 2FTS at Brize Norton, he was posted to the SHQ staff at RAF Church Fenton in June 1938.
Michael Robert Mudie joined the RAF on a short service commission in March 1939. On completion of his training he joined the 11 Group Pool in November of that year.
On Tuesday 17th March, two prototypes of the signs for Kenley's new Heritage Trail were installed near The Tribute blast pen.
On 4th September 1943, Squadron Leader Frank Edward "Bitsy" Grant brought down his first FW190 after taking command of 403 squadron, but following that engagement, failed to rejoin his squadron. He was posted as "missing" and subsequently found to have been killed in action.
