"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."
On 16th June, 1944, only a few days after the V1 onslaught had begun, the people of Caterham experienced at first hand the destructive power of these 'doodlebugs,' when one fell in Chaldon Rd, near the junction with Heath Rd.
On 23rd May, 1936, Empire Air Day at Kenley was marred by an 'unfortunate accident.'
One of the earliest structures constructed at Kenley, now sadly long gone...
Derek Vincent Osborne was born in Lancashire, on 9 December 1915, to Samuel and Mary Christina Osborne. In 1939 he was recorded as a Manufacturers’ Agent for woollen goods and a member of the RAF Volunteer Reserve.
Andre Robert Hedger was born on 20 January 1920 in Bethnal Green, to Andre and Ethel Hedger.
Although Samson Holman joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in January 1937, he was very much still a trainee pilot with No.17 Squadron in March 1940.
Richard Clare Whittaker was a Suffolk lad, born on 26 November 1919 in Yoxford. After attending Framlingham College, between 1931 and 1937, he joined the RAF on a Short Service Commission in January 1938.
