Why would RAF Kenley become involved with carrier-deck landings? Answer: By 1942 the Admiralty were concerned over the ability of the ...
Private William Albert Smith was serving with 12th (H.D.) Battalion of the Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) when he was severely injured during the air raids which devastated RAF Kenley on 18th August, 1940 - 'the Hardest Day.'
Australian Suffragette, Muriel Mathers made headlines around the world with her daring plan to grab the attention of the public during the opening of parliament by King Edward VII, in February, 1909.
On the evening of 27th November, 1940, Mrs. Marjorie French sat alone in the air raid shelter at her home in Glenn Avenue, Purley. Warmed by an electric fire she was awaiting the return of her husband, John, a toolmaker by trade. As she listened for the sound of his car, the drone of an aircraft caught her attention...and then a bomb dropped.
We are indebted to Peter Parsons for sending in the information he has about his Father's service with 615 (County of Surrey) Squadron, much of which comes from Jack's Service file and a letter written to him in 1999 by Vic Milner, who served alongside Jack on 615's ground crew.
We are grateful to Jan Murphy for these photos of her Grandfather, Wallace Royle Juden Lidbetter, and documents associated with his service during the Second World War.
The International Bomber Command Centre have kindly allowed us to reproduce this extract from Arthur John Ball's memoir which relates to the author's time serving at Kenley soon after completing his RAF basic training
We are indebted to Martyn J. Wheeldon, for sharing his memories of his Father, 1989603 Sapper Ernest Arthur Wheeldon.
In January 1987, one of Britain's last surviving Bessonneau hangars collapsed under the weight of heavy snow at Kenley. It was used by 615 VGS to store their gliders.
In 1943, Squadron Leader Edward George Alford GM, was asked to recall his work at Kenley during the Battle of Britain. This extraordinary correspondence has been shared with the permission of Edward's daughter, Frances Hills Alford and her son, Brett. It has been transcribed as written by S/Ldr. Alford.
