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CLUB AND AIRPORT NEWS BIGGIN HILL AIRPORT SOCIAL CLUB LTD In Ass. with BigginHillReunited.co.uk

ISSUE No. 90 1st August 2012 www.bigginhillclub.co.uk

RAF AUGUST 1940: parade ground ‘I noticed that normal ‘parked’ attitude whilst PETER CHANNON they still bore the signs of their making the wing root difficult to camouflage paint’ climb on for a peek into the Aug 18th 1940 1.25pm; It would seem that Kenley was finished, with brick and chalk dust still lingering in the sky, giant bonfires from the wooden hangar roofs were sending cascades of flames, sparks and smoke spiralling upwards, then with delayed action bombs starting to go off the next raid came in; this really had to be the end.

Only minutes earlier nine Do17’s had streaked in across and delivered a ‘knock out’ attack at incredibly low level, with the eight shot up survivors now desperately fleeing back Making the wing root difficult homewards on their own fight for cockpit. With all of its instruments, survival. gun sight, seat, and control column That they had succeeded seemed in On the left were wooden huts with dual cannon and mg button no doubt, over 150 50kg bombs (offices) and then the Sergeant’s this was one of the machines left had been placed smack on the main mess buildings, with the brickwork behind when the filming of (Reach targets and destruction was evident bearing signs of wartime drab for the Sky) was completed, but had everywhere, ‘Kenley was kaput’ or paint, plus noticeable been spared the fate of being towed was it! bullet/shrapnel marks. Opposite to the airfield dump unlike a sister this and commanding a majestic ship. It was a MK16 (RR263) (LZ- When as a 12 year old I walked presence on the north side of the B) and still had its serviceable past the guardroom one summer parade ground stood the Rolls Packard Merlin under the evening in 1959 looking for the impressive Airmans mess with the cowlings. local ATC unit; it was like entering famed NAAFI alongside (as a historic time warp. Opposite, featured in the film Reach for the Years later this machine would be were the Station sick quarters with Sky), a substantial flagpole presented to the French Air force a small brass plaque installation completed the scene. at Tours where it was restored and commemorating those who had Standing guard at the end of the flew, before eventually becoming a fallen in the 1940 raid, (when the avenue was a very airworthy museum exhibit at Le Bourget in original sick quarters had been looking Spitfire with its French Squadron marking. destroyed). Continuing down the undercarriage and tail wheel main entrance road (Victor sitting on small plinths about two Having passed the Spitfire the Beamish Ave) with its tree lined feet high surrounded by a grass operational part of the airfield lawns, the original 1933 barrack verge. This arrangement had started to open up, although large blocks stood overlooking the advantage of giving the aircraft a open spaces seemed to be evident that looked like parade grounds, obvious one other than it had double bay structures utilising however once clear of a wartime several stations nearby, was elegant buttressed brick walls and a steel hangar the unmistakeable conveniently placed for onward curved wooden roof covered in a sight of a 1917 double Belfast shed deliveries to the front line in bitumen-felt material. These are hove into sight. My destination on France and happened to be close to certainly the most attractive of all that first visit was to 450 the home of the officer in charge of hangars ever made, (known as (Caterham and ) arranging the parks! In what at the Belfast truss sheds) even down to Squadron) ATC with their HQ right time would have been a massive the arched brick ends that held the alongside the edge of the airfield construction project 14 aircraft open doors, unfortunately the wood on what would now be called an (sheds) were built and roof element would prove to be a apron, in fact their parade ground comprehensive workshop and limiting factor in a future conflict. ‘complete with its own flag pole’ camp facilities completed. A local Kenley then took on the mantle of was on part of the old apron. road (Hayes Lane) actually ran a red-bricked country club, with through part of the park and an neat lawns and tree lined avenues If one stood outside the elegant brick house (Flintfield) that that opened up onto the all grass headquarters looking north, the was situated nearby was taken over airfield. With the silver doped mighty Belfast shed was on the left, for use as an HQ and mess. biplane fighters of the day arranged the open vista of the airfield was in Squadron order for the day’s ahead and the grandeur of the Why the nearby flying on this Surrey hill, it would Officers mess with attendant trees () location was not have made a magnificent sight, and tennis courts over to the far enlarged remains a mystery, as the more akin to a flying club but with right. This then was the place that clearing of trees and removal of a little in the way of a means to would become a second home to golf course at Kenley must have protect itself from attack. Empire me for over 15 years and steer me been a fairly onerous task. The Air Days were held to give the into a life forever linked with Corporation of owned the public a chance to see the RAF at flying. common as one of its many open work, with air displays and spaces (it still does) and its demonstrations, plus the chance of It is easy to forget, that in a world proposed use caused considerable spotting one of the new devoid of the internet and disquiet in the area. When the war monoplanes that were to be the electronic publishing, historical finished considerable pressure was future Airforce. One may think information with regard to old used to have the structures that the Air Ministry of the day airfields was somewhat lacking removed, but the then “war office” were somewhat remiss in the and the presence of several decided that with so much having reality of a situation that had seen ‘parade grounds’, and pocked being spent the location should be enemy aircraft attacking our marked buildings bore no real retained as part of our Defence of Country only 15 years before with significance at the time, with even the Realm. Aircraft of the day long range bombers and that the local ATC unit having no were covered in doped fabric and advances in aircraft design and record of the history that had gone were garaged from the effects of performance would certainly not before. It therefore came as rain and sun when not in use, even preclude this happening again. somewhat of a shock to find out so Kenley with its 14 hangars was Kenley would not be alone in being later that Kenley had possessed no certainly well provided for. What one of our main defence airfields less than 14 Belfast sheds in 1917 had become the ‘’ tasked with protecting the South and 8 up to 1940; ‘the parade then entered a period of being East yet with no real thought on grounds mystery was solved’. divided between established home how it would be protected itself! bases, and overseas operations to Kenley came into the aviation police our various interests in the With the reality of yet another world due to the Great War and a middle and Far East and in 1926 a conflict to be addressed, 1938-9 requirement for what were then permanent Officers mess was saw Kenley subjected to a rapid called ‘aircraft parks’ that were constructed. Kenley was then improvement scheme that had the needed to assemble and store the chosen to become one of our main size of the flying field enlarged, increasing requirement for military fighter sector stations for home and eventually provided with hard flying machines in France. Such defence and in 1933 (marked on runways, a taxiway, aircraft blast places had to have access to the brickwork) was subject to a pens, air raid shelters and slit railheads and also be close to areas major upgrade with elegant new trenches, but only a limited of production. brick buildings replacing those addition in the provision of airfield fromWW1. However the original defences. This expansion also The choice of Kenley Common in hangars were kept, consisting of Surrey for such a park was not an required the removal of 6 of its there), so was removed from the forever and more Surrey fields original hangars. flying rota, (mortified was the were added on to its western word). On the Sunday morning the boundary. The original Hayes Lane Having satisfied the OC 450 Sdn coach picked up the happy bunnies was sealed off and diverted around that I could probably measure up to go to WW with the officer who outside of the new perimeter track. to their standards, I was informed had reprimanded me. Those who Two hard runways now traversed that parades were two evenings a were left behind were detailed to the grass area, with twelve fighter week plus Sunday mornings, but break out the bumpers and tins of blast pens giving the area a new being underage, I would have to floor polish (so big you could military look. wait for a uniform. I was also in nearly stand in them) and to have the local scout troop at the time the HQ spotless with mirror like The old biplane era was going but a down in village so got a floors before we went home. The few Gladiators lingered on strange look to my suggestion that civilian (retired officer) helper who although they lost their silver perhaps I could turn up with my was to supervise us duly issued the finish. Hurricanes and some scarf, woggle, and Baden Powell equipment and then departed hot Spitfires were now to be seen in hat as a temporary measure. When foot for the mess. greater numbers as squadrons re- I look back to this dual equipped and were capable of all membership, my “Rhino” patrol After a few minutes an RAF weather operations from the certainly improved its drill Landrover crunched to a halt runways. Over by the Officers capability on scout nights, and the outside our HQ and an oddly mess what looked like a brick cadets were subject to an unusual attired figure (jacket cold weather bungalow surrounded by an earth requirement for large bonfires and trousers cold weather) bund was the only hint to the main whenever the excuse presented appeared, with a strange peaked improvement in Britain’s defence. itself on exercises. However the cap. He asked to speak to our This was the sector operations ability to eat like a lord in the Officer, but with no one around left centre where all information with airman’s mess for a shilling a day a message to the effect that ‘could regard to Kenley’s area of (plus the chance of flying) he send a couple of cadets over to responsibility was fed by GPO compared well with ash covered the gliding school for trial air landline to co-ordinate the new soup from a Billycan and freezing experience flights’!. RDF (Radar) information and to death in a damp tent. Like all Observer Corps visual sightings. youth organisations we were There were 2 youngsters and 4 of The information received, via HQ always looking for the exciting us with our new kit. What were we Fighter Command at Bentley activities on offer whilst to do! Using my scout initiative I Priory and 11 Group ops at desperately avoiding the chores. In sent the youngsters off home early Uxbridge, was used to ‘scramble’ the Scouts the dividing line and then the rest of us marched the fighter squadrons, and direct between the two was finely over to the gliding school with the them as required. balanced but in the Cadets on one tale that two could fly and two side you had:- shooting, night could help. Of course we all flew (a Kenley was therefore prepared for exercises, summer camps with couple of launches each) and then its part in defending the Realm proper beds and good food, flying, after helping for a while marched again, however it was poorly swimming, sport, going solo in a back to our HQ to go home. The placed to defend itself. True there glider and an airfield to cycle sequel to this was at the next would be some anti-aircraft guns around. Balanced against this parade when we found out that the and several light machine gun posts was: - drill, polishing lino floors, WW party had not flown due to but these could only be used during more drill, lectures, polishing high winds and were not very an attack and not to prevent one boots and being shouted at by the happy; (we kept quiet). It was reaching the field. None of the NCOs. My first brush with about two weeks later that the important facilities were authority set the scene for even powers to be found out about our underground or bomb proof and more outrageous capers later. Very trips, the NCOs were furious, but with its squadrons away soon after getting my uniform a could do nothing as we had only intercepting raids there was no ‘Chipmunk’ allocation came the accepted an invitation (and nobody spare capacity to have a defensive squadron’s way for a Sunday at had even noticed the unpolished screen of fighters for individual White Waltham. Unfortunately for floors) airfield protection. It had been me on one of the evening parades planned that 12 Group would cover that week I committed some With Kenley’s airfield now being these airfields when required but in heinous crime, ‘late on parade’, (I prepared for the new monoplane practice this failed to happen in had walked over two miles to get fighters entering service, its ‘flying time to prevent incoming raids. club’ atmosphere disappeared All our defensive eggs were firmly activities. The imposing airman’s (as used by Typhoons) with 60lb in the hands of radar and the mess / NAAFI was the source of war head, a Spitfire seat, aircraft Observer corps but it was a well- good food and upstairs were harnesses, broken instruments, tuned system and it worked. It had snooker tables and the camp engine cowlings, and a complete been realised early on that the radar cinema (Astra). The surviving Spitfire control column with its gun system might well have ‘gaps’ due Belfast shed housed the MT section buttons and switches. Spiriting this to many operational and offensive on one side, and private cars and away on a bike could be difficult reasons; therefore a comprehensive caravans in the other. However the and many ‘night ops’ over the system of visual reporting posts only resident flying unit was 615 common were made during this covered the country that fed Gliding School that had use of a time. One had to do this before the sightings of all aircraft movements wartime steel hangar near our HQ. weekly visit from the bulldozer back to HQ Fighter Command. They mainly operated at weekends crushed the condemned items into Frequently this was a duplication therefore we only saw them during the ground and then covered it all of the radar information but if a our Sunday parades but after my with a new level of earth; (Relax, low level penetration of the system first outing with them I decided to we did not leave much for the failed to be picked up on the cycle over when free to see if any bulldozer). On one weekend screens, it was quite likely the ‘help’ was required. Eventually I exercise we had the use of an old Observer Corps would get it. wore them down with help to the concrete flight hut situated on the Another (secret) facility was the point that they gave me some edge of a wood near the small arms availability of ‘Ultra’ information denims and wellies and I sort of range. I remember the Canadian that used the code breaking infiltrated the system because no Maple leaf symbols on the walls services of Bletchley Park to glean one told me to go away. An (providing a hint of its previous any useful radio traffic from the interesting interlude saw the steel use) but was even more impressed Luftwaffe. Before Kenley was hangar used for a 1962 Royal by the complete Merlin engine on called upon to test all this out, one Tournament practice, utilising a its transit packing that was sitting of its squadrons (615) with Seafire F17 (SX137) (folding in one of the rooms. The weekend Gladiators, was despatched to wings) (with electric motor driving was also memorable for one of my France as part of the BEF. The the prop) in a huge bonfires, plus an explanation lack of a credible air defence tribute. I then had the added bonus to the ‘Equipment Officer’ as to system in France gave the of seeing it perform at Earls Court why an RAF greatcoat had Luftwaffe a major advantage and where it trundled across the arena perished in the flames! To my many of our aircraft were damaged (wings down and prop turning) horror the hut and its contents or destroyed on the ground, the with ‘Merlin’ sounds coming from suddenly disappeared one week whole campaign being a confused loudspeakers. (This had been when the ‘works and bricks dept’ and frustrating exercise painted to represent a 1940 RAF decided to have a tidy up. culminating in the Dunkirk machine and is now on display at evacuation. Yeovilton back in correct naval The Gliding school aircraft were colours) the trusty T21 Sedburgh and Cadet The valiant efforts of the squadrons Mk3 two seat open cockpit involved did at least gain them Another Kenley gem was its dump. trainers. They must have been the useful combat experience and also I had arrived too late to see a best value for money items the the first ‘Hurricane aces’. During complete Spitfire 16 (TB885) ex Airforce ever bought, being pulled the withdrawal period Squadrons ) sat there but into the air by the twin drum MB started to operate both from Britain there was another half buried hulk wild winch that had replaced the and France and when the (Mk 22 PK665) on the edge of the older V8 engined barrage balloon evacuation started Kenley provided common. (The battered remains of types. Your first launch in the front its share of aircraft to cover the both Spits were dug up years of a MK3 would make a white beaches. later)(Sans moteurs) A camp tidy knuckle ride at Alton Towers seem up would produce a source of pretty tame, whilst a loop in the Having settled in to my ATC life, ‘goodies’ as various stores were Sedburgh with no parachute or Kenley provided fabulous facilities cleared out and deposited there, helmet was never forgotten. for a young cadet. We had use of plus a motley collection of old cars. Providing the required transport the small arms range near Hayes On one notable occasion a and ground tugs for this operation Lane (still there) with a Saturday morning visit found were a collection of surplus air gymnasium and squash court hundreds of .303 mg links scattered force Landrovers and the mighty I standing near the tennis courts that around; that was followed at ton Austin 4x4 Truck. One of the could be used for wet weather different times by:- a 3 inch rocket Landrovers was an early mk1 swb which was nearly as much fun as system. An offensive force has the attempt to take out the radar sites a Willys jeep; being frequently advantage of deciding the time and followed by our airfields. Had they stripped down to a bare body with place for attack and Goering known the vital significance of the windscreen folded flat. This needed to lure our fighters into these large aerials they may well was done in the summer months battle in order for his fighters to have made this a priority to be but frowned upon by the powers to deal with them. 11 group would be dealt with before switching to the be in case anybody fell out. It was taking the brunt of this assault but airfields, but although much not unknown for this stripped with 10 group to the west and 12 damage was incurred, the system Landrover to carry out night ops group to the north, sufficient back was never knocked out and on the adjacent common to look for up should have been available to temporary mobile systems and the foxes, the penalty for being caught prevent them from being trusty Observer Corps filled the was unknown but would have overwhelmed; however, at this gaps as required! It soon became probably meant excommunication critical time various factions in the quite clear that the J87 dive (we never found out). Air Ministry and Fighter Command bombers and long range ME110 formed a disruptive element that twin engine fighters were not going With the Dunkirk evacuation over, nearly tipped the balance against to survive in meeting up with our Kenley, (with two squadrons being us. To their everlasting credit ACM fighters, therefore Goering was based there at any one time) and H.Dowding (head of fighter soon faced with having to provide the other 11 group fields braced command) and AVM K.Park (11 single engine fighter support to themselves for the inevitable group chief) never lost sight of the cover any offensive bombing onslaught. A couple of valleys situation and kept focused on the actions. With the Radar sites spared away in Kent Biggin Hill had its important requirement for our force complete destruction and no hint own sector and a few miles away in to remain in being whilst causing that Churchill would seek a truce, suburbia was now the enemy sufficient damage for the air fleets in France were tasked a Kenley satellite as was the small him to lose confidence in his to deal with our aircraft industry grass airfield at Redhill. Across the ability to gain a complete victory. and airfields. Adler Tag (Eagle Channel Goering rejoiced at the 11 Group was akin to being the Day) was to be the start of the air Luftwaffe’s success and boasted of front line trench without the benefit assault to finish off the RAF, which its ability to ‘finish off‘ the Royal of having reserves within easy would then allow operation Sea Air force; the board was set and reach. Lion the invasion of England to Europe’s most important game of begin. aeronautical chess was about to Most of our fighter bases were a begin. History can debate whether legacy from an earlier conflict and In the sixties Kenley had long since an invasion was possible in 1940 were not designed or located with a lost any operational status, with but the Royal Air force would first view to resisting a serious aerial only the ‘Fretwork Fighters’ of 615 have to be defeated even if only to attack. Like Kenley; they were to be seen overhead at weekends. force a situation where we might comfortable, well-manicured sites True the odd Anson, Devon, sue for peace. With Churchill in where one could walk to all the Chipmunk and Helicopters would charge this would never have main facilities with ease, with call in and the MT section still had happened but had he been hangars close to the main camp. a large ‘Follow Me’ sign attached ‘removed’ from giving such Kenley’s all important sector to a mini van to act as a guide to a commanding and decisive control room was not underground suitable parking space, (years later leadership at this desperate time, or dispersed at this time, however, the sign turned up on the dump). then who knows! an emergency ops room was planned for in nearby Caterham, In Aug 1962 Kenley hosted the With many Hurricanes lost in whilst a new one was being built World Radio Control Aircraft France, Goering was confident of a into a house in Old . Championships, with one quick victory, however our Spitfire ‘Maynard Hill’ (USA) being the squadrons were mainly intact and With the Luftwaffe now settled chief judge. The Americans won Hurricane production was flat out. into a convenient selection of the individual prize with Britain There had been pilot losses in former French airfields and also taking first place in the team event France and over Dunkirk but in the constructing new ones from the and Maynard himself went on to main they had also taken a good abundance of flat farmland, a start set world records for RC aircraft toll of the enemy, with useful could be made in probing attacks including an Atlantic crossing in combat lessons having been on coastal convoys and harbours, 2003. learned that would be now passed but in August 1940 a change of on to others via the new training tactics saw the start of a serious The question was how long would the station continue to stay open at a time when bases were closing all cadets on air experience trips, Turbulents, and then in 74 attended over the country, but the answer before becoming an instructor. As with my Comper Swift G-ABTC.. came with a decision to build new a change we used to pop over to quarters for staff attached to the Biggin Hill which by then had MOD in London. Flat roofed become the light aviation centre of structures appeared on an area the southeast when Croydon had once occupied by a double Belfast closed. It had acquired a huge shed, and despite being of a plain main runway due to jet operations concrete design compared with the but had lost its Belfast’s in elegant red brick buildings of 1940.The number of flying clubs 1933, they at least spared Kenley were already into double figures, from closure for the time being. with several of us eventually gaining our power licences there. With the MT section still occupying the pre war Belfast hangar, 615 GS My first connection with Biggin were still housed in the steel started in 1958 when we moved hangar and at the time were from South London to Surrey, and equipped with: - 3x cadet mk3, 2 x there was that moment we T21, 3 x Landrovers 1 x Austin 1 happened to drive past the camp to ton 4x4, 1 x airfield control be confronted by the Hurricane caravan, 2 MB Wild glider and Spitfire outside the memorial winches, plus an assortment of self chapel. built trailers and glider trolleys. 615 had a CO (George Nunn) In those days they were ‘real who’s day job was a tech officer at aircraft’ not plastic replicas the Woolwich Arsenal, with access and this meant that evening outings to the scrap bin there. It was no from Surrey frequently ‘diverted’ surprise then that 615 were the to see them. best equipped gliding school when This association lasted for several it came to building its own ground Years later when us ‘Kenley-ite’ years, and also led to attending kit. On non-flying days the hangar came over to visit; one of the many of ‘Jocks’ shows around the would always be a hive of drilling, highlights was crowding into country. cutting and bolting together of the Dillows Café where we were duralumin plates and bars, as subject to ribald comments from In December 1981; Biggin George dreamed up another piece the itinerant Pilots and Engineers. (Cobbys) would be the snowed of kit for airfield use. During tea covered departure point for the breaks in the control caravan with As it was, several of us used our Australia attempt (that ended in everyone crammed in together, it Gliding hours to do a condensed Iran). (See comments and pictures was inevitable that someone would PPL with many of the clubs, some at the end of this ‘news letter’ from say ‘tell us a story George’ and of them going on to join the RAF or the editors (JB) cache of memoirs). there would follow tales of gaining a commercial licence. ‘blowing up tree stumps for the Another interesting interlude found In fact eventually Biggin became home guard’ (to great effect we me spending some days in Kent the ‘parent station’ for Kenley and were assured) or the early days of looking for a Hurricane that had so the ‘links’ joined up.Some years ATC glider instruction when the gone down in flames in Aug 1940 later I would return with the ‘Tiger aircraft only had one seat! When whilst flying out of Kenley; the clue Club’ to fly at the ‘Air Fairs’. old enough (16) I had gone to for its whereabouts having come Below is a lovely display with the Swanton Morley to do the ‘quick’ from the book The Hurricane one week gliding course which did Story. With about 10 square miles not go down well with 615 and to cover (and no map) I worked nearly ended my helping there, but through woods and fields on this I ignored the moans and wore them quest but was rewarded on the down with even more help which third day by coming across a 3 by then included driving the Land bladed propeller hub (with rovers, and winch launching the shattered blades) still attached to gliders; eventually I was nearly part of a reduction housing. This forgiven and allowed to take other was lying at the bottom of a slope on the edge of a wood. I then started up the slope into the wood more open site. Kenley had a and it remained operational. The using the hub as a datum and was compact camp like Tangmere but it main Kenley attack force was also astounded to come across a Merlin merged with the local extended intercepted but their own fighter engine with a bent crankshaft built up area of Caterham and was protection enabled them to flange lying on its own. About 20 not such an isolated target. continue to target. After skimming yards upslope from this lay the pile the waves over the channel the low of rusty tubing and debris that had Over the channel the ‘coup de level Dorniers headed inland and once been Hurricane P3115 (253 grace’ had been decided on for started their hedge hopping dash. Squadron, Pilot T. Gleave). The both stations, with a large force of Unseen by radar they had failed to Site was revisited several times Heinkel lII proposing to finish appear on the plotting table of afterwards with me taking staff Biggin in one huge raid bombing Fighter Command but once inland from 615 along. Many years later from medium level. Kenley the Observer Corps posts started to the headline TV news one evening however was to be the subject of a send in reports and track the announced a Hurricane had been co-ordinated attack from three raiders. found in Kent (the same one). Fast- separate formations designed to hit forward to 2005 and I had some the station within minutes of each At this stage Fighter Command had spare time before a flight at other. The initial force was to be no confirmation of the intended Stanstead, with a quick trip to JU 88’s carrying out precision dive target but after a change of course Duxford possible. Having entered bombing of key installations, this to investigate this raid and anyway hangar 4, I carried on around the was to be followed up by a medium there would have been a delay in Hurricane on display and spotted a level run by a formation of Dornier the plot being received due to the familiar friend; ‘Sitting there with 17’s and then the final thrust would routing and filtering of the its bent crankshaft flange and no be a formation of 9 machines from information. Taking a keen interest reduction housing was my Merlin’ a special low level (staffel) that in this situation was Kenley’s own (it made my day). would appear from nowhere with station commander; on his their DO17’s to deal with any initiative he ordered that all flyable With the Battle of Britain now buildings still standing. All the aircraft were to disperse and that raging overhead, Kenley’s med level units would have fighter the Croydon based aircraft (111 squadrons were in action all the support but the low level raid was Squadron) be scrambled; the time but would be rotated for a rest to rely on nap of the earth flying all airfield was then put on full alert to and replaced with fresh ones as the way from France to achieve a expect a low level attack from the required. As yet no serious raids complete surprise. With nearly 170 south. The leading Dorniers had affected the station but in mid aircraft committed to deal with two followed the rising slope of the August 1940 this was to change. airfields it was thought that the chalk downs and then with the Several RAF stations had been defences would be unable to camp in sight lined up on their subjected to heavy attacks although prevent a successful operation, individual targets; it seemed very many of these were not fighter however, both sector stations were quiet, and it was, (they were not the bases and therefore of little still fully operational at this time, backup raid, but the first on the consequence to the immediate with the vital sector control rooms scene) then suddenly there were results required by the Luftwaffe. able to function as designed. Poor Hurricanes around them, followed However the vital sector airfields visibility on the morning of the 18th by an explosion of airfield would now be selected for special led to a delay message being sent defences. Those precious moments attention, the nearest ones to to the units involved but when had given the anti-aircraft guns and France being Biggin, Kenley and conditions improved the various the light machine gun posts enough Tangmere. formations set off and proceeded warning to prepare; the Dorniers with their fighter escorts, whilst now flew into a hail of shot. With th On the 16 Aug part of a large from a grass field at (Cormeilles- their own gunners returning fire the inbound raid split off and dived on en-Vexin) the 9 DO17’s of the 9th formation sped across the roofs and Tangmere. Within minutes this staffel of BG76 took off on their started to drop their loads all the peacetime station was reduced to specialist task. With fighter time taking hits and then flying chaos with the control room unable command still able to plot the main through the first explosions. With a th to function. Aug 18 was planned incoming formations, our fighters trail of destruction and burning for the end of Biggin and Kenley, were directed to intercept as hangars behind, the aircraft with the latter due for some special required and there was a running streaked across the cratered landing attention. Biggin Hill’s airfield was battle all the way to the targets. ground only to be faced with rising a more difficult target to deal with Biggin was attacked but the bombs columns of smoke from an aerial due to it having two camps on a failed to hit the main installations mine deployment. One shot up machine hit these and crashed, from the airfields and focussed their capability but the enemy whilst another caught a wire but towards London, Kenley was able losses claimed at the time proved escaped. Of the 8 aircraft that to play a major part in the to be optimistic and post war cleared the field only three would September battles which analysis would seem to confirm get back for a normal landing in culminated in some huge aerial that we lost far more pilots pro rata. France and one of those with a fights over the south east and dead pilot. This was not quite the London itself. With the RAF still The runways at Kenley would be end, as the high level raid then able to mount a stiff resistance to extended to permit heavier fuel and arrived to add to the chaos, any raids sent over, Goering had to equipment loads, with more hard- followed by the JU88’s. With admit defeat and any possibility of standings provided to cope with the smoke and dust obscuring the an invasion for that year was extra aircraft now based there. The target the mid level Do 17’s did not finished. The Luftwaffe then went Kenley Wing became part of the add much to the damage and the JU on to a night blitz program that offensive force that would keep the 88’s decided to proceed to the failed to bring the country to its pressure on the enemy with both alternative target of West Malling. knees but allowed the RAF to fighter protection for our bombers Kenley had taken a pounding but rebuild itself and prepare for its and very low-level fighter attacks the airfield craters were easy to (offensive) role in the New Year. on military installations. These repair and the sector ops room was Fighter command was also offensive sorties would be the still standing. Most of the changing and the architects of pattern for the next 3 years leading casualties were caused by hits on victory succumbed to the ‘politics’ up to D-Day, with the top scoring the sick quarter’s shelter and 6 out of the day with Dowding and Park ‘Johnnie Johnson’ (who led the of 8 hangars were destroyed posted out in an appalling manner. Canadian wing) being based there together with aircraft and ground Their actions had proved to be for part of this time. Kenley would transport, but Kenley’s own fighter correct; with history confirming lose its Wing status in early 44 as squadrons had been airborne on this but at the time being ‘right’ our fighter units adopted a more intercepts, therefore not caught on against so much antagonism would mobile capability to be near the the ground. What was supposed to not help them. The new regime forthcoming allied advance in have been a decisive attack on 11 would see in an offensive policy Europe. Its inability to extend its groups sector fields had failed to that would cause more pilots lost runways even more to achieve the required result, with than in the Battle just won. Kenley accommodate heavy fighter- losses on both sides heavy, but the like the other stations in 11group bombers and the new jets would reported damage must have had held the line; battered yes, but see its use confined to the ‘piston convinced the Luftwaffe that never out of action and always able engine era’. The familiar sounds of Kenley was ‘out of it’, whilst to control its sector it had those Merlin engines would now be Biggin was subjected to several performed a role never anticipated a memory of a past glory (so they more heavy raids in the weeks to when constructed. This small thought) as the airfield adapted to a come. One of the bombers had ‘common’ in Surrey had helped to less aggressive future. With the carried a war correspondent who save Britain; it would now start to threat of enemy bombers now gone took a remarkable set of images of free Europe. Kenley adapted to a the low flying aircraft, with an communications role and even more remarkable shot of a The New Year (1941) saw Kenley eventually the venerable Avro Spitfire sitting in its blast pen near re-organise itself to take account of Anson moved in to provide a vital Hayes Lane as they cleared the its role as part of ‘taking the fight service with our forces now field. Their shot up machine would back to the enemy’. Blister hangars advancing in Europe; then it was get them back to France on one around the perimeter would help to all over and peace returned. The engine to survive a crash landing. replace the cover required for all Ansons fitted in well with the The vulnerability of the op’s rooms weather servicing of aircraft, with architecture at Kenley and were was recognised by moving them the squadrons now taking part in still there when it closed years ‘off camp’ and Kenley’s moved ‘Wing’ operations designed to keep later. Tiger Moths, Austers, first to a shop in Caterham and then pressure on the enemy defence Harvards, Chipmunks and gliders to a requisitioned house in Old system. A typical operation would would also be based there at Coulsdon. Another feature that consist of many fighter squadrons different times. In 1951 the Merlins appeared later in the locality was a covering a small bomber force returned with a ‘Hurricane’ film substantial ‘flak tower’ built to (sometimes of only 6-12 aircraft) ‘Angels One Five’ but in 1955 the cover the southern approaches to on a sortie to bomb a factory or rail station relived its past when the the airfield (it is still there in 2011). complex. This was intended to film ‘Reach For The Sky’ (The With the change of tactics away draw their fighters up and erode story of ) brought a squadron of flyable Hurricanes and Every year the Surrey Wing ATC NAAFI. That Belfast shed was a Spitfires together to make this would hold its main parade at truly historic location that had a classic movie, that also gave us a Kenley and an impressive event it presence of its own with my Beetle record of the many surviving was, with much marching, and AC getting serviced amongst buildings and Belfast Shed. inspecting, saluting, shouting and the ghosts of doped biplanes and following bands around the ‘apron’ battle scarred Hurricanes. When Douglas Bader had been stationed as hundreds of keen cadets swung ‘Flintfield House’ was vacated (it at Kenley (23 Sdn) when he flew their arms and kept in step. On one had been used as Station HQ) the his Bristol Bulldog to Woodley on notable Wing event a Saab Safir staff cadets from 615 moved in to the 14th Dec 1931. He had taken mistaking Kenley for Biggin Hill use it as weekend quarters. This off to return after lunch but ‘rolled’ landed on the main runway (to the historic building was older than the into the ground (and the history delight of the assembled cadets), Airfield and had been in use since books) during a low level run this prompted a whole host of staff 1917 both as a mess and HQ. I was across the airfield. His story cars to roar off in a cloud of smoke interested to find the fittings for the mirrored that of Kenley in that they to deal with the offending visitor. wartime ‘Davey fire escape system’ both survived against considerable After a huge b…….g which still attached to the upstairs floors odds and were to do great service included being threatened with near the windows but years later for their country. boiling in oil and used for medical the whole building would be experiments he thanked the demolished before someone Kenley’s own Spitfire was duly interrogators for their kindness and thought of listing it. A strange acquired from the films, stock of set off for Biggin where he got situation ensued, as our keys were ‘extras’ to find its place looking another huge b……..g from no longer drawn from the down the main entrance avenue. customs. He could not quite guardroom in the mornings (it was understand all the fuss as he said it closed) with the deserted camp In fact the Merlins would never was not that long ago that ‘dozens’ taking on the mantle of an empty fade away completely, as on Biggin of pilots from all over Europe used film set. The Spitfire had left its Hill’s (At Home) days the to land in his country with all sorts parking place (fittingly it went to Hurricane from Dunsfold (PZ865) of aircraft without any permission! France where so many of its and Spitfire from Wisley (AB910) counterparts had fought and fell) would rendezvous at Kenley before Kenley’s brief excursion into ‘jet’ and with it went Kenley’s proud running in for their display. operations came in the form of a symbol of a time it fought for French Vatour twin engined Europe to be free again. The flying activity was now bomber that was taking part in a running down, apart from the race (Arc to Arch) and should have By this time I had being drawn into renamed 615 Gliding School, been landing at Biggin. He powered flight and acquired a VW which was an amalgamation of trundled through the flimsy fence engined Turbulent (G-ATKR), several units from other bases, but at the end of the main runway onto which was stabled at Redhill. This by 1959 the station had closed as the common but after being intrusion into the domain of the an RAF Flying unit. Apart from the extracted from the grass was famous Tiger Club did nothing to lack of powered aircraft the normal repaired and flown out some weeks keep me attached to bashing the camp services continued to operate, later. Kenley circuit, with the odd visit in as the role changed to that of the Turb not going down very well. administration and quarters for Despite the new quarters the time Inevitably and after nearly 4,000 MOD staff. The MT section was approaching when Kenley launches I slowly drifted out of seemed to cling on to its ‘flying started to lose its autonomous ATC gliding into a unique world association’ as they were still the status and came under the auspices of: - Formation flying, air displays, proud custodians of a very smart of nearby Biggin Hill. Normal aerobatics, air racing, breakfast fire engine, ambulance and ‘follow camp facilities were run down or patrols, and general aeronautical me’ mini van. Lined up in the withdrawn and the MT section high jinks that I never knew Belfast with the normal array of vacated the last Belfast shed to be existed, but was quite normal at staff cars, were: - 3 ton trucks, 1 replaced hot foot by 615 who also Redhill. ton trucks, Landrovers, coaches, moved into the adjoining control minibuses, a snow plough and tower for use as its HQ. With our Having finally severed my assorted lifting equipment. The own historic hangar and control connections with the ATC after 15 runways were adorned with huge tower overlooking our own airfield years of great fun and adventure I white crosses but the odd civvy we were safe for the time being; the used to see Kenley from a different aircraft would drop in when local café’s replacing the closed viewpoint when passing en-route to weather or engine trouble dictated. numerous Tiger Club events or gone 615 may well have been bearing the names of aircraft and ‘saying hello’ to the parents down Kenley’s last flying attachment to pilots from the past. Over near the in the valley. I therefore did not its historic past, however a Officers Mess stands the Portcullis need to be asked twice when a temporary canvas hangar of WW1 Club and from this original airfield local motor car group asked the design was eventually erected on building a dedicated band of Club to provide some aerial site followed by replacement enthusiasts operate the local entertainment for a charity motor gliders and associated kit. RAFA, and have kept the history of show they had organised at my old the airfield alive. stamping ground. This would be However fate intervened yet again the first ‘show’ since pre-war one winter when a heavy snowfall Major efforts over the years Empire Air Days were held there caused this hangar to collapse onto ensured that parts of the area were and as organiser and participant it the new glass aircraft underneath. preserved and in Aug 2001 a would be like coming home. If that This was by no means the only memorial to all who served there was not enough, a couple of years such incidence of an old hangar 1917-1959 was unveiled in a later another ‘benevolent’ event collapsing onto new aircraft so in landscaped former aircraft blast was planned on a much larger the end 615 got their even newer bay near to Hayes Lane. This event scale; the club being invited to fleet under proper protection. prompted a flypast by the BoB attend with the team, plus I also Flight and is repeated regularly. brought along a 1932 Comper With the Army having no further Swift to display (G-ABTC). Having need for the camp area the west 450 SDN ATC still has its HQ on arrived in the normal manner side was prepared for housing the old camp and 615 VGS carries (normal for the Swift that was) I sat development, with more on the Aircraft connection from its her down on the grass alongside demolition of both old and not so new hangar with glass gliders, the runway and before the ‘Pobjoy’ old buildings. The Airmans’ using the number of the former engine had stopped was the centre mess/institute was spared, but the (County of Surrey Squadron) that of attention from the many Air barrack blocks went, as did all the had formed at Kenley in 1937 and Cadets keen to assist with its quarters near Hayes Lane. Steel flew Hurricanes from there in parking. Relieved that no one had fences eventually appeared, to 1940. said hello to the 7-foot prop, a contain the new hangar and HQ’s rather oily pilot jumped out to be of 615 and 450, with the Officers One of the Hurricanes (KW-Z) greeted by his smiling former CO mess standing empty and forlorn (L1592), which had fought in behind its new security screen. A France before the Battle, scrambled from 450Sdn (it was great to be th back home) civilian Gliding club (Surrey Hills) from Kenley on the 18 Aug and had risen (phoenix like) on the site later forced landed at Croydon. It The army had temporary use of the of the last Belfast shed and out on survives today however at the old barrack blocks and In the long the field the ‘common’ was making Science Museum South term the Officers’ mess would be a comeback. It had been decided Kensington. used as a ‘Radio laboratory’ for that gliding could stay at Kenley some years and together with the but that the areas outside of the With the MOD still requiring the Airmans’ institute would be ‘listed’ peri-track would be returned to field for gliding and the and remain when all around were common use and military Corporation Of London still felled; but that sturdy Belfast shed structures removed. This meant the protecting its land, Kenley can became the defiant bastion of classic blast pens would go (or be hopefully now look forward to a Kenley’s flying history, continuing landscaped) together with any peaceful retirement that allows as a proud provider of refuge to the pillboxes and gun pits. In fact the visitors to walk around the peri fretwork fighters. A truce now pillboxes did go but then in a track on its ‘Heritage walk’ and ensued, with parts of the camp typical British way the remaining wonder at the past of this Surrey scheduled for future housing pens were ‘scheduled’ as important common that served our country so development but the airfield being monuments and the majority were well for so long. kept available for gliding in the saved. The most famous blast bay foreseeable future. This happy state of all (as featured in the German of affairs was shattered on the 23 raiders photographs) had been part Oct 1978 when the hangar (and 61 demolished but the rear portion years of history) went up in flames, with its air raid shelter still stands. consuming its contents in a scene New houses sprang up on the old reminiscent of the 1940 raid. With camp but at least they are built in its home and all of its equipment brick, with the new roads proudly A typical trussed Belfast Hangar. We salute its part in our history. And how it held the line when it mattered Kenley’s Station Shield incorporates several aspects of its history. The Portcullus Gate symbolizes its link in the chain The Kenley and Biggin Crests forming the link - and a Belfast Hangar of airfields protecting our country, with the Rose and Lilly defining the strong connection between England and France in two conflicts.

The Motto:

NISI-DOMINUS-PRO-NOBIS

Roughly translates into::- Except the Lord Be On Our Side.

The problem was ‘everyone’ thought he was on ‘their’ side, in hindsight perhaps it could have been

Nisi Dominus Pro Nobis Opto Radar ! Over the years Peter has been actively engaged in photography and banner towing which suffered a chaotic set back on 13th July when a Statement from English Heritage APL 2000. large tree fell on his small hangar, crushing his Rallye aircraft.

RAF Kenley is the most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived in its original state.

This gives us a modern Battlefield on a peaceful Surrey Common in a unique state, and is a fitting tribute to all those that made it possible. RAF Kenley lives on together with the memory of those challenging times that it coped so well.

Peter Channon 2011 Peter’s famous Comper Swift.

The Comper Swift was a remarkable sporting aircraft built during the 1930’s and well worth a Google search.