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RAF Kenley: 450 Squadron’s Heritage

RAF Kenley: 450 Squadron’s Heritage. The Beginning. 1917 – No. 7 Aircraft Acceptance Park Over 300 Sopwith Camels tested here Seven 2-Bay Belfast Truss Hangars Just like those at Hendon The Usual Domestic Accommodation Operational Fighter Station from 1918

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RAF Kenley: 450 Squadron’s Heritage

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  1. RAF Kenley: 450 Squadron’s Heritage

  2. The Beginning • 1917 – No. 7 Aircraft Acceptance Park • Over 300 Sopwith Camels tested here • Seven 2-Bay Belfast Truss Hangars • Just like those at Hendon • The Usual Domestic Accommodation • Operational Fighter Station from 1918 • Defence against the Zeppelin Threat

  3. The 1930s • Kenley Rebuilt 1931-33 • Officers’ Mess built; 3 Hangars Demolished • 35,000 gallons of fuel; 1.25 million rounds of ammo • Home to the Empire Air Days in 1937

  4. The Battle of Britain • Kenley’s Most famous Period • 11 Group Sector Station • In Command of Croydon, Redhill & Shoreham • 18 August 1940 – The Hardest Day • Attacked by 60 Dornier 17s • Three More Hangars Destroyed • Just one left • 4 x Hurricanes and 1 x Blenheim • 9 People Killed

  5. Kenley in the 1950s 1932 Officers’ Mess 2011 – HQ 450 Sqn Last 1917 Hangar

  6. So – what happened to the last Hangar? • In October 1978, a room to one side of the hangar that was being used to store waste paper for recycling caught fire • Ask Mr Brighton… 1975 1978

  7. So – What’s Left? • The Range:

  8. So – What’s Left? • The 1932 Officer’s Mess – Grade II Listed

  9. So – What’s Left? • And – of course – “The most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived” English Heritage 2000

  10. 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain • 19th August 2000: The Kenley Tribute unveiled by Commander-in-Chief RAF Strike Command • BBMF Flypast • Cadet Guard of Honour • Commanded by Flt Lt Alexander!

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