Events

RAF Kenley - photograph courtesy of the Kenley Revival project

RAF Kenley - Battle of Britain 1940

Sunday 25th September 2022

During WW2, RAF Kenley was responsible, alongside RAF Croydon and RAF Biggin Hill, for the air defence of London. During the Battle of Britain it suffered its worst damage on 18 Aug 40, known as ‘the Hardest Day’. Two of its three hangars and ten aircraft were destroyed, with six more damaged. The runways were also badly cratered and the Operations Room had to be moved into an empty butcher’s premises in the nearby town of Caterham.

This tour was originally planned for 2020, on the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, but unfortunately the pandemic caused it to be rearranged.

Please join us for a unique opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the airfield that is considered the best preserved of all WWII fighter stations, with the runways still in their original configuration. Some of the original blast pens have survived including the fully restored one that forms the background to the RAF Tribute

Our expert guide will be Linda Duffield, the Project Manager of the Kenley Revival. She will be assisted by fellow volunteers Tony Adams and Neil Broughton. https://www.kenleyrevival.org/

Please arrive at 10.30am at the RAF Association Portcullis Club, Kenley Airfield, Victor Beamish Avenue, CATERHAM, CR3 5FX. What3words: puppy.cheeks.herds. GPS Lat/Long: 51.3018, -0.0903.

The walk will start at 11.00am and we will finish at the Portcullis Club around 1.00pm. Drinks are available to purchase at the Club but please bring your own Packed Lunch.

Stout walking shoes, long trousers, and wet weather gear (if appropriate) should be worn. As you might expect Kenley Airfield is an exposed area and comprises some overgrown areas which we will be exploring so be prepared.

A donation of £5.00 to support the work of Kenley Revival, including entrance o the Portcullis Club, is requested from Battlefields Trust members (£10.00 from Non Members). Payment is required at the time of booking.

To book a place on the tour or for further information please contact Chris may using the details below.