I was stationed at RAF KENLEY in 1958 as an Aircraft Crash Crash Rescue fireman. I did my National Service there. Inside the gate on the right was the Medical hut, the Guard House was on the left and our brick barracks were just down the road on the right . They housed us Firemen ,the Cooks and the Hanger men. All gone now. The Parade ground and the NAFFI and the Mess Hall buildings are still there I believe but boarded up. It was a good to have such great comrades there. We were all brothers together there. I was 19 years old then, I am 87 now but still remember and relish my service. I live in Ontario Canada. John Gibbs
I lived down Old Lodge Lane by the school next to Cannons Hill, flew gliders with the ATC 285 Sqn and went picking black berries with my nan and my on airdrome. Happy days.
During the war, and the Battle of Britain, I was living at Upper Wallingham, with a clear view of Kenley across the valley, a mere two miles. My sister and I counted the Spitfires leaving, and the number returning, and they often did not match. These recollections are profoundly moving, after all these years.
Hi Phil, thank you so much for putting that together. Kenley has a special place in my aviation history. I was a member of ATC Squadron 285 in in Purley and was selected to do a gliding course at Kenley. After getting A and B licenses, I was asked to stay on as a staff cadet helping to run the operations. I also learned to drive there on a Bedford 15 cwt truck. I later obtained my Private Pilots License at Croydon on Tiger Moths. The only time I ever took up a passenger was in June 1954 in a Slingby Cadet, she must have been crazy. My Aviation career started while still at school in Purley and went on to becoming worldwide, working all over Europe for the Flying Tiger Line and then in the US, Japan and many other parts of the World. I now live in Reno Nevada and have many aviation connections. Still doing well at 88.
I used to fly from Biggin hill and fly past Kenley aerodrome on take off and landing. Didn't know it has so many preserved structures. Thanks for showing. Will hopefully visit one day (not just fly by)
Never considered the blast pens would shield fire from other areas / aircraft. I just assumed a blast pen was where they loaded and prepped a plane prior to it going up. Thanks so much for this video. Very informative. Great video. I live close to biggin hill and really must pop over to Kenley.
It’s a great place to visit and they have the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets there. I’m not far from Biggin Hill and that place is very special too of course
Great video about Kenley's history and also the sterling work done by the Kenley Revival team. If anyone is interested, Alfred Price's book, "18th August 1940, The Hardest Day" is a fantastic book and probably the best researched record of the attack on Kenley. I first read this book when I was 13 years old and to say it fired a life long interest is an understatement. My copy is signed by Gunther Unger, one of the 9/KG 76 Dornier 17 pilots that took part in the low level raid that day, along with Harry Newton of 111 Squadron who was shot down by Unger's gunner, Franz Bergmann during the attack. The book is probably still my favourite account of the battle.
Thank you for this. I learned about Harry Newton when researching my recent video walk near Botley Hill Farm, where he came down in his Hurricane. I have just ordered the book and look forward to reading it!
Our family moved to Whyteleafe in 1952. Our house had a big white cross painted on its roof and under the hall floorboards were large bundles of telephone wires. We believe the house was used as an off-site reserve control centre during the war. (We also found a lot of .303 ammunition in the loft!)
@@philswallow Thanks Phil, I used to work in the Officers Mess building until it closed in 2004, happy times. Sad to see it's current condition of course, but Linda told me the other week that it will be restored soon, or eventually!
Yes Steve. I saw the planning details on the Tandridge website and Comer have a portfolio of grand buildings that they have renovated elsewhere. Fingers crossed it all comes to fruition as I’m sure it will be a very impressive site once again.
I always wondered what these pens were for, as a boy I spent many hours playing in the common and sitting on the pens watching the RAF staff training in gliders… we also explored pens looking for ammunition or any war relic, never found anything… not even a cartridges case. on odd occasions when we were spotted they would chase us and as young boys we would leg it of into the woods… I actually lived in Hayes Lane..
Great memories! It's a very special place, the fact that the land area remains is a huge bonus. It would have been wonderful if some of the original hangars had survived but at least we can enjoy and reflect when visiting there unlike some airfields that have been developed on now.
The Rings set in the ground may be to tie down aeroplanes. This is normal practice still today, especially for general aviation sized aircraft that can be moved by winds or even flipped over. Greg
Sadly, far too many of the heritage RAF stations have disappeared, or are due for "redevelopment", over the past decades. Personally I have seen RAF Swinderby (the place I started my RAF career), and soon the camp I spent most of that career at, RAF Henlow, will be wiped from the face of the map.😢 Thank you to all the hard working people for keeping Kenley in people's memories.
It is sad Ian. The fact that in land at least, Kenley is still there and available 24/7 is quite something. I belong to a few Facebook Groups covering former sites and it is good to see some are still being remembered respectfully
Circa 1970 a unit of our tactical signals wing did an exercise at Kenley. Some of the lads being inquisitive, went to look in the hangers, although they were secure, they could see that they were packed with WW2 vehicles all mothballed as war reserve.
@@philswallow we used one of the pill boxes which we partly Doug out the rear. Assess tunnel Also their was a part demolished house on the woods edge which we explored too I was there the morning after the final hanger burned down
Worthwhile saying that the top scoring (38 kills) RAF Ace Johnnie Johnson led his Canadian Wing from Kenley in 1943-44 before they hopped over to France post D-Day. If you can find it (and happily I have a copy) his war memoirs 'Wing Leader' give a lot of details about his Canadian Wing and their deeds and misdeeds. 😉
Great video!! I was an air cadet at Kenley in the early to mid 1970’s (450 Squadron if I remember correctly), our huts/offices were near the officers mess building. There was a Spitfire that used to be parked near the main gate as a tribute to the Battle of Britain, I think they removed it in the early 70’s. One point that interests me is ground crews had to test fire the planes guns to ensure that the lines of fire would intersect at the desired point, the range in the video is probably too small for the concentrated fire of 6 x .303 machine guns & was a small arms range as you say, so I’m curious as to where the armourers “dialed in” or “sighted” the guns on the planes? I’ve been all over the airfield when it was still RAF property & seen it from the air when we had glider training, but never found any place that would fit the bill.
@@philswallow There was a large open faced shed that was used ranging the aircraft guns.We as kids in the 60's used to pick up the brass casings and then the bullets from the sand pit...polish them up and put them back together.Used to be a marvellous aircraft wreck dump until they covered it up.....maybe get the metal detectors out?
The one thing you didn't mention is that RAF Kenley is on Common land. As such the public has unrestricted right of access. What impact did this have post WWII ?
didnt kenly have some sort of rocket system at the end of one of the runways that fired up as a german raider flew low. I ask this as i read it in a book called the hardest day 18th august 1940 by alfred price when the luftwaffe did a low level raid of the airfield.
my father was based there when with 615 squadron, his bedroom received a direct hit on eales day and he lost his logbook which had all his flights in France with no1 squadron, he was blown into a shelter by a close explosion, some of the bombs on adlers day had landed in the coal supply and his car was filles with coal however happily his car was not damaged as were others as they were all parked in the hangars which received direct hits so his car was used as a taxi for runs into town. he was also repremanded for setting on fire the officers mess after a good bash , when 615 was sent on rest he was sent to south africa to train pilots he later came back for a second tour on mossies
I was stationed at RAF KENLEY in 1958 as an Aircraft Crash Crash Rescue fireman. I did my National Service there. Inside the gate on the right was the Medical hut, the Guard House was on the left and our brick barracks were just down the road on the right . They housed us Firemen ,the Cooks and the Hanger men. All gone now. The Parade ground and the NAFFI and the Mess Hall buildings are still there I believe but boarded up. It was a good to have such great comrades there. We were all brothers together there. I was 19 years old then, I am 87 now but still remember and relish my service. I live in Ontario Canada. John Gibbs
Thank you for your comments, John. You may have seen it but here is a link to the excellent Kenley Revival website: www.kenleyrevival.org/
Thankyou for your service sir. ❤
Thank you so much for that. It is the first time as I can remember that anyone has actually thanked me. @@josephinerimmer6888
I lived down Old Lodge Lane by the school next to Cannons Hill, flew gliders with the ATC 285 Sqn and went picking black berries with my nan and my on airdrome. Happy days.
During the war, and the Battle of Britain, I was living at Upper Wallingham, with a clear view of Kenley across the valley, a mere two miles. My sister and I counted the Spitfires leaving, and the number returning, and they often did not match. These recollections are profoundly moving, after all these years.
Hi Phil, thank you so much for putting that together. Kenley has a special place in my aviation history. I was a member of ATC Squadron 285 in in Purley and was selected to do a gliding course at Kenley. After getting A and B licenses, I was asked to stay on as a staff cadet helping to run the operations. I also learned to drive there on a Bedford 15 cwt truck. I later obtained my Private Pilots License at Croydon on Tiger Moths. The only time I ever took up a passenger was in June 1954 in a Slingby Cadet, she must have been crazy. My Aviation career started while still at school in Purley and went on to becoming worldwide, working all over Europe for the Flying Tiger Line and then in the US, Japan and many other parts of the World. I now live in Reno Nevada and have many aviation connections. Still doing well at 88.
Wow, what a career! Glad you enjoyed it, it is a very special place 😊
I used to fly from Biggin hill and fly past Kenley aerodrome on take off and landing. Didn't know it has so many preserved structures. Thanks for showing. Will hopefully visit one day (not just fly by)
It is well worth a visit, a very special place!
Never considered the blast pens would shield fire from other areas / aircraft. I just assumed a blast pen was where they loaded and prepped a plane prior to it going up. Thanks so much for this video. Very informative. Great video. I live close to biggin hill and really must pop over to Kenley.
It’s a great place to visit and they have the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets there. I’m not far from Biggin Hill and that place is very special too of course
Brilliant stuff, so glad it's being looked after, we should never forget that generation who did so much for us, my Grandparents included.
I enjoyed this. I was there yesterday with the family. Thanks for making the effort to put this together.
Thanks Jonny, it is a very special place!
Great video about Kenley's history and also the sterling work done by the Kenley Revival team. If anyone is interested, Alfred Price's book, "18th August 1940, The Hardest Day" is a fantastic book and probably the best researched record of the attack on Kenley. I first read this book when I was 13 years old and to say it fired a life long interest is an understatement. My copy is signed by Gunther Unger, one of the 9/KG 76 Dornier 17 pilots that took part in the low level raid that day, along with Harry Newton of 111 Squadron who was shot down by Unger's gunner, Franz Bergmann during the attack. The book is probably still my favourite account of the battle.
Thank you for this. I learned about Harry Newton when researching my recent video walk near Botley Hill Farm, where he came down in his Hurricane. I have just ordered the book and look forward to reading it!
Our family moved to Whyteleafe in 1952. Our house had a big white cross painted on its roof and under the hall floorboards were large bundles of telephone wires. We believe the house was used as an off-site reserve control centre during the war. (We also found a lot of .303 ammunition in the loft!)
Wow Ted, what a story! Have you ever spoken with the Kenley Revival team about this?
@@philswallow I haven't, maybe I should!
Fascinating stuff. 20th Century archaeology.
An excellent video, thanks Phil for a detailed tour of the airfield.
Many thanks Steve, what a fantastic place it is!
@@philswallow Thanks Phil, I used to work in the Officers Mess building until it closed in 2004, happy times. Sad to see it's current condition of course, but Linda told me the other week that it will be restored soon, or eventually!
Yes Steve. I saw the planning details on the Tandridge website and Comer have a portfolio of grand buildings that they have renovated elsewhere. Fingers crossed it all comes to fruition as I’m sure it will be a very impressive site once again.
So interesting and educational.
Thank you, Peter
Excellent...thank you.
Glad you liked it!
Thanks Phil, very interesting.
Thanks Julie!
Thank you I lived near the airfield durung the war
Another great video Phil.
Many thanks Steve!
I always wondered what these pens were for, as a boy I spent many hours playing in the common and sitting on the pens watching the RAF staff training in gliders… we also explored pens looking for ammunition or any war relic, never found anything… not even a cartridges case. on odd occasions when we were spotted they would chase us and as young boys we would leg it of into the woods… I actually lived in Hayes Lane..
Great memories! It's a very special place, the fact that the land area remains is a huge bonus. It would have been wonderful if some of the original hangars had survived but at least we can enjoy and reflect when visiting there unlike some airfields that have been developed on now.
Cracking upload
The Rings set in the ground may be to tie down aeroplanes. This is normal practice still today, especially for general aviation sized aircraft that can be moved by winds or even flipped over. Greg
We’ve had some further developments on that recently so I may need to do a follow-up
Sadly, far too many of the heritage RAF stations have disappeared, or are due for "redevelopment", over the past decades. Personally I have seen RAF Swinderby (the place I started my RAF career), and soon the camp I spent most of that career at, RAF Henlow, will be wiped from the face of the map.😢
Thank you to all the hard working people for keeping Kenley in people's memories.
It is sad Ian. The fact that in land at least, Kenley is still there and available 24/7 is quite something. I belong to a few Facebook Groups covering former sites and it is good to see some are still being remembered respectfully
@@philswallow and the famous Tangmere has been lost. They were flying Meteors there in 1956
Circa 1970 a unit of our tactical signals wing did an exercise at Kenley. Some of the lads being inquisitive, went to look in the hangers, although they were secure, they could see that they were packed with WW2 vehicles all mothballed as war reserve.
Used to play on the airfield in the 70s spent a lot of time in the officers mess exploring
That sounds like fun!
@@philswallow we used one of the pill boxes which we partly Doug out the rear. Assess tunnel
Also their was a part demolished house on the woods edge which we explored too
I was there the morning after the final hanger burned down
They are opening up one or two blast pens in September (10th and 16th) so many folk will get a chance to see inside them.
Worthwhile saying that the top scoring (38 kills) RAF Ace Johnnie Johnson led his Canadian Wing from Kenley in 1943-44 before they hopped over to France post D-Day.
If you can find it (and happily I have a copy) his war memoirs 'Wing Leader' give a lot of details about his Canadian Wing and their deeds and misdeeds. 😉
Thank you. I will hopefully return to Kenley for some follow-ups in the future so will bear this in mind 👍🏻
I have a signed Robert Taylor print of a Mossie signed by JJ....Worcester Park is my home town....long ago //
If you look up RAF North Weald, you can find a picture of a MkV Spitfire, ZD-Z, in the background is a dispersal with said netting
To the left of the picture, quite a high structure?
Thank you for this, I have shared it with Linda (from the video) and she is delighted! There are some great images and content on the RAF Weald site
@@philswallow yes, you can see the end caps of the dispersal and scaffold poles behind along the dispersal arm
Great video!! I was an air cadet at Kenley in the early to mid 1970’s (450 Squadron if I remember correctly), our huts/offices were near the officers mess building. There was a Spitfire that used to be parked near the main gate as a tribute to the Battle of Britain, I think they removed it in the early 70’s. One point that interests me is ground crews had to test fire the planes guns to ensure that the lines of fire would intersect at the desired point, the range in the video is probably too small for the concentrated fire of 6 x .303 machine guns & was a small arms range as you say, so I’m curious as to where the armourers “dialed in” or “sighted” the guns on the planes? I’ve been all over the airfield when it was still RAF property & seen it from the air when we had glider training, but never found any place that would fit the bill.
I will make enquiries mate!
@@philswallow There was a large open faced shed that was used ranging the aircraft guns.We as kids in the 60's used to pick up the brass casings and then the bullets from the sand pit...polish them up and put them back together.Used to be a marvellous aircraft wreck dump until they covered it up.....maybe get the metal detectors out?
Sounds like great fun! Good shout with regard to the metal detectors although maybe folk have already done that!
tremendous
The one thing you didn't mention is that RAF Kenley is on Common land. As such the public has unrestricted right of access. What impact did this have post WWII ?
My uncle once told me he knew where it was but I don’t think he’s memory is that good these days
My uncle told me they burried the Lincoln bomber that crashed there don’t know if it’s still there
I hadn’t heard about that, will ask around
@@philswallow When I was a kid I lived on Kenley Lane. I played in what was left of that bomber. I was about 12/13. I'm now 73, it's that long ago.
didnt kenly have some sort of rocket system at the end of one of the runways that fired up as a german raider flew low. I ask this as i read it in a book called the hardest day 18th august 1940 by alfred price when the luftwaffe did a low level raid of the airfield.
Yes it did! Link here: www.kenleyrevival.org/content/history/raf-kenley/world-war-ii/parachute-and-cable-schermuly-not
my father was based there when with 615 squadron, his bedroom received a direct hit on eales day and he lost his logbook which had all his flights in France with no1 squadron, he was blown into a shelter by a close explosion, some of the bombs on adlers day had landed in the coal supply and his car was filles with coal however happily his car was not damaged as were others as they were all parked in the hangars which received direct hits so his car was used as a taxi for runs into town. he was also repremanded for setting on fire the officers mess after a good bash , when 615 was sent on rest he was sent to south africa to train pilots he later came back for a second tour on mossies