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Notes on Kenley Aerodrome

When Paul G4APL move to Caterham On The Hill in the late 1950'sl. He use to go across to the Aerodrome and play on a burnt out aircraft that was still on the airfield. Paul since learned that
this was used by fireman putting out aircraft files.

He also use to travel on bikes with his friend. Delivering the evening news papers to the RAF officers in the Offices Mess.

Kenley Aerodrome was the home of the Royal Flying Corp. The common land was commandeered by the Ministry of Defence in World War 1 (WW1) and by the RAF in World War 2 (WWii)

During WWii RAF Kenley was one the of the three main fighter stations, together with Croydon Airport and Biggin Hill. These were responsible for the air defence of London.

During the crucial days of the Battle of Britain all three RAF stations came in to their own, fighting off the might of the German Luftwaffe.
Paul has a photograph of a German plane that was taking pictures of the bomb damage. Which show the road and house in which he currently lives.

One of the 12 E Shaped blast pens has been kept as the RAF Kenley Tribute in Honour of the all personnel who served at Kenley Aerodrome between 1917 and 1959.

Here's a list of RFC, RAF squadrons that were stationed at Kenley
No. 88 1918
No..95 1918
No.105 1918
No.110 1918
No.116 1918
No.91 1918 to 1919
No. 1 1919 and 1941
No.207 1920
No. 84 1920
No. 24 1920 to 1927
No. 39 1920 to 1921
No.32 1925 to 1932
No.13 1924
No.23 1927 to 1932
No.17 1934 to 1940
No. 3 1934 to 1940
No.46 1936 to 1937
No. 80 1937
No. 615 1937 to 1941
No.600 1938
No.604 1940
No. 229 1940
No. 64 1940
No. 66 1940 and 1943
No. 616 194 and 1942
No. 253 1940 to 1941
No. 501 1940
No. 258 1941
No. 302 1941
No. 312 1941
No. 485 1941 to 1942
No. 602 1941 to 1942
No. 452 1941 to 1942
No. 605 1941
No. 111 1942
No. 402 1942 to 1943
No. 611 1942
No. 401 1942 to 1943
No. 412 1942 to 1943
No. 350 1942
No. 403 1943 to 1944
No. 411 1943
No. 165 1943
No. 421 1942 to 1944
No. 416 1943 to 1944
No. 661 1949
No 61 1959

During the early 21st century, the RAF Mess has been sold as well as some of the other Listed Buildings. These were important reminders of the History of Kenley airfield and should have been saved as an heritage site for the Nation.

Further documentation and reading can be found on the Battle of Britain Historical Society
RAF Kenley Hardest Day 18 August 1940. Well worth a read.