1408 (Dorking) Squadron

Memorial unveiling at RAF Kenley, Saturday 19th August.

Kenley 1940- Supermarine Spitfire MkI's

In August 1940 the German luftwaffe started the attacks and bombings of RAF Fighter Stations. The goal, to destroy the RAF on the ground or air and to eliminate the treat of attack from the skies for Operation Sealion! The RAF were quick to respond to the threat with all available airpower, Defiants, Beaufighter, Hurricanes and the well known Spitfire. many pilots of the RAF lost their lives

over British skies to eliminate the threat and protect their country.

On Saturday 19th August 2000, 60 years after the Battle Of Britain, The Air Chief Marshall Of Strike Command unveiled a memorial to comemorate all the airmen of the squadrons that fought in the air battle. Hundreds of people arrived to see this, both veterans and spectators. There

The Memorial- After unveiling

The Memorial- Placed in a revetment

were lots of stalls and vintage military vehicles on display along with a parade by other ATC squadrons and an ATC band.

Model aircraft's high pitched whine replaced the low sound of the Merlin engines that once filled the skies 60 years before. Model Spitfires, Hurricanes, Harvards Gee Bees and other aircraft gave a small scale display darting

around the sky. looping and turning low passes and other aerobatics. Then came the grand finale, the models were brought to the ground and cleared the way for the beauty and splender of the BBMF, the groaning of 6 Merlins was heard then appeared over the top of the trees, the aircraft took one formated fly-past then broke off, the Spitfire

The BBMF- Flying in close formation

gave a display, then the Hurricane, finally they came back into formation took another pass and flew off.

And So ended the day at RAF kenley