HISTORY
RAF Kenley, now known as Kenley Aerodrome, was station to the RFC during WW1, and the RAF during WW2. The site came into operation in 1917, and closed in 1959, although the Aerodrome is still in use by the Volunteer Gliding Squadron.
RAF Kenley was one of the three fighter stations with the sole purpose of protecting London's airspace during the war. On the 18th of August 1940, Kenley RAF was attacked by the Germans destroying all ten hangars, twelve aircraft, including ten Hurricanes, and severely damaging the runways. Because of this, the Operations Room had to be temporally moved to an emergency location off the airfield.
Although very few of the remaining buildings survive, the runway is still in its original configuration and is believed to be the best preserved of all WW2 RAF stations, with English Heritage stating it's "The most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived". Since 2006 it has been designated as a conservation area.
EXPLORE
Took a difficult route into this place. Turns out there was a much easier way that I failed to spot. Never mind.
Fairly unremarkable trip. Security drove round in a car at one point. But he didn't stay long.
Good, clean family fun. Well, actually it was far from clean and I have no family. But you get the point.
View attachment 709830
RAF Kenley, now known as Kenley Aerodrome, was station to the RFC during WW1, and the RAF during WW2. The site came into operation in 1917, and closed in 1959, although the Aerodrome is still in use by the Volunteer Gliding Squadron.
RAF Kenley was one of the three fighter stations with the sole purpose of protecting London's airspace during the war. On the 18th of August 1940, Kenley RAF was attacked by the Germans destroying all ten hangars, twelve aircraft, including ten Hurricanes, and severely damaging the runways. Because of this, the Operations Room had to be temporally moved to an emergency location off the airfield.
Although very few of the remaining buildings survive, the runway is still in its original configuration and is believed to be the best preserved of all WW2 RAF stations, with English Heritage stating it's "The most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived". Since 2006 it has been designated as a conservation area.
EXPLORE
Took a difficult route into this place. Turns out there was a much easier way that I failed to spot. Never mind.
Fairly unremarkable trip. Security drove round in a car at one point. But he didn't stay long.
Good, clean family fun. Well, actually it was far from clean and I have no family. But you get the point.
View attachment 709830
