Tandridge Buzz

Thousands of people enjoyed the Kenley Air Day on Saturday despite the poor weather causing the Battle of Britain fly-over to be cancelled.

Organisers of the free to enter community day, to raise funds for the up-keep of the RAF Kenley Tribute memorial, estimated that around 6,000 people had visited during the day. Money was raised from the sale of programmes on the day at a price of £5 each.

Unfortunately, the weather took its toll on proceedings with monsoon conditions meaning Spitfires and Lancaster bombers were unable to take off from Eastbourne, where they were scheduled to appear in another air show before making their way to Kenley.

However, there were displays from the Breitling Wing Walkers and the Croydon Airport Model Flying Club to excite the crowd.

“The day is all about raising money for the RAF Kenley Tribute, which was built in 2000 and it does need maintaining and does need a lot of money because specialists have to come in to repair the stone work during the winter when it gets frost damaged,” said Chris Baguley, chair of the Kenley Airfield Friends Group — one of the original four that built the RAF Kenley Tribute.

“We are flattered so many people braved the weather, which is totally outside our control, and we hope they enjoyed themselves. It is good to see so many planes buzzing over the skies of Kenley.”

The Battle of Britain display was also cancelled in 2005, when the planes were stuck in Cardiff as poor weather closed in.

Baguley added: “This is a Battle of Britain airfield and part of our national heritage. We usually have Battle of Britain aircraft give their service free of charge because we are a Battle of Britain airfield and we are synonomous with that.”

Guest of honour on the day was 97-year-old Flight Lieutenant William Walker who was posted to Kenley the day after the famous Luftwaffe attack of 18 August 1940.

Warlingham resident Gayle Gander said: “We had a great day, despite the rain. Still some great displays.”

And Sharon Richards, who tethered the hot air balloons, added: “Shame about the weather but great turn out even so.”

What did you think of the Kenley Air Day? Let us know by posting a comment below.

Tandridge Buzz is at the Kenley Air Day today and will update this gallery with pictures live from the event as Kenley commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be commemorated this Saturday (14 August) at Kenley Airfield.

Kenley played a significant role during World War II as Kenley’s Squadron provided cover for the evacuation of allied troops from Dunkerque in France before helping to win the Battle of Britain.

RAF Kenley’s finest hour came on 18 August 1940 — three days after Croydon had been bombed after being mistaken for Kenley — when 64 and 615 Squadron repelled a 60-strong Luftwaffe onslaught.

From 1941, squadrons based at Kenley escorted Blenheim bombers to their targets on mainland Europe and played host to Squadrons from Poland, Czechoslovakia, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Canada. The airfield closed perationally in 1959 with the station finally closing in 1974.

Flying displays on the day include a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and The Great War Birds while there will also be two dozen vintage aircraft on static display, flight simulator and children’s rides.

“The event is planned as a community event,” said chairman Mike Street. “As with earlier events admission and parking on the airfield will be free of charge. A full colour souvenir brochure will be available for a small charge.

“The maintenance fund of the RAF Kenley Tribute will be the sole beneficiary of any surplus made on the day.”

The day starts at 11am and finishes at 4pm. For more information visit www.rafkenleyairday.co.uk.