RAF Kenley

RAF Kenley (or Kenley Aerodrome) was the home of the Royal Flying Corps in World War One and the RAF in World War Two.

Its active phase commenced in 1917 and ceased in 1959 when Fighter Command left the aerodrome for good. It is now leased to a private gliding club.

During World War II RAF Kenley was one of the three main fighter stations, together with Croydon Airport and Biggin Hill, responsible for the air-defence of London. It was during the crucial days of the Battle of Britain that all three RAF stations came into their own, fighting off the overwhelming might of the German Luftwaffe. Due recognition is also given to the pilots of the Commonwealth and Allied fighter squadrons who shared the honours with the RAF.

To this day a number of the original 12 E-shaped blast pens, as well as the shelters for the servicing personnel which formed part of the background, may still be seen.

It is indeed in a former aircraft parking area of one of these blast pens that a memorial was opened on 19th August 2000 which has been dedicated to the Royal Airforce and Allies of sixty years before, with the inscription: "RAF KENLEY TRIBUTE IN HONOUR OF ALL PERSONNEL WHO SERVED HERE 1917 - 1959"

• No 88 Squadron 1918
• No 95 Sq. 1918
• No 105 Sq. 1918
• No 110 Sq. 1918
• No 116 Sq. 1918
• No 91 Sq. 1918 - 1919
• No 1 Sq. 1919 & 1941
• No 207 Sq. 1920
• No 84 Sq. 1920
• No 24 Sq. 1920 - 1927
• No 39 Sq. 1920 - 1921
• No 32 Sq. 1925 - 1932
• No 13 Sq. 1924
• No 23 Sq. 1927 - 1932
• No 17 Sq. 1934 - 1940
• No 3 Sq. 1934 - 1940
• No 46 Sq. 1936 - 1937
• No 80 Sq. 1937
• No 615 Sq. 1937 - 1941
• No 600 Sq. 1938
• No 604 Sq. 1940
• No 229 Sq. 1940
• No 64 Sq. 1940
• No 66 Sq. 1940 & 1943
• No 616 Sq. 1940 & 1942
• No 253 Sq. 1949 - 1941
• No 501 Sq. 1940
• No 258 Sq. 1941
• No 302 Sq. (Polish) 1941
• No 312 Sq. (Czech) 1941
• No 485 Sq. (N.Z.) 1941 - 1942
• No 602 Sq. 1941 - 1942
• No 452 Sq. (Aus) 1941 - 1942
• No 605 Sq. 1941
• No 111 Sq. 1942
• 308th Pursuit Sq. (USAAF) 1942*
• No 402 Sq. (Can) 1942 - 1943
• No 611 Sq. 1942
• No 401 Sq. (Can) 1942 - 1943
• No 412 Sq. (Can) 1942 - 1943
• No 350 Sq. (Belg) 1942
• No 403 Sq. (Can) 1943 - 1944
• No 411 Sq. (Can) 1943
• No 165 Sq. 1943
• No 421 Sq. (Can) 1942 - 1944
• No 416 Sq. (Can) 1943 - 1944
• No 400 Sq, (Can) 1943
• No 661 Sq. RA & RAF 1949
• No 61 Com Fl - 1959

-* Inscription actually reads No 308 Sq. (USAAF) 1942