|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPITFIRE MK 11A BY JOHN STEVENS
|
|
|
|
|
Depicted above are two spitfire Mk11A’s of 152 squadron crossing the Norfolk coast en route from R.A.F Swanton Morley. The year is 1941, and the aircraft, named “ Counter Attack”, is outbound on a bomber escort mission. Royal Air Force Swanton Morley was opened in September 1940, and supported a variety of aircraft types during WW11, including Blenheims, Bostons, Mitchells & Oxfords. Two notable “ First ” which can be claimed by the station include the delivery by Geoffrey de Havilland, of the first Mosquito into R.A.F service. In June 1942, four members of the 15th bomb squadron (Light), flying from R.A.F Swanton Morley in a Boston of 266 squadron, were the first Americans to take part in a bombing raid over Europe. The station also boasts the largest grass airfield in Europe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26 Sandown Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. SK7 4SH
|
|
|
|
In spite of the quotation, “ The Few ”, In fact nearly 3,000 RAF, Royal Navy and allied aircrew were involved in the Battle of Britain ; and not all were “aces”. This is the story of one of the latter, without whom the Battle could not have been won. This is by no means a unique story as there were many pilots who were only moderately successful. Yet the fact that they were there and played their part decisively tipped the balance in our favour.We therefore owe everything to them and gratitude for the final sacrifice made by Pilot Officer Richard Hogg. I can strongly recommend this very intimate and vivid account of one man’s war.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, GCB, DSO, OBE,
|
|
|
|
|
All proceeds of this book went to the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust which is responsible for the monument to “The Few” and the associated visitor centre on the clifftop at Capel-Le-Ferne, near Folkestone, Kent. Further details can be obtained from its secretary, Group Captain Patrick Tootal, OBE, DL, The Croft, Leybourne, West Malling , Kent , ME19 5QD. Tel: 01732 870809.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R.A.F Warmwell Preservation Group
|
As people pass away, their memories and their associated history is lost forever because it is people who make history. The story of those who served and survived is as important as those who made the supreme sacrifice. Sadly, within a few years, all traces of RAF Warmwell may have disappeared, for the buildings that do remain are under threat as time marches on and homes are built for today’s generation.
|
The RAF Warmwell Preservation Group will strive to preserve and records the annals, heritage and memory of the airfield and its dramatic history.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2002 - 2008 © R. J. Rooker. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
