The Kenley Common
had for a few years been a golf course. That was until June 1917 when
the area was commandeered under the 'Defence of The Realm Act'. The first
most people knew of it, including the head keeper, was when a group
of Canadian Forestry Corps began to clear the ground to make way for
the airfield construction.
Understandably,
this caused quite a fair amount of commotion, with questions being asked
in the House of Commons about the violation of public access and destruction
of trees that were protected by the City of London. Public opinion changed
fairly quickly however when German bombers began attacks on London,
causing 160 deaths. Bombs from Zeppelins caused another 15 deaths in
Croydon and Purley, and the existence of an airfield at Kenley became
of some comfort in defence.
Quite quickly, 7
double hangars were constructed, as this was to be No. 7 Aircraft Acceptance
Park to where the country's pioneering aviation manufacturers would
send their aircraft to be assembled from parts. The peace and tranquillity
that existed at the time was shattered by the roar of these early aircraft,
including 300 Sopwith Camels, that were either being tested or flown
out to France for duty with the Royal Flying Corps. Resident RFC Squadrons
that had a variety of aircraft began to appear in 1918. No. 1 (Communications)
Squadron was an important resident as it regularly conveyed officials
to and from the peace talks in Paris.
Four years of war
were over and hopes were raised that peace would go hand in hand with
peace at Kenley. Mr Winston Churchill responded in the House of Commons
that Kenley was too important to London to be given up. Cynics say it
was maintained as an operational flying unit because Mr Churchill was
learning to fly there. Further developments to the airfield took place
in the early 1920s and through the period a healthy turnover of squadrons
was maintained. One of these squadrons was No. 23 , arriving early 1927
and stayed until late 1932. 23 Squadron was equipped with Gloster Gamecocks
and was joined in 1930 by Douglas Bader, who was involved the following
year in the tragic accident that caused him to lose his legs. The station
closed for further reconstruction, re-opening again in 1934 with the
arrival of Nos. 3 and 17 Squadrons both flying Bristol Bulldogs.
Of further significance
in this period was the formation of No. 615 Squadron at Kenley. The
Squadron was later to be adopted by the County of Surrey, although in
reality it was Kenley's home Squadron. Our gliding squadron is numbered
615 in honour of this famous Squadron.
615 Squadron Crest
(Text taken from RAF Kenley Memorial Day Programme - A Brief History
of RAF Kenley)
