A group of World War Two military veterans, most at least 100 years old, have been welcomed at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar
On July 18, the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar and the co-located Flyaspitfire.com were delighted to welcome a number of World War Two veterans to the historic Kent airfield. The esteemed group, treated to a special day in their honour, had over 1,000 years of life experience between them!
The occasion gave them, their families and carers the chance to meet fellow veterans and enjoy lunch while surrounded by the Heritage Hangar's impressive collection of historic aircraft, vehicles and memorabilia. The veterans included:
Ann Galley, 100 - Ann worked as a plotter with the WAAF at RAF Biggin Hill between 1941 and 1944.
W/O Peter Lemon, 102 – Peter served as a wireless operator/air gunner aboard Vickers Wellingtons. He flew 50 ‘ops’ from Silloth in Cumbria, and from Aden.
Flt Lt George Dunn DFC, 100 - George flew with 76 and 608 Squadrons, on Halifax, Mosquito and Spitfires. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
W/O Harry Winters – Serving as a wireless operator from September 1941, he was shot down while flying with 427 Squadron, and became a POW.
LAC Gilbert Clark, 98 - Gilbert volunteered to join the RAF from Jamaica. He was posted to RAF Filey, where he was trained in radio and radar operation both on the ground and in aircraft.
Peter Smoothy RN, 99 – Peter served as Royal Navy crew on a tank landing ship on D-Day.
Mervyn Kersh, 99 – Mervyn served as a Private with the Ordnance Corps.
Gordon John Barrett, 102 – an engineering specialist who worked on all types of aircraft, Gordon is the oldest CAA-registered pilot and engineer at 102!
Sqn Ldr Kenneth Drury DFM, 100 – a navigator on Lancasters, Sqn Ldr Drury was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Medal and Légion d’honneur for his bravery. With thanks to Ian Amis
