Memorial

RAF Gravesend

Memorial

Source: Copyright Michael Mitchell

1/1

Current Location

Roadside at the entrance to the Cascades Leisure Centre former RAF StationVESEND, Thong Lane, Gravesend, Gravesham, Kent, DA12 4LG, England

TQ 66897 71776

Send us details and photographs of your local war memorials, to help enhance the information about the people, places and events they commemorate.

This record shows everything IWM currently knows about this memorial. We are continually updating our records.

To share information or photographs, contact us.

Type of Memorial: Board / Plaque / Tablet
WMR Reference Number: 49525
Description: Rectangular black tablet set in a rough stone and brick wall with incised badge of squadrons in upper right and left corners. In lower left corner is image of plane with SD N on it , and lower right corner shows image of plane with LZ on it. Lettering in white.
Inscription: RAF GRAVESEND/ 1939-1944 / THIS MEMORIAL COMMEMORATES THE SITE OF THE FORMER ROYAL AIR FORCE STATION/ WHICH SERVED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE DEFENCE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM DURING WORLD WAR II./ The original airport called GRAVESEND LONDON EAST covered all of the Riverview Park Estate. The airfield was extended on the East of Thong Lane in 1942/43./it originally served as a civilian airport and flying school. At the out break of the war the RAF requisitioned the airfield to strengthen fighter command requirements./In the summer of 1940 the skies above Kent witnessed the greatest ariel battle ever fought and seen by the British public. the "BATTLE OF BRITAIN"/took place between the 10th July and the 31st October 1940 and RAF Gravesend played a major role as one of the most active fightr stations/with 501 Squadron (Hurricanes) and 66 (F) Squadron (spitfires) flying almost non stop to repel and eventually defeat the Luftwaffe.

Dedicated

2nd March 2003

Rev. Group Captain Richard Lee/Ron Neudegg local historian/ATC cadets/local Clergy/Dignitaries

Tablet

Made from: Granite

Condition: Good

Wall

Condition: Good