Sad news - RAF Kenley's Officer's Mess destroyed by fire

[Dave Homewood]

I've just seen on Facebook that the Officer's Mess at RAF Kenley was destroyed by a fire last night. So sad. Such a historic building, that will have been frequented by and home to so many New Zealand airmen in WWII, and beyond.

Among other kiwis who were based at Kenley, No. 485 (NZ) Squadron was stationed there from October 1941 till July 1942 with their Spitfire Vb's.

Other famous airmen who were stationed there include 'Sailor' Malan, and JE "Johnnie" Johnson. And the station featured in both the films Angles One Five and Reach For The Sky.

www.surreymirror.co.uk/engines-battles-blaze-Kenley-Aerodrome/story-28630364-detail/story.html?platform=hootsuite

Film on Facebook here www.facebook.com/portcullisclub/videos/561321030699113/

[11SQNLDR]

Sad news indeed, that's a lot of history gone up in smoke

[baronbeeza]

I hadn't been up to Kenley but drove down the Coulsdon valley many times (The A23, Brighton Rd). From what I could make out it had gone the way of Wigram but 30 years ago the aerodrome was more of a gliding field.

Biggin Hill at the time was an active and thriving GA community and the RAF were still using their parts of the station as well.

Was there an ongoing RAF presence at Kenley until now, or recently ?

I had two workmates that lived in Coulsdon and we worked at Redhill Airfield. John was saying how the roads were so quiet when the Tiger Club first moved to Redhill and then how London had just spread more and more south over the decades.

I think any of those airfields on the periphery would be struggling to survive the noise complaints of the 'established' neighbours.
Some of the occupants of those very same houses may recall the noise of fighters taking to the air or of bombs exploding on the stations.

Different things to worry about these days I guess. Many of those old stations are disappearing for whatever reason anyway.

[11SQNLDR]

Happy to report the following from the Kenley Airfield Friends Group:

"
********************** KAFG ANNOUNCEMENT ****************************

After last week’s dreadful fire we have some much better news. I've spoken
to two senior members of Surrey Fire & Rescue Service who, along with a
surveyor, have inspected the damaged central part of the Mess. They're now confident the outer walls can be saved which is excellent news as we had feared the worst. As the Mess is Grade 2 listed they - along with
Tandridge County Council - also have considerable legal powers to insist
and ensure it is reinstated to its original condition. They tell me that
these powers will be very firmly enforced and progress carefully monitored
by the Fire Service and Tandridge CC over the coming months.

Work has already started to make the building safe and I understand a
temporary metal roof will be fitted to prevent further damage until full
restoration work begins. Security across the whole site is being massively
improved and professional 24 hour surveillance is likely to be a part of it.

I'm sure a lot of people will be asking why it has taken a devastating
fire to bring all this action about. There's no answer to this but instead
of looking back I'd rather look to the future and the rebuilding of our
historic Officers' Mess and the exciting things the Kenley Revival project
holds for everyone.

Finally, I'd like to pass on KAFG's very grateful thanks to all members of
Surrey Fire Service who attended the blaze and in difficult conditions
managed to save the wings and other important parts of the building. I'd
also like to thank everyone who's expressed outrage at what appears to be
a mindless arson attack on our historic and unique airfield.

Best wishes,

Alan Morgan K.A.F.G Chairman."

[Dave Homewood]

Well that is good!