WONZ 279 - Wings Over Britain: Biggin Hill

[Dave Homewood]

WONZ 279 - Wings Over Britain: Biggin Hill is online.

In this episode Dave Homewood talks with Dave Cole, a guide and local historian at the Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, at former RAF Biggin Hill. Dave talks about the fascinating history of the famous RAF fighter station, from its very beginning with the Royal Flying Corps in 1915, being created as an airfield where scientific development of aerial radio communications was pursued. And he explained its role as a defensive fighter base for London and southern England during WWI, and into the interwar period, and then into WWII with the Battle of Britain, and beyond.

Dave then chats with Margaret Wilmot about St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, which is specially dedicated to remembering the members of the Royal Air Force who lost their lives in World War Two. Margaret, the Verger of the parish, explains the chapel’s history and its current status as a memorial and visitor attraction, as well as an active parish church.

cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2023/08/wonz-279-wings-over-britain-biggin-hill/

[Dave Homewood]

So, in a way, a challenge was placed in this episode by Margaret Wilmot, the Verger of St George's RAF Chapel of Remembrance, for an official gift from the country of New Zealand to be placed in the chapel. New Zealand is one of only two countries from whose airmen served at RAF Biggin Hill during WWII that is not represented by a contribution.

How could we make this happen? Who do we approach for a start? Is it the RNZAF? The Air Force Museum of New Zealand? The Ministry of Defence? Ministry of Veterans Affairs?

And in what form do you think the gift should be? Each nation has gifted something very different.

[shorty]

Build them a Mosquito!

[Dave Homewood]

This was a serious question, Shorty. This is not for the warbird operator on the airfield, it is for the memorial chapel there, a completely separate entity altogether.

[shorty]

I am well aware of that Dave

[johnnyfalcon]

Excuse me if this is an ignorant question, but didn't NZ make one of the largest contributions already (per capita) in lives lost, or forever affected, by their involvement in the scourge of Britain's war?

How is a gift, inanimate or otherwise, going to make the pain of loss or sacrifice sweeter, or made to be in a better or more acceptable light? (Not meant to be an offensive question)

[Dave Homewood]

You are right John, New Zealand made a huge contribution and sacrifice. That is why the St Georges RAF Chapel of Remembrance would like those New Zealanders who lost their lives to be remembered.