The Battle of Britain is on, August 1940

When France collapsed, it was anticipated that Britain would be next.  However, as the Bromley & District Times reported in August 1940, both the R.A.F. and anti-aircraft gunners, although less in numbers, were vastly superior and stronger, managing to keep enemy at bay.  German planes not brought down were sent reeling home, damaged and diminished. The Battle of Britain had begun…   It’s On… The Battle of Britain is on. It has not begun in the way many people expected.  When France collapsed so tragically, through the weakness and treachery of her new…

The King Visits Kent, 1940

When the local Home Guard received a surprise visit from Royalty in August 1940, the local newspaper reported the excitement of the villagers in West Wickham, and the surprise of the men themselves.  The Home Guard put on the largest display in the history of the movement on that day.   Record parade of Home Guard at West Wickham Inspection of Anti-Aircraft units The deep interest which the King takes in the military ad civil defence of this country was evident at two visits which he has made to Kent within…

Ramble with a Thrill

Ramble with a Thrill “Bomber Came Out of the Clouds” A lady who was walking with a friend in a park towards a village in Kent described her experiences to the Kentish Times. “A German bomber came out of the clouds. Immediately after anti-aircraft guns went into action, and we walked under the trees until we got to the main road. We decided to make for the village public-house, and order our lunch of shandy and bread and cheese – shandy is better than shrapnel and beer better than bombs! While we were seated…

Daring attacks over German and Italian territories, 1940

This report featured in the 19th July 1940 edition of the Bromley & District Times, giving readers an update on the R.A.F. attacks conducted over enemy territory.  It also warned readers that an ‘established Defence Area’ on the South Coast was being barred to holiday-makers. Raids over German and Italian Territory. Many Enemy Planes Brought Down The R.A.F. are continuing their successful operations over a wide area, carrying out daring attacks on German and Italian territory. German raids on this country have been vigorously resisted by R.A.F. fighters and anti-aircraft defences,…