As part of a series exploring the military history of Biggin Hill, DAVID MILLS finds out whether civilians were responsible for the shooting down of a German plane at Leaves Green.
THE shooting down of the Dornier bomber at Leaves Green on August 18, 1940, by a motley bunch of part-time soldiers fast became the stuff of Battle of Britain legend.
Wartime propaganda made the 4th Platoon of the Kent Home Guard into instant heroes.
The Daily Telegraph reported the shooting was carried out by members of the Guard which included caddies from a nearby golf course, clerks, milkmen and postmen.
But did the team, led by First World War veteran Lieutenant Bertie Miller, really shoot down the Leaves Green Dornier?
Historian and author Bob Ogley said: “No book on the Battle of Britain is complete without a mention of this romantic story.
“Bertie Miller had no doubt his men administered the fatal shots.”
Recalling the shooting, Mr Miller told Mr Ogley: “I gave the order to fire. We pumped 180 rounds towards the belly of the bomber. When it came down and the crew stepped out alive, they looked rather arrogant.”
While the Air Ministry gave Mr Miller’s men credit for the shooting, other sources claim it was because of ground defences at Kenley and attacks from 111 Squadron.
But who better to go to for the truth than the pilot himself.
Herr Rudolf Lamberty, explaining how he was part of a two-wave attack, said: “The first was due to come in and pound the airfield but due to a navigational error it failed to arrive.
“I was with the second wave, intending to sweep in at tree-top height and complete the job of demolishing Biggin Hill.
“I was attacked by a Spitfire and then met the full force of the defences from the ground.”
After treatment, Lamberty was transferred to a POW camp in Canada.
He was presented with part of the bomber at The White Hart pub in Brasted in September 1971.
HERITAGE CENTRE CAMPAIGN
Campaigners are hoping to open a long overdue military heritage centre on a site next to Biggin Hill airfield to remember The Few who gave their lives for so many.
The centre will chart the groundbreaking development of radar and communication technology used by aircraft during the First and Second World War, as well as house a large collection of artefacts and memorabilia from pilots based at the airfield.
Visit the Biggin Hill Battle of Britain Supporters’ Club, which is backing the campaign, at bhbobsc.org.uk
Bob Ogley has written two books about the military history of Biggin Hill, ‘Biggin on the Bump’ (£11.99) and ‘Ghosts of Biggin Hill’ (£12.99). For more information and to obtain copies, call 01959 562972 or visit frogletspublications.co.uk
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