Even while Biggin Hill buried its dead, the Luftwaffe kept dropping bombs. DAVID MILLS reports on how the commander hit the self-destruct button.
THE day after Biggin Hill was bombed in August 1940, killing 39 people, everybody pulled together to repair the damage.
The WAAFs who were buried under stones and earth dusted themselves down and were back at work the next day.
Despite having no gas, electricity or water, they still managed to cook hot meals for the hundreds of people.
Revealing the extent of the devastation, historian and author Bob Ogley said: “The runways were so badly cratered by the bombs that it was virtually impossible for the aircraft to land, but every available man and woman set to work filling in the craters.
“As they toiled they knew the Luftwaffe had not yet finished with Biggin Hill.”
And how right they were.
That very evening 10 Junkers 88s undid their hard work – with the runway cratered again within minutes.
While everyone was ordered to take shelter, WAAF veteran Sergeant Helen Turner refused to move from her post on the switchboard.
Mr Ogley said: “Another bomb fell outside but still Sergeant Turner sat at her post, but not for long.
“She was dragged under a table protesting as a 500lb bomb crashed through the roof and bounced off the safe.
“Staff climbed out of a shattered window. There were fires everywhere and the station was devastated.”
The funerals of those killed during the bombing on August 30 took place two days later at the village cemetery at Biggin Hill.
But the Luftwaffe would not relent.
Sirens wailed and more bombs fell, but it seemed nothing would stop friends and relatives of the dead from burying their loved ones.
Mr Ogley said: “Explosives fell causing more damage but the coffins, draped with Union Jacks, remained undisturbed.
“The Padre continued with the service, ignoring the sound of exploding bombs, the anti-aircraft fire, the noise of the battle overhead.
“He spoke calmly, without faltering, before the coffins were lowered into the ground.”
Day after day the bombing continued.
Soon Biggin Hill would be nothing more than a heap of rubble.
With just the hangar remaining, Group Captain Grice decided to take desperate measures to prevent further loss of life.
He ordered for explosives to be put in place and at 6pm on September 4, the hangar was blown up.
Mr Ogley said: “Biggin Hill was now totally flattened and the daylight raids virtually stopped.”
CAMPAIGN FOR HERITAGE CENTRE
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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