My mum died last September 2019 aged 95 and mum was a WRAF like the rest of her 4 friends! they stuck together for the duration, sadly, my mum was the last to survive! I head all about her stations she was at! R.I.P all of those brave folk back than! We can never thank them enough! Sigh! :(
Thanks for making this excellent film. I wish my father could have seen it. As a young man he was there on the ACK-ACK guns. When the nazis moved their attention away from Biggin Hill on to the docks in the east end, my father went there with his Ack-ACK unit. He never spoke about it, all I was told was that he was there the night that an air raid hit an air-raid shelter which was referred to in this film. So as a young man called up to do his national service in 1938 he found himself picking up body parts of girls and lads the same age as he was. No wonder he never wanted to talk about it. My uncle told me the lad that went to war never came home, just his shell. RIP. private Robert. L. Mellor . Royal Artillery. My dad .
I am over 80 years old and lived near Woolwich Arsenal Munitions Factories throughout WW2, not far from Biggin Hill. I was a member of the Air Training Corps for many years and went to Biggin Hill many times when it was still active. It was a very proud atmosphere and rightly so. It MUST be rebuilt as a National Monument and Museum as a tribute to all those that lost their lives in South East and those of families in that region who also lost their lives and suffered greatly. The two houses next to mine were destroyed by a “doodle bug” and my house was badly damaged. I now live in San Diego, California (USA) but still remember those wartime days very clearly - like it was yesterday. Now we have to face a bigger war with Covid - 19. Let us all be considerate of those medical staff on the “front line” in this battle. DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD DO, DON’T BE CARELESS WITH YOUR LIFE OR THOSE OF OTHERS,
Circus Midgets Many thanks to you. The Corona Virus pales in comparison to WW2 but just as dangerous in an insidious way. I just wish people would take care to wear gloves and masks (as we did in WW2 in case of gas bomb attacks!!), the gloves and masks will not protect the wearers much but, they will help protects others that need to do their grocery shopping, particularly the elderly. NOTE: In grocery stores “Stockpilers” should have their shopping carts emptied and also, those and those without masks and gloves should be sent home. Sportygordon@icloud.com
Gordon Pearman, from me to you, thank you for what you did back then, for all our futures! I totally agree with you and I know my mum thought like you too! Sadly my mum died aged 95 last September! Thank you once again and take care!
What about the farmers still working to keep food coming if all farmers stoped like office workers ect people would starve so should they not get any thanks
What a lovely film. My grandfather was stationed here as an engineer in 1941, and his brother (my great uncle) a flt cmdr. He moved out to South Africa when the RAF did the training out there, and never returned to the UK. I was born there and grew up there and he passed when I was in my early 20's. Now in my late 40's, I have moved to England with my family. We visited the site recently and it was a profoundly moving experience for me. I wish I had asked him more questions about his time here.
Scottish Outdoors . I was born in 1942 so I was a war baby...Without the sacrifices of young ( boys ) men like these who knows how things would have turned out....I give thanks to them....all of them.
My dad was working on the airfield when they made the movie Battle of Britain ,I went with for 3 days ,,very cool ,,made me think of the brave polish and commonwealth airman ,,,the bravest if the brave ,,we owe you our future
Brilliant....just brilliant....as has been said this place should have been preserved as a memorial to all who served and gave their lives. So sad to see how this once great Country is now.
One of the most moving tributes to all who served during the Battle of Britain! Superb! Tragic and very, very sad to think that a civillian demolition crew achieved without opposition, what the Luftwaffe couldn't do to Biggin Hill through six years of WWII.
Really wonderful film, bravo to the makers and anyone keeping this alive. My mum was born near Biggin Hill in 1943 and spent many nights in an all-encompassing gas mask for babies. She's terrified of enclosed spaces to this day and is sure that's why! Thanks again for publishing this, it's truly marvellous to hear those voices. I will visit the museum there next month. Hopefully some of the commenters here talking about it being a disgrace that it's not preserved will do the same.
Wonderfully evocative film, but desperately sad to think of the sacrifices made by many people barely out of their teens. They shall never be forgotten.
Places like this should be national monuments. It's not like we can't afford it considering the insane projects they throw money at instead these days.
The technical site was owned by Bernie Ecclestone at some point (it may still be?) who kept his vehicle collection there. Knowing his track record, that means the long-term future of the buildings is by no means assured.
Thank God the place isn't in Australia. The whole base would have been levelled years ago and subdivided into small residential blocks, to be covered by large houses (with eaves almost touching each other) and sold to foreign buyers as investment properties!
A generation of men & women with whom one can be rightly proud & grateful. This beautifully crafted vignette of wartime Biggin pays an evocative tribute to that sentiment. Thank you so much .
I was born in Sevenoaks and remember going with my father to see a German pilot shot down from over the Kentish fields. My father worked for the Express newspaper and was sent to capture the pics of the downed pilot I remember seeing the dog fights in the skies over my home This place is hallowed ground from where so many young gave their lives to save our country
I visited Biggin hill recently and can report that heritage hangar chapel and museum are still being looked after The chapel a fitting memorial to those brave young men Spitfire’s still flying from the airfield
I just came across this. I had no idea it was abandoned. I went there twice in late 60's when it was OASC (Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre) One was surrounded by history and it was very atmospheric. I didn't get selected in the final tests and in those days they never told you why, but it was an experience and the selection process was pretty tough.
As luck would have it, We were vacationing in Cornwall on 9/11. On Saturday the 15th we attended an event at Salisbury Town Hall where combined Bands musically remembered Battle of Britain Day. The 76th US Army band was one of the bands there that night. I had no idea why the 15th of September was the day of remembrance for the Battle. Over dinner, I asked why the 15th had been designated the particular day to be remembered. I can only imagine now, that with 9/11 as the backdrop, I might have received an answer I might not have received otherwise. After a short pause, and a suddenly quiet table, one of the ladies said, “It was the worst day, after that it got better.” Later that night at the conclusion of the combined bands musical performance the 76TH US Army Band Captain led the combined bands in the finale. As the first note of the Star Spangled Banner was played, the entire audience stood. As one. Sharply. The bands finished with Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen. I’ve never forgotten the word-less kindness we received that week from our English hosts. Never forgetting IS remembering.
@@gertbamse1 Thank you gertbams 1, we are portrayed to be the bad guys of Europe nowadays, but you are correct memories are short. Five of my dads, brothers fought in WW2. One of them was a Commando who was on standby for the raid on Norway, but ended up on the Dieppe Raid in 1942 he became a POW and was treated rather badly. Once again thank you and all the best.
Not just Europe. The US has also forgotten (misremembered?) how the UK stood up Fascism while we sat on the sidelines and profited. Many in the US believe WWII started with Pearl Harbor in ‘41. We were a little late ... In a similar way, the US treatment of our Allies in the immediate post-war period is also not a particularly proud moment. The Marshall Plan didn’t start until 1948. So, from me, thanks UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all the others who fought.
RAF stations like Biggin Hill, Duxford, Tangmere, Manston and countless others, including those of Bomber Command, were too many to be all preserved for posterity, but you would think that at least some of the most famous of them could - and should - have been saved from decay and the deconstruction work that became their fate. They should have been turned into museums and historical monuments. Shame on the disinterested post-war governments who treated the national heritage in such manner.
The Bomber Command crews were disowned by politicians like Churchill after making a much bigger sacrifice in terms of lives lost than the "Battle If Britain" fighter-pilots. Churchill was given a big build-up as the man who saved the country but he turned out to be as short on integrity as anyone else in politics, then and now.
We are talking here about the relevance of Biggin Hill. And it's role in the Battle of Britain. And by association, the place of the Battle of Britain in history. - 1 It was the first campaign defeat of Hitler and his Nazis in WW2. - 2 It was the first military campaign in history fought and won primarily in the air. - 3 It secured Britain at a crucial time. Following the fall of France. And by so doing, allowed Britain to rebuild its strength! - And fight on! As such it was a crucial - a pivotal battle in WW2! To recognise that, is not to forget, or downgrade anybody else's contribution - or sacrifice! Whatever your opinion of Churchill. The reality is. When he came to power in May 1940. No British Prime Minister ever took up office under more strenuous, urgent or demanding circumstances!
Speaking as a Yank, I consider the RAF bases as superior to American ones for, if no other reason, the stylish architecture and and interior design. RAF Lakenheath's officer's club was a pleasure to be in. Mind you, I have visited few USAF bases, as my service was Army.
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you to you and your team for making such a wonderfully evocative and well produced film. The veterans stories really capture the atmosphere. (Steve - High Flight)
It doesn't matter how many Documentaries you watch your always finding one or two you miss when you're trying to complete some research . I never knew that this existed , Always willing to learn more at any time . Thanks for the up load .
I have always admired the strong British spirit. Their chin up attitude is inspiring despite what they sometimes go through. Although, I am a yank, I have always respected the British especially during their Finest Hour.
Great film, I live near Gravesend in Kent & unless you know the history of the area you'd never know that there used to be an RAF fighter airfield there apart from some road names belonging to the housing estates that replaced it, there is nothing to show it existed, a disgraceful state of affairs. So many of these WW2 airfields have fallen victim to the greed of developers who want to build on every bit of green space they can get their hands on. There used to be a pub called 'The Battle of Britain' on Coldharbour Road Gravesend, this was demolished, illegally I might add a few years ago, it had a large painting fixed to the wall outside depicting a Hurricane chasing a burning ME109, hopefully that was saved before the demolition started. The site is still empty as the council decide what should be done with it. Locals have called for the developers to be forced to rebuild it, somehow I doubt the council has big enough balls to take such action.
My father Sgt George Reid and his family lived in Biggin Hill during the 1950's.. as children we could still dig machine gun bullets out the surrounding valley surface, we assumed they were delivered by the Luftwaffe..
Think the gravestones said it all. An Airman. We have the same loss of the bomber bases round York. I've seen grown men, not always old, stand with tears running down their faces at places like these. Perhaps the Souls of these men rest easier now.
Do you think those brave ,brave men would be resting easier now if they could see this strife ridden country with it's melange of of races and creeds ,some with an anti British attitude ,a section of the older members of society who afraid to leave their homes after dark,and a section of Parliamentary M.P. s who have a subtext in their manifesto to destroy the "English " way of living , do you think they would rest easy now? If they could ask one question now,those brave ,brave men would ask who is the man,who is the selfish man of power who has betrayed them,and made their sacrifice worthless .
@@djangorheinhardt Yes, that too! IMHO when the UK was desperately needing materiel to fight WWII, the US saw its' opportunity to financially cripple the UK, by using deliberate extortionistic terms - through the "Lend Lease" agreement - to destroy the UK as a superpower, while assuming that position for themselves. Historically, the US was always jealous of the UK's empire, who rankled at the "5,5,3" limitations imposed in the post-WWI naval agreement. This, and, the near naval confrontation that almost occurred in 1928 between the US and the UK are evidence to US jealousy. But it's very ironic today, to hear the US complaining to the world being "the worlds' policeman" with no other country shouldering any of the costs!! I chuckle at this and say: "Well YOU wanted to become the dominant superpower, lad!! Being 'policeman' comes with the role. So stop blubbing about it!!"👍
Brilliant, Well done and we'll produced we should never forget those that put their lifes on the line for not only their generation but all generations to come.
What a disgrace, to think the young men who gave their lives fighting the Nazis. Now the powers that be let this drome crumble away when it should be preserved. The young fliers gave their lives to preserve our way of life. They should be remembered and honoured for their sacrifice. Many thanks for this video, it's a privilege to watch. 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
@@soulstorm_music they are not elite, far from it, like my great gran used to say, those that get to the top are like cream on milk just another form of scum, scrape it off and you get the good stuff. She worked on repairing Hurricanes in the BofB, sewing the canvas etc and part time as a nurse too. She saw a lot of this from a different station.
Thank you so much for this salute to our boys and girls who served at Biggin on the Bump, such an enchanting place when we think what went on there during the Battle of Britain and before of course. The graves of the personnel that were killed at BH are a poignant reminder of the sacrifice given, and the voices of the people that were there and are now also sadly gone is such a moving moment. Brilliant documentary, and absolutely needed, lest we forget.
I used to live near Biggin Hill back in the 70's it was still a going concern then. Used to go to dances held in the officers mess. The local pub, can't remember the name now, either the queens head or rose and crown I think but in the bar the caps of pilots that never returned from missions were still hanging on pegs next to the bar. Loved drinking there, unique atmosphere.
@@adrianreading7415 I haven't been there for several years, but the pub is still there. I would not be surprised if the caps were moved to the new BH museum or somewhere similar.
@@mranderson9039 That's sad. When I used have a pint there those caps made an atmosphere that was quite phenomenal. A pity a younger generation can't appreciate and respect what they did back then.
IF the communist facet creeping over our land and run by those holding the short and curlies from #10 get their way,it won't be remembrance that'll be changed but rather history rewritten completely!
it's always a little sad to see something of such historical importance lost. many former airfields have become industrial areas or trading parks. some are turned over to housing development or converted back into farm land. but i think Biggin should have been kept as a national treasure.
Thanks for this. I watched with sadness the ball/dance scene. Both my parents were ballroom dancers and I have memories of them gliding around the floor. You can see the gowns that the women wore. I was the last generation (Baby Boomers) who were taught the art of dancing. We thought it rubbish. How I wish I had learned more. Just that scene made your efforts worthwhile.
A well made and thought provoking film. Biggin was always a favourite haunt for me, my first airshow there in 1964, loved the atmosphere with the buildings and that awesome runway heading into the valley....have Bob Ogley's books, highly recommended. Respect to all who participated in saving my unborn future in the Battle of Britain...
In my opinion Not if a politician has got their greasy hands in the pot, as for example with the railways. Many of which would have been a great asset in these over car filled days.
They let these places rot first then say they're unsafe and have to be knocked down...only so the land can be sold for building houses. Tangmere is the same. Mainly housing now not much left of another wartime fighter station apart from a small museum.
I was fortunate enough to be given a Permanent Commission after spending 3 days at the Biggin Hill Officer selection process. A major honour! The RAF treated us well , light on discipline - the Mess nights with heavy drinking and games. High Cockolurum. "Are you there Moriarty?" CAVU skies!
I too went through OASC Biggin Hill - twice! The first time 17-20 March 1971 when, offered a commission, I elected to do something else. The second time, having realised my error, ten years later - to the day. 17-20 March 1981. This time I accepted the offer and spent 20 years as a Fighter Controller. Great days.
That was a fabulous insight. A common threat brings out the commonality in us all none more so than here. I remember them old barracks - stayed in a few. They have a distinctive sound. Brilliant. Mark
I lived near Biggin Hill when I was growing up in the 1960s. Went to the air show there every year. At the main entrance there was a spitfire on one side of the gate and a hurricane on the other. During WWII dad was ground crew at Tangmere, not far away.
Thank you, whenever I hear the roar of the mighty Merlin I get goosebumps, and a little emotional, I served as an aircraft engineering technician in Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force for 24 years, following in my father’s, grandfathers and great grandfathers (RFC & RAF) footsteps, and I am very proud to say my son followed in my footsteps, but I always think of those men and women who gave so much, some of whom gave everything, in defence of this many splendored isle, and I am disgusted by the disgraceful way that their sacrifices are treated by successive governments, in the period directly after WWII you can understand that immortalising now surplus airfields was not exactly a priority, however there has been plenty of opportunities since then for some of the more important and well known bases to be preserved as a tribute to all that served, but no, that hasn’t happened, and now it probably won’t ever happen, and I can’t understand why, all governments since WWII have bleated on about how much they respect and give thanks to our armed forces, past, present and future, but that is as far as it goes, they are ALL two faced liars, the depth of their respect lasts a little over 2 minutes on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, usually accompanied by the sound of silence and a lone bugler. It’s extraordinary how money can be found to refurbish the Houses of Parliament, or build a new high speed railway line that will only benefit the few (the rest of us can’t afford rail-fares) season ticket holders and the Uber rich, but find money to immortalise the few, or the many?, Nope can’t be done, and what about the National Trust?, The National Lottery, or goodness forbid, the ministry of defence, Nope, they are to busy propping up derelict castles or houses that someone famous lived in for a week, the National Lottery are to busy giving handouts to the cause of the moment, especially if they don’t deserve it, and the M.O.D are far to busy finding ways to waste the budget on computer systems that don’t work (twice during my service), aircraft carriers that don’t actually do what the navy asked for and light tanks that are so far behind schedule and so far over budget that IF they ever enter service they will be obsolete by the time the paints dry on the outside. The ONLY way that anything connected with preserving our military heritage happens is if volunteers do everything the government should, raising the capital just to buy the land, then the capital to restore the airfield, army base or navy ship, then the capital for buying period furniture, artefacts etc, and finally finding the capital to actually run the finished project, and even then they wouldn’t get any help from the government, nope, not a bean, but you can bet your last penny that some high profile politician or civil servant would decide that THEY should open this new and inspiring tribute to the armed forces, because THEY were the driving force behind it, BEHIND is the operative word. Sorry for going on and on like the energiser bunny but this is a subject close to my heart, and if I were still able bodied and without mental health issues I would have been one of the people trying to rectify the government’s very limited, if not nonexistent, respect and honour for our armed forces. Thanks for sharing this very interesting and emotive topic, I promise that I have put my soapbox away, vented my spleen and finished my adaptation of War and Peace, and to anyone who manages to read all the way to this point a massive thank you and thumbs up 👍. RIP all that have, are and will serve our country, thanks to all our veterans, and remember, Lest We Forget. Per Ardua Ad Astra. ☹️😡🥲👍🇬🇧🏴
Absolutely spot on mate!! I agree with you entirely. I only hope that just such a Station be preserved to stand for the many, and, for all those who fought - and in too many cases died - so that we can remain free!! Lest we forget!! 👍
Very strange how we brits treat our historical buildings.In viet nam the tunnels and traps are preserved for tourists.If Biggin hill were restored I am sure many tourists would pay to visit.A shame to see it being destroyed. Stay safe happy new year :}
An evocative film, but don't forget that Hawker Hurricanes also flew from there. My father was a Leading Aircraftman at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain.
A most beautiful documentary of Biggin Hill my favourite airfield then Hawkinge have great memories of these bases when I was a kid visit them and look at the buildings these should be honoured and open to the public as museums.Hawkinge has a small but informative museum there Biggin Hill should retain their buildings properly not let them rot away or become overgrown
God bless that airfield and the men and women who did so much for so many. Remember going to the air shows there as a boy and falling in love with the spitfire and hurricanes and even now when I see a spit taking off or landing over the airfield I stop and I think of that brave generation of people and feel so proud to be British.
My grandfather Fredrick Edward Tucker fought in WW1 .Lied about his age , 16 years old ,invalided out age 18 due to 2 mustard gas attack exposures. Fought in WW2 in the RAF age 44 ,based at Biggin Hill . Time his spent in Machine gun pits shooting at German ground attacking aircraft. Commuted to Biggin Hill everyday from Upton Park, East End ,London like a regular job.
If the RAF and Biggin Hill interest you may I recommend an old book, 'RAF Biggin Hill'. It can still be found sometimes via Amazon and similar sites. The book tells the story, mostly through the words of the men and women present, of the most famous fighter station in British history. I'd be surprised if it does not surprise, amaze and entertain you.
I lived near to Biggin Hill and september 1962 went the to the Battle of britain show, i watched the English Electric Lightening display, at the entrance of the camp either side of the entrance road by the Guard room was a Spitfire and opposite was a Spitfire.
My mum died last September 2019 aged 95 and mum was a WRAF like the rest of her 4 friends! they stuck together for the duration, sadly, my mum was the last to survive! I head all about her stations she was at! R.I.P all of those brave folk back than! We can never thank them enough! Sigh! :(
God bless your mum xx
@@bigteno4597 Thank you kindly! I appreciate your kind words!
Thanks for making this excellent film. I wish my father could have seen it. As a young man he was there on the ACK-ACK guns. When the nazis moved their attention away from Biggin Hill on to the docks in the east end, my father went there with his Ack-ACK unit. He never spoke about it, all I was told was that he was there the night that an air raid hit an air-raid shelter which was referred to in this film. So as a young man called up to do his national service in 1938 he found himself picking up body parts of girls and lads the same age as he was. No wonder he never wanted to talk about it. My uncle told me the lad that went to war never came home, just his shell. RIP. private Robert. L. Mellor . Royal Artillery. My dad .
I am over 80 years old and lived near Woolwich Arsenal Munitions Factories throughout WW2, not far from Biggin Hill. I was a member of the Air Training Corps for many years and went to Biggin Hill many times when it was still active. It was a very proud atmosphere and rightly so. It MUST be rebuilt as a National Monument and Museum as a tribute to all those that lost their lives in South East and those of families in that region who also lost their lives and suffered greatly. The two houses next to mine were destroyed by a “doodle bug” and my house was badly damaged.
I now live in San Diego, California (USA) but still remember those wartime days very clearly - like it was yesterday. Now we have to face a bigger war with Covid - 19. Let us all be considerate of those medical staff on the “front line” in this battle. DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU SHOULD DO, DON’T BE CARELESS WITH YOUR LIFE OR THOSE OF OTHERS,
Agree and well said Gordon I met many pilots from that time truly great men and so humble, all the best to you.
Circus Midgets Many thanks to you. The Corona Virus pales in comparison to WW2 but just as dangerous in an insidious way. I just wish people would take care to wear gloves and masks (as we did in WW2 in case of gas bomb attacks!!), the gloves and masks will not protect the wearers much but, they will help protects others that need to do their grocery shopping, particularly the elderly. NOTE: In grocery stores “Stockpilers” should have their shopping carts emptied and also, those and those without masks and gloves should be sent home. Sportygordon@icloud.com
Thx for sharing 😉👍
Gordon Pearman, from me to you, thank you for what you did back then, for all our futures! I totally agree with you and I know my mum thought like you too! Sadly my mum died aged 95 last September! Thank you once again and take care!
What about the farmers still working to keep food coming if all farmers stoped like office workers ect people would starve so should they not get any thanks
What a lovely film. My grandfather was stationed here as an engineer in 1941, and his brother (my great uncle) a flt cmdr. He moved out to South Africa when the RAF did the training out there, and never returned to the UK. I was born there and grew up there and he passed when I was in my early 20's. Now in my late 40's, I have moved to England with my family. We visited the site recently and it was a profoundly moving experience for me. I wish I had asked him more questions about his time here.
As someone whose Grandfather was one of the few, I thank you deeply for taking the time to upload this not just for me but for my children to see.
Scottish Outdoors . I was born in 1942 so I was a war baby...Without the sacrifices of young ( boys ) men like these who knows how things would have turned out....I give thanks to them....all of them.
My dad was working on the airfield when they made the movie Battle of Britain ,I went with for 3 days ,,very cool ,,made me think of the brave polish and commonwealth airman ,,,the bravest if the brave ,,we owe you our future
Brilliant....just brilliant....as has been said this place should have been preserved as a memorial to all who served and gave their lives. So sad to see how this once great Country is now.
Biggin Hill should have retained historical site importance - it is a testament to all who served there in WW11
Agreed
I was amazed it wasn't preserved. What a terrible travesty.
thats the english arostacrats for you the least among ppl
❤I went to a few airshows there with my old school mate and we loved the place@@234cheech
What remains must be preserved. Such places are as much part of our history as any medieval castle or Tudor palace. Don't give up.
Wow. Incredible film. Thank you
Very moving!😢 Thank you Paul👍
One of the most moving tributes to all who served during the Battle of Britain! Superb! Tragic and very, very sad to think that a civillian demolition crew achieved without opposition, what the Luftwaffe couldn't do to Biggin Hill through six years of WWII.
Really wonderful film, bravo to the makers and anyone keeping this alive. My mum was born near Biggin Hill in 1943 and spent many nights in an all-encompassing gas mask for babies. She's terrified of enclosed spaces to this day and is sure that's why! Thanks again for publishing this, it's truly marvellous to hear those voices. I will visit the museum there next month. Hopefully some of the commenters here talking about it being a disgrace that it's not preserved will do the same.
Wonderfully evocative film, but desperately sad to think of the sacrifices made by many people barely out of their teens.
They shall never be forgotten.
Places like this should be national monuments. It's not like we can't afford it considering the insane projects they throw money at instead these days.
agreed
The technical site was owned by Bernie Ecclestone at some point (it may still be?) who kept his vehicle collection there. Knowing his track record, that means the long-term future of the buildings is by no means assured.
Thank God the place isn't in Australia. The whole base would have been levelled years ago and subdivided into small residential blocks, to be covered by large houses (with eaves almost touching each other) and sold to foreign buyers as investment properties!
I agree.Biggin Hill should be a national shrine. Full marks to the maker of this poignant film.
gb5uq... agreed. It's sacred ground.
Such films and the books "forgotten voices" give quite an insight into the "world" of those years we should never forget. Thanks for the upload!
A generation of men & women with whom one can be rightly proud & grateful.
This beautifully crafted vignette of wartime Biggin pays an evocative tribute to that sentiment.
Thank you so much .
I was born in Sevenoaks and remember going with my father to see a German pilot shot down from over the Kentish fields. My father worked for the Express newspaper and was sent to capture the pics of the downed pilot
I remember seeing the dog fights in the skies over my home
This place is hallowed ground from where so many young gave their lives to save our country
I visited Biggin hill recently and can report that heritage hangar chapel and museum are still being looked after The chapel a fitting memorial to those brave young men Spitfire’s still flying from the airfield
This is an absolute gem.
I just came across this. I had no idea it was abandoned. I went there twice in late 60's when it was OASC (Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre) One was surrounded by history and it was very atmospheric. I didn't get selected in the final tests and in those days they never told you why, but it was an experience and the selection process was pretty tough.
As luck would have it, We were
vacationing in Cornwall on 9/11. On Saturday the 15th we attended an event at Salisbury Town Hall where combined Bands musically remembered Battle of Britain Day. The 76th US Army band was one of the bands there that night. I had no idea why the 15th of September was the day of remembrance for the Battle. Over dinner, I asked why the 15th had been designated the particular day to be remembered. I can only imagine now, that with 9/11 as the backdrop, I might have received an answer I might not have received otherwise. After a short pause, and a suddenly quiet table, one of the ladies said, “It was the worst day, after that it got better.” Later that night at the conclusion of the combined bands musical performance the 76TH US Army Band Captain led the combined bands in the finale. As the first note of the Star Spangled Banner was played, the entire audience stood. As one. Sharply. The bands finished with Rule Britannia and God Save the Queen. I’ve never forgotten the word-less kindness we received that week from our English hosts. Never forgetting IS remembering.
I always get very emotional when anything about the battle of Britain is shown it is and will always be immortal to us Brits literally our finest hour
Europe has forgotten what GB sacrificed for our freedom.
God bless you.
Best regards from Denmark.
@@gertbamse1 Thank you
gertbams 1, we are portrayed to be the bad guys of Europe nowadays, but you are correct memories are short. Five of my dads, brothers fought in WW2. One of them was a Commando who was on standby for the raid on Norway, but ended up on the Dieppe Raid in 1942 he became a POW and was treated rather badly. Once again thank you and all the best.
Not just Europe. The US has also forgotten (misremembered?) how the UK stood up Fascism while we sat on the sidelines and profited. Many in the US believe WWII started with Pearl Harbor in ‘41. We were a little late ... In a similar way, the US treatment of our Allies in the immediate post-war period is also not a particularly proud moment. The Marshall Plan didn’t start until 1948. So, from me, thanks UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and all the others who fought.
@@alaneee5273 thankyou sir from a proud Britain
Having visited Biggin Hill for the first time today, this was a brilliant watch, thank you!
So many life had been saved by so few of these fine young men in such short time. We will remember them forever.
RAF stations like Biggin Hill, Duxford, Tangmere, Manston and countless others, including those of Bomber Command, were too many to be all preserved for posterity, but you would think that at least some of the most famous of them could - and should - have been saved from decay and the deconstruction work that became their fate. They should have been turned into museums and historical monuments. Shame on the disinterested post-war governments who treated the national heritage in such manner.
The Bomber Command crews were disowned by politicians like Churchill after making a much bigger sacrifice in terms of lives lost than the "Battle If Britain" fighter-pilots. Churchill was given a big build-up as the man who saved the country but he turned out to be as short on integrity as anyone else in politics, then and now.
We are talking here about the relevance of Biggin Hill. And it's role in the Battle of Britain. And by association, the place of the Battle of Britain in history. - 1 It was the first campaign defeat of Hitler and his Nazis in WW2. - 2 It was the first military campaign in history fought and won primarily in the air. - 3 It secured Britain at a crucial time. Following the fall of France. And by so doing, allowed Britain to rebuild its strength! - And fight on! As such it was a crucial - a pivotal battle in WW2! To recognise that, is not to forget, or downgrade anybody else's contribution - or sacrifice! Whatever your opinion of Churchill. The reality is. When he came to power in May 1940. No British Prime Minister ever took up office under more strenuous, urgent or demanding circumstances!
I would hope that RAF Biggin Hill would be restored to it's war time condition in honor of the many heroes who saved Britain
Excellent. Thank you. Wonderful pilots and all those who supported them.
Wonderful short piece: can't believe 20 years has gone by since it was done.
Speaking as a Yank, I consider the RAF bases as superior to American ones for, if no other reason, the stylish architecture and and interior design. RAF Lakenheath's officer's club was a pleasure to be in.
Mind you, I have visited few USAF bases, as my service was Army.
Thank you for the upload, my grandad was here during the war. RAF 610 squadron
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you to you and your team for making such a wonderfully evocative and well produced film. The veterans stories really capture the atmosphere. (Steve - High Flight)
My mother was a driver in the WAAF stationed there 1940 - 1942 approx ... we have numerous photos of her squadron etc...etc...
It doesn't matter how many Documentaries you watch your always finding one or two you miss when you're trying to complete some research .
I never knew that this existed ,
Always willing to learn more at any time .
Thanks for the up load .
I have always admired the strong British spirit. Their chin up attitude is inspiring despite what they sometimes go through. Although, I am a yank, I have always respected the British especially during their Finest Hour.
Great film, I live near Gravesend in Kent & unless you know the history of the area you'd never know that there used to be an RAF fighter airfield there apart from some road names belonging to the housing estates that replaced it, there is nothing to show it existed, a disgraceful state of affairs. So many of these WW2 airfields have fallen victim to the greed of developers who want to build on every bit of green space they can get their hands on. There used to be a pub called 'The Battle of Britain' on Coldharbour Road Gravesend, this was demolished, illegally I might add a few years ago, it had a large painting fixed to the wall outside depicting a Hurricane chasing a burning ME109, hopefully that was saved before the demolition started. The site is still empty as the council decide what should be done with it. Locals have called for the developers to be forced to rebuild it, somehow I doubt the council has big enough balls to take such action.
An excellent and emotive short film - thank you. God bless all that served in any way, shape or form.
My father Sgt George Reid and his family lived in Biggin Hill during the 1950's.. as children we could still dig machine gun bullets out the surrounding valley surface, we assumed they were delivered by the Luftwaffe..
Great production, we shall remember them.
Think the gravestones said it all. An Airman. We have the same loss of the bomber bases round York. I've seen grown men, not always old, stand with tears running down their faces at places like these. Perhaps the Souls of these men rest easier now.
Do you think those brave ,brave men would be resting easier now if they could see this strife ridden country with it's melange of of races and creeds ,some with an anti British attitude ,a section of the older members of society who afraid to leave their homes after dark,and a section of Parliamentary M.P. s who have a subtext in their manifesto to destroy the "English " way of living , do you think they would rest easy now? If they could ask one question now,those brave ,brave men would ask who is the man,who is the selfish man of power who has betrayed them,and made their sacrifice worthless .
@@djangorheinhardt Absolutely NAILED it!! 👍
@@tim7052 Thanx for your agreement.That war also left us British completely bankrupt ,a bankruptcy from which we will never totally emerge..
@@djangorheinhardt Yes, that too! IMHO when the UK was desperately needing materiel to fight WWII, the US saw its' opportunity to financially cripple the UK, by using deliberate extortionistic terms - through the "Lend Lease" agreement - to destroy the UK as a superpower, while assuming that position for themselves. Historically, the US was always jealous of the UK's empire, who rankled at the "5,5,3" limitations imposed in the post-WWI naval agreement. This, and, the near naval confrontation that almost occurred in 1928 between the US and the UK are evidence to US jealousy. But it's very ironic today, to hear the US complaining to the world being "the worlds' policeman" with no other country shouldering any of the costs!!
I chuckle at this and say: "Well YOU wanted to become the dominant superpower, lad!! Being 'policeman' comes with the role. So stop blubbing about it!!"👍
Amazing film. Thank you for making it. God rest all those souls 🙏
Brilliant, Well done and we'll produced we should never forget those that put their lifes on the line for not only their generation but all generations to come.
What a disgrace, to think the young men who gave their lives fighting the Nazis. Now the powers that be let this drome crumble away when it should be preserved. The young fliers gave their lives to preserve our way of life. They should be remembered and honoured for their sacrifice.
Many thanks for this video, it's a privilege to watch.
👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
...and now the free life they fought for is now gone, via a bunch of elites we can't even see.
@@soulstorm_music Aye, you hit the nail on the head. Once you finish doing what they wish you to do, they don't want to know you.
@@soulstorm_music they are not elite, far from it, like my great gran used to say, those that get to the top are like cream on milk just another form of scum, scrape it off and you get the good stuff. She worked on repairing Hurricanes in the BofB, sewing the canvas etc and part time as a nurse too. She saw a lot of this from a different station.
Thank you so much for this salute to our boys and girls who served at Biggin on the Bump, such an enchanting place when we think what went on there during the Battle of Britain and before of course.
The graves of the personnel that were killed at BH are a poignant reminder of the sacrifice given, and the voices of the people that were there and are now also sadly gone is such a moving moment. Brilliant documentary, and absolutely needed, lest we forget.
I think you did a great job with this video, it gave me a real feeling of being there during that period of time, keep up the great work, Cheers.
I used to live near Biggin Hill back in the 70's it was still a going concern then. Used to go to dances held in the officers mess. The local pub, can't remember the name now, either the queens head or rose and crown I think but in the bar the caps of pilots that never returned from missions were still hanging on pegs next to the bar. Loved drinking there, unique atmosphere.
Could have been "The Ole Jail"
Kings Arms
@@mranderson9039 Thanks. Yes that's the one. Is it still there and did they leave all the caps in place?
@@adrianreading7415 I haven't been there for several years, but the pub is still there. I would not be surprised if the caps were moved to the new BH museum or somewhere similar.
@@mranderson9039 That's sad. When I used have a pint there those caps made an atmosphere that was quite phenomenal. A pity a younger generation can't appreciate and respect what they did back then.
They will never be forgotten...🇬🇧🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿🇨🇿🇮🇩🇫🇷🇺🇸
IF the communist facet creeping over our land and run by those holding the short and curlies from #10 get their way,it won't be remembrance that'll be changed but rather history rewritten completely!
it's always a little sad to see something of such historical importance lost. many former airfields have become industrial areas or trading parks. some are turned over to housing development or converted back into farm land. but i think Biggin should have been kept as a national treasure.
It's a complete disgrace IMHO.
There's a museum there: bhmm.org.uk/
Yacht Monty B , unfortunately they knocked down part of the RAF chapel in order to build it, against much local opposition.
It would be so much cheaper to preserve Biggin Hill at this point than in 20 years time.
Couldn't agree more it should be a national monument. Drove past it this morning. It's almost like they're trying to let it fall into disrepair.
Lovely film, Paul. This is the first time I’ve seen it in about 20 years. I hope you’re keeping well. Best regards, Tim (Marc T’s friend)
Paul, this was brilliant. Well done, and thank you.
This is excellent, brings home the human side of the war rather than the romantic which we all know and love.
Steve
Thanks for this. I watched with sadness the ball/dance scene. Both my parents were ballroom dancers and I have memories of them gliding around the floor. You can see the gowns that the women wore. I was the last generation (Baby Boomers) who were taught the art of dancing. We thought it rubbish. How I wish I had learned more. Just that scene made your efforts worthwhile.
My parents did exactly the same... and I have exactly the same memories.. my mum in her sequened dress
A well made and thought provoking film. Biggin was always a favourite haunt for me, my first airshow there in 1964, loved the atmosphere with the buildings and that awesome runway heading into the valley....have Bob Ogley's books, highly recommended. Respect to all who participated in saving my unborn future in the Battle of Britain...
We're not always good at preserving our heritage are we?
We are if it's a stately home.
I went to biggin hill with the 120 squadron when I was 14 went up in a chip monk did loop the loop and victory roll and had a parachute on
@@billyrussell5148 A derelict site with disposable buildings in ruin. That isn't heritage, it is simply a mess.
In my opinion Not if a politician has got their greasy hands in the pot, as for example with the railways. Many of which would have been a great asset in these over car filled days.
They let these places rot first then say they're unsafe and have to be knocked down...only so the land can be sold for building houses.
Tangmere is the same. Mainly housing now not much left of another wartime fighter station apart from a small museum.
I was fortunate enough to be given a Permanent Commission after spending 3 days at the Biggin Hill Officer selection process. A major honour! The RAF treated us well , light on discipline - the Mess nights with heavy drinking and games. High Cockolurum. "Are you there Moriarty?" CAVU skies!
I too went through OASC Biggin Hill - twice! The first time 17-20 March 1971 when, offered a commission, I elected to do something else. The second time, having realised my error, ten years later - to the day. 17-20 March 1981. This time I accepted the offer and spent 20 years as a Fighter Controller. Great days.
the ground should belong to the National Trust to prevent development of the site
To right, i agree you Mr Handy 77.
I learnt to fly at PPL and still remember the resident Spitfire circling above while I was on climb out. Great video👍
What a great piece of work Paul - thank you, and many thanks to also to the few!
That was a fabulous insight. A common threat brings out the commonality in us all none more so than here. I remember them old barracks - stayed in a few. They have a distinctive sound. Brilliant. Mark
Very emotional. Many thanks for upload.
What a lovely poignant film you have created, many thanks.
I lived near Biggin Hill when I was growing up in the 1960s. Went to the air show there every year. At the main entrance there was a spitfire on one side of the gate and a hurricane on the other. During WWII dad was ground crew at Tangmere, not far away.
I really enjoyed your presentation. Thank you.
Wow what a magic video. Never seen anything like this. Superb well done.
Thank you, whenever I hear the roar of the mighty Merlin I get goosebumps, and a little emotional, I served as an aircraft engineering technician in Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force for 24 years, following in my father’s, grandfathers and great grandfathers (RFC & RAF) footsteps, and I am very proud to say my son followed in my footsteps, but I always think of those men and women who gave so much, some of whom gave everything, in defence of this many splendored isle, and I am disgusted by the disgraceful way that their sacrifices are treated by successive governments, in the period directly after WWII you can understand that immortalising now surplus airfields was not exactly a priority, however there has been plenty of opportunities since then for some of the more important and well known bases to be preserved as a tribute to all that served, but no, that hasn’t happened, and now it probably won’t ever happen, and I can’t understand why, all governments since WWII have bleated on about how much they respect and give thanks to our armed forces, past, present and future, but that is as far as it goes, they are ALL two faced liars, the depth of their respect lasts a little over 2 minutes on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, usually accompanied by the sound of silence and a lone bugler. It’s extraordinary how money can be found to refurbish the Houses of Parliament, or build a new high speed railway line that will only benefit the few (the rest of us can’t afford rail-fares) season ticket holders and the Uber rich, but find money to immortalise the few, or the many?, Nope can’t be done, and what about the National Trust?, The National Lottery, or goodness forbid, the ministry of defence, Nope, they are to busy propping up derelict castles or houses that someone famous lived in for a week, the National Lottery are to busy giving handouts to the cause of the moment, especially if they don’t deserve it, and the M.O.D are far to busy finding ways to waste the budget on computer systems that don’t work (twice during my service), aircraft carriers that don’t actually do what the navy asked for and light tanks that are so far behind schedule and so far over budget that IF they ever enter service they will be obsolete by the time the paints dry on the outside. The ONLY way that anything connected with preserving our military heritage happens is if volunteers do everything the government should, raising the capital just to buy the land, then the capital to restore the airfield, army base or navy ship, then the capital for buying period furniture, artefacts etc, and finally finding the capital to actually run the finished project, and even then they wouldn’t get any help from the government, nope, not a bean, but you can bet your last penny that some high profile politician or civil servant would decide that THEY should open this new and inspiring tribute to the armed forces, because THEY were the driving force behind it, BEHIND is the operative word.
Sorry for going on and on like the energiser bunny but this is a subject close to my heart, and if I were still able bodied and without mental health issues I would have been one of the people trying to rectify the government’s very limited, if not nonexistent, respect and honour for our armed forces.
Thanks for sharing this very interesting and emotive topic, I promise that I have put my soapbox away, vented my spleen and finished my adaptation of War and Peace, and to anyone who manages to read all the way to this point a massive thank you and thumbs up 👍.
RIP all that have, are and will serve our country, thanks to all our veterans, and remember, Lest We Forget. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
☹️😡🥲👍🇬🇧🏴
Absolutely spot on mate!! I agree with you entirely. I only hope that just such a Station be preserved to stand for the many, and, for all those who fought - and in too many cases died - so that we can remain free!! Lest we forget!! 👍
Brilliant absolutely brilliant.
Such brave men from Britain & Ireland, the commonwealth and Europe and even the US. #wewillrememberthem
Southern England in Summer is truly beautiful
Thank you.
Captivating and beautifully done.
Brilliant well done a great film
Very strange how we brits treat our historical buildings.In viet nam the tunnels and traps are preserved for tourists.If Biggin hill were restored I am sure many tourists would pay to visit.A shame to see it being destroyed. Stay safe happy new year :}
Interesting Paul - my Grandfather was a member of ground crew there during WW II.
An evocative film, but don't forget that Hawker Hurricanes also flew from there. My father was a Leading Aircraftman at Biggin Hill during the Battle of Britain.
My mum,,Joan Bellinger,, served the during the war. On RDF. Mike Kingdon
Brilliant! Thank you.
A most beautiful documentary of Biggin Hill my favourite airfield then Hawkinge have great memories of these bases when I was a kid visit them and look at the buildings these should be honoured and open to the public as museums.Hawkinge has a small but informative museum there Biggin Hill should retain their buildings properly not let them rot away or become overgrown
Great film
God bless that airfield and the men and women who did so much for so many. Remember going to the air shows there as a boy and falling in love with the spitfire and hurricanes and even now when I see a spit taking off or landing over the airfield I stop and I think of that brave generation of people and feel so proud to be British.
Thank you
Excellent production.
The Holy Grail of Britain.
My first
Posting May 88 to june 89. .loved the place. Such history SAC Geordie Marshall
Hi Paul, Thanks so much for the video. My father was the exec producer of this film and i was wondering if you could get in touch? Many thanks
Thank you so much .
1984 - 1986 raf biggin Hill Was my fist camp Nice place had some good times there.
Wish I could go back to those days.
Still O.A.S.C at that time.
The goverment should save these places .for the future .lest we forget
have some very vague memories of an annual Air Show being held there back in the 70s, maybe early 80s
I can't imagine what that was like. What a horrible time in history. Man's cruelty to man.
My grandfather Fredrick Edward Tucker fought in WW1 .Lied about his age , 16 years old ,invalided out age 18 due to 2 mustard gas attack exposures. Fought in WW2 in the RAF age 44 ,based at Biggin Hill . Time his spent in Machine gun pits shooting at German ground attacking aircraft. Commuted to Biggin Hill everyday from Upton Park, East End ,London like a regular job.
Fascinating stuff 👍
There is a stone in Orpington that marks where a spitfire came down . My Alsatian stood there barking at
It . Makes you wonder.
Where in Orpington?
We played in the bomb holes as kids. Went to the discos held on the camp . Biggin hill was great Shame this area isn’t still as lovely
Its kind of sad to think of this being forgotten and abandoned.
If the RAF and Biggin Hill interest you may I recommend an old book, 'RAF Biggin Hill'. It can still be found sometimes via Amazon and similar sites. The book tells the story, mostly through the words of the men and women present, of the most famous fighter station in British history. I'd be surprised if it does not surprise, amaze and entertain you.
Thank you well done
How quickly we forget.
I lived near to Biggin Hill and september 1962 went the to the Battle of britain show, i watched the English Electric Lightening display, at the entrance of the camp either side of the entrance road by the Guard room was a Spitfire and opposite was a Spitfire.
Brilliant video and history lesson 😊