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Tablet - Taken by Michael Mitchell 20 Jul 2010
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RAF Gravesend - Taken by Andrew Marshall 27 Oct 2019
Reference WMO/75698
Edit memorial name, location & address- Stone Stone (any)
- Stone Granite
- Second World War (1939-1945)
As a conservation charity which gives grants War Memorials Trust can support repair and conservation works that follow best conservation practice. Grants are awarded from funds raised by the charity so money available is limited and is therefore focused on eligible war memorials.
War Memorials Trust’s Definition of a war memorial for funding purposes helpsheet explains which war memorials are eligible and ineligible for funding.
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RAF Gravesend 1939 - 1944. This memorial commemorates the site of the former Royal Air Force station which served a crucial role in the defence of the United Kingdom during World War II. The original airport called Gravesend London East, covered all of the Riverview Park estate. The airfield was extended on the east of Thong Lane in 1942/43. It originally served as a civilian and flying school. At the outbreak of the War the RAF requisitioned the airfield to strengthen fighter command requirements. In the summer of 1940 the skies above Kent witnessed the greatest aerial battle ever fought and seen by the British public. The 'Battle of Britain' took place between 10th July and the 31st October 1940 and RAF Gravesend played a major role as one of the most active fighter stations, with 501 Squadron (Hurricanes) and 66 Squadron (Spitfires) flying almost non stop to repel and eventually defeat the Lutwaffe.
There are no individual names recorded on the memorial, however, inside the Leisure Centre are further details of the Squadron's that were based there, and individual tributes to the airmen who were based there and lost their lives during the Battle of Britain.
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