Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Encyclopedia
The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is located on the former RAF Hawkinge
, a World War II airfield 4 miles inland from Folkestone
, England
. It is privately operated and is the oldest museum
dedicated to the Battle of Britain
. Since opening in 1971, the museum has gained the support of a number of Battle of Britain pilots - many of whom have donated personal items to the museum.
The museum is situated in the village of Hawkinge, only a short distance from Folkestone and is the most comprehensive and longest serving Battle of Britain Museum in the UK. It also features a shop where one can buy Battle of Britain memorabilia, including CDs and audio cassettes recorded and donated by Battle of Britain RAF pilots.
RAF Hawkinge
RAF Hawkinge was an airfield in Kent, near to the south coast and the closest airfield to the French coast.It took part in the Battle of Britain and it was home to No. 79 Squadron RAF. After the war, the station hosted the Home Command Gliding Centre, and is fondly remembered by many Air Cadets as...
, a World War II airfield 4 miles inland from Folkestone
Folkestone
Folkestone is the principal town in the Shepway District of Kent, England. Its original site was in a valley in the sea cliffs and it developed through fishing and its closeness to the Continent as a landing place and trading port. The coming of the railways, the building of a ferry port, and its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. It is privately operated and is the oldest museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
dedicated to the Battle of Britain
Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain is the name given to the World War II air campaign waged by the German Air Force against the United Kingdom during the summer and autumn of 1940...
. Since opening in 1971, the museum has gained the support of a number of Battle of Britain pilots - many of whom have donated personal items to the museum.
The museum is situated in the village of Hawkinge, only a short distance from Folkestone and is the most comprehensive and longest serving Battle of Britain Museum in the UK. It also features a shop where one can buy Battle of Britain memorabilia, including CDs and audio cassettes recorded and donated by Battle of Britain RAF pilots.