News

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust Ltd and The Kent Spitfire have announced that the ‘Spirit of Kent’ Spitfire will soaring above the Kent Battle of Britain Museum in Hawkinge at about 1.00pm on Sunday, (27 September).

It is hoped the historic aircraft will give an eight-minute display to commemorate the brave airmen that fought and died from Hawkinge during, not only the Battle of Britain, but the whole of the History of the Airfield (1910 – 1961).

The ‘Spirit of Kent’ is flown at displays in memory of No 131 ‘County of Kent’ Squadron, a Squadron of Spitfires bought by donations from the people of Kent. Spitfire TA805 originally flew from RAF Hawkinge during September and October 1945, and will be making a welcome return to the skies above Hawkinge.

TA805 was built at the Supermarine Works at Castle Bromwich in the West Midlands and started its career with the RAF at No 39 MU in December 1944. She flew with No 183 (Gold Coast) Squadron and No 234 (Madras Presidency) Squadron before the end of the war.

The Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust Ltd, is a Registered Charity, run by volunteers and enthusiasts and houses the largest collection of Battle of Britain Artefacts on show in the country.

Founded in 1968 it is the oldest Battle of Britain Museum in the Country and not only houses Aircraft, Vehicles, Weapons, Flying Equipment and Fine Art Prints, but also artefacts recovered from over six hundred and fifty Battle of Britain aircraft.

The Museum is open from Easter Friday to 31st October 2009, Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 4pm (last entry by 3pm). It is closed on Mondays except on Bank Holidays.

The Museum Shop carries a range of Kent Spitfire Merchandise and some of the profit from these items helps keep the ‘Spirit of Kent’ flying in the skies above Kent. The Museum Shop is open during the winter months on Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 3pm.