VISITKENT how a hidden underground city developed into the only civilian deep shelter Air Raid Precaution( ARP) scheme authorised by the central government. Additionally, the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum displays iconic RAF fighter planes of the Second World War, and the RAF Manston History Museum is another must-visit, with aircraft and exhibits showcasing the history of the airfield from 1916 to the present day.
Military History in Royal Tunbridge Wells At the entrance of award-winning park Calverley Grounds is a monument to Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding, Commander and Chief of RAF Fighter Command from 1936- 1940. Credited with winning the Battle of Britain, he lived and retired to Tunbridge Wells until his death in 1970. Along the Heritage Walking Trail there are 14 commemorative plaques which were placed to pay tribute to the town’ s historic noble figures, including the plaque on Lord Dowding’ s former residence in Calverley parkland.
Dover Castle As the very spot where the evacuation of Dunkirk- Operation Dynamo- was meticulously planned, not to mention the Great Tower which was first built as a mighty fortress on top of the white cliffs under commission of Henry II, Dover Castle’ s military history is rich and varied. Discover an immersive exhibition in the secret wartime tunnels that paints the picture of the tensions of the Dunkirk evacuation, plus the drama of a Second World War hospital.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham As every corner of the dockyard tells of its maritime history, it’ s the perfect spot to celebrate the bravery of those who served before us. In September, the dockyard will once again throw the ultimate celebration- the Salute to the‘ 40s festival- a weekend of 40’ s nostalgia, music, classic cars, military vehicles, reenactments and displays.
Battle of Britain Memorial The story of the Battle of Britain is brought to life at Capel-le-Ferne’ s clifftop memorial near Folkestone, which was set up to honour Churchill’ s‘ Few’ who saw off the Luftwaffe in 1940 and kept the UK free from invasion. This atmospheric space is home to the National Memorial to the Few and the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall, while the modern Wing Visitor Centre houses The Scramble Experience, a handson audio-visual introduction to the battle that changed history.
Eastchurch Aviation Museum Telling the rich heritage of the South East’ s aviation history, the Eastchurch Aviation Museum is part of a new heritage trail, which features 17 historic sites covering history through the Cold War and beyond. Many sites are located at airfields used by RAF Fighter Command 11 Group, a section of the RAF formed in 1936 to provide air defense in the run up to the Second World War.
ROYAL ENGINEERS MUSEUM
THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL
DOVER CASTLE
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