NINE LIVES: The Story of Biggin Hill

From Battle of Britain fighter station to commercial airport, this is the inspiring story of Biggin Hill, the world-famous Battle of Britain fighter station, which has had many lives. First used as an airfield in 1917, Biggin Hill saw brutal action in both World Wars, never losing a day's operations despite devastating enemy attacks and took the stage for 'The Few' of the Battle of Britain and the magnificent groundcrew and supporting agencies. It represented Britain's resistance to the Nazi scourge. Since 1959 two dynamic figures have kept this historic airfield open against the odds: fighter ace Jock Maitland, creator of the renowned Biggin Hill International Air Fair, and army pilot Andrew Walters and then his son Robert, who has turned it into London' s No 1 business airport, with a thriving aviation community that includes air charter companies, engineering firms, flying schools, storage and restoration, and major Formula 1 and Bombardier operations. It has also had its struggles with Ministries and the local council and seen huge success with The Bump airshow 1963-2018. Meanwhile a new Museum and St George's Memorial Chapel keep memories of its days as a Royal Air Force Station alive. The first full history of this great airfield, this special book looks behind the scenes of a busy modern airport, digs deep into its dramatic past, and tells an inspiring tale of enterprise, innovation, teamwork and determination. Well illus with exciting colour and b/w photos and posters and nostalgic ephemera. 24.5 x 26.5cm, 256 large quality pages.
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