As the Battle of Britain Memorial in Kent cautiously prepares to welcome back visitors this summer, the Trust that runs the site has unearthed a remarkable photograph from 20 years ago.

The picture, taken as the Few gathered for Memorial Day in July 2001, shows a number of Battle of Britain aircrew, all of whom have since passed away, together with Memorial Trust Chairman Richard Hunting CBE.

The photograph, taken by the Trust’s then photographer Vic Seymour, contains a number of famous faces, including Group Captain John “Cat’s Eyes” Cunningham, who flew with No 604 Squadron during the Battle of Britain.

Cunningham was a night fighter ace, but to hide the fact that his success was due at least in part to the invention of airborne radar, which was far better than anything the Luftwaffe had to offer, the Air Ministry instead credited it to exceptional night vision. It said this was due to a diet of Vitamin A-rich carrots. The nickname “Cat’s Eyes” soon stuck.

Also in the historic picture are Flt Lt William Walker, who later became a minor celebrity thanks to his poetry, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris, who was President of the Trust until 1999 and after whom the Memorial Wall at Capel-le-Ferne, just outside Folkestone, is named.

Virtually all those in the photograph are wearing the tie of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, which only the Few could join.

If the Government’s roadmap remains as it is currently, the Wing visitor centre and car park at the site will open from Wednesday to Sunday each week from Wednesday 19 May. The outdoor part of the site is currently open to visitors on foot.

The photograph shows (left to right, back row): Richard Hunting, Sqn Ldr Doug Nicholls DFC, Flt Lt Ron Smyth DFC, AE, Flt Lt William Walker AE, Flt Lt Ludwik Martel VM, KW, Flt Lt Keith Lawrence DFC, Flt Lt John Down AE, Sqn Ldr Arthur Pond AFC, Flt Lt Richard Jones (front row): Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson AE, Gp Capt John Cunningham, DSO* DFC*, ACM Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris GCB, DSO, OBE, Flt Lt Robert Haylock.

By Ed

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