London Biggin Hill Airport

London Biggin Hill Airport, formerly RAF Biggin Hill, is an airfield at Biggin Hill in London Borough of Bromley.

Related Topics:
Biggin Hill - London Borough of Bromley

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It opened in 1917 as a communications base. During the Second World War it was a Royal Air Force station and one of the commanding bases for the Battle of Britain with both Spitfires and Hurricanes being based here. The first 'kill' of the war was claimed by a squadron based here.

Related Topics:
1917 - Second World War - Royal Air Force - Battle of Britain - Spitfires - Hurricanes

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After the war, Biggin Hill became the Officers and Aircrew Selection Centre for the RAF which was then relocated to RAF Cranwell. Biggin Hill was also the location of an annual airshow, on Battle of Britain Day (15 September).

Related Topics:
RAF Cranwell - Battle of Britain Day - 15 September

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The RAF station was closed in 1992, and the site was bought by Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone.

Related Topics:
1992 - Formula One - Bernie Ecclestone

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It also became a small-scale civilian airport and has continued as such. There is an ongoing dispute about whether scheduled passenger services should be allowed to use the airport.

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