The Battle of Britain bunker Uxbridge. R.A.F Uxbridge 11 Group

 

Plots of R.A.F fighters intercepting 
three air raids 

In early 1938 the threat of war loomed large and preparations were made across the U.K, the chain home radar stations that linked together around the coast were under construction and being tested and prepared. The structure of R.A.F fighter commands leadership was also being organised with command and control bunkers built as part of the preparations. Facing one of the largest airforces in Europe at that time, most of whom had already been battle hardened in the Spanish civil war which had only just come to an end was a daunting prospect. 

Splitting the country up in to different groups the south east of England found itself protected by 11 group commanded by Keith Park a highly respected New

Statute of Air Chief Marshal 
Sir Keith Park 11 group 

Zealander. On the 22nd of June 1940 the battle of France ended in surrender and Britain braced itself for the coming conflict and the start of the Battle of Britain. As expected 11 group faced the brunt of the conflict, The plan was to break the R.A.F on the ground and to that end its airfields and infrastructure were attacked daily. 

Pilots would go up to meet these raids two, three or sometimes as much as five times a day during the peak of summer when the days were long, I can’t begin to imagine the stress with which those young men were under repeatedly laying your life on the line over and over, I’m sure there were times where the came close to being killed only to go up and do it again hours latter. 

11 group was controlled from R.A.F Uxbridge the group headquarters Hillingdon house being a short walk to the command bunker. The Bunker was visited by many dignitaries during the Battle of Britain the king visited with the princesses, future Queen Elizabeth being only 14 at the time of her visit. A regular visitor Prime minister Winston Churchill who was inside the bunker on 16th August 1940. Being the middle of August

Observation room Battle of Britain Bunker 

the weather was fair which meant heavy air attacks from German airforces. On his way out of the bunker his aide Hastings was concerned and inquired if he could do anything, he was quickly rebuffed “Don’t talk to me, I’m quiet moved” Churchill who was an emotional man was overwhelmed by the day’s events. He took a moment and penned his thoughts, something he would use a few days latter. 

“Never in the field of human conflict, has so much,  been owed by so many to so few.” Winston Churchill to parliament August 1940. 

Status Board of 11 group squadrons 

This famous speech delivered to parliament a few days later was penned just outside R.A.F Uxbridge after a visit to the command bunker and witnessing the heavy fighting being conducted by 11 groups pilots. It’s really worth a visit to get a sense of what it must have been like during the battle and to pay dues to the brave men and women of fighter command who sacrificed so much to maintain our freedom. 

Have fun stay safe 👍🏻