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Biggin Hill Airshow

Biggin Hill Airshow

Biggin Hill Airshow.

Biggin Hill in Kent is a very famous fighter station and on November 2nd, 1939, one of its resident Squadrons claimed the first enemy aircraft of the war when it shot down a Dornier Do 17. Biggin Hill played a major role in the Battle of Britain during World War Two.

The Biggin Hill 'The Hardest Day' 2020 event was cancelled due to the Corona (COVID-19) Virus and due to the uncertainty posed by Covid-19 the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight 2021 also did not take place.



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Biggin Hill Airshow Maps




Biggin Hill Accommodation:






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Biggin Hill Information & Links


About Biggin Hill:
Biggin Hill History

Location:
Google Map
County: Kent
Satnav Postcode: TN16 3BN

Travel Information:
Directions - Enter your postcode
AA Route Finder
RAC Route Finder
National Rail
National Express

Accommodation:
Travelodge
Premier Inn
TripAdvisor

Weather Forecast:
General UK weather forecast
Local weather Met Office
Local weather BBC

Biggin Hill Photographs:
Photos Biggin Hill 2018
Photos Biggin Hill 2017
Photos Biggin Hill 2016
Photos Biggin 75 (2015)
Photos Biggin Hill 2015
Photos Biggin Hill 2014
Photos Biggin Hill 2010
Photos Biggin Hill 2009
Photos Biggin Hill (1970s)

General Information:
Biggin Hill Scanner Frequencies
Checklists

Official Website & Links:
Festival of Flight Website
Biggin Hill Facebook
Biggin Hill Twitter

UK Airshows 2024:
UK Airshows (England):
Shuttleworth Airshows
Duxford Airshows
Royal International Air Tattoo
Farnborough Airshow
RAF Cosford Airshow
Flying legends Airshow - cancelled
Abingdon Air & Country Show
Midlands Air Festival
Little Gransden Airshow
Airbourne (Eastbourne) Airshow
Southport Airshow
Clacton Airshow
Bournemouth Air Festival
Blackpool Airshow
English Riviera Airshow
Teignmouth Airshow
Headcorn Battle of Britain
Old Buckenham Airshow
East Kirkby Airshow
Sywell Airshow
UK Airshows (Wales):
Wales National Air Show
Rhyl Air Show - cancelled
UK Airshows (Scotland):
International Ayr Show
UK Airshows (Northern Ireland):
NI International Airshow
UK Airshows (Channel Islands):
Jersey International Air Display
Guernsey Air Display
Flypasts/Events 2024:
King's Birthday Flypast

Biggin Hill Airshow.

Biggin Hill History
Biggin Hill was established in 1917 as a wireless testing park and the Air to Air and Air to Ground telephony systems were developed at this site. Bristol fighters of 141 squadron R.F.C were also based here as part of the inner patrol zone of the London Air Defence Area. The Bristol Fighters sported a bright red cockerel painted on the fuselage.

After the First World War, Biggin Hill was home to the Instrument Design Establishment but it was moved to Farnborough in 1922. Snipes of 56 squadron were stationed here along with a night flying flight. At the end of 1927, 56 Squadron which now operated Siskins were transferred to North Weald and a couple of years later the night flying flight also departed. The Station was then reconstructed in 1929 and was ready for occupation by 1932. Two Squadrons moved in with Demons and Bulldogs, and an Anti-Aircraft Co-operation Flight was formed. In 1937, Biggin Hill was host to two Squadrons both equipped with Gauntlets and later the Station was home to the Hawker Hurricane.

During the Second World War, 79 Squadron based at Biggin Hill claimed the first enemy aircraft when it shot down a Dornier Do17 on November 2nd 1939. Hurricanes from Biggin flew constant patrols over the beaches during the evacuation of Dunkirk. During the Battle of Britain the Station was home to several Spitfire Squadrons. Biggin Hill aerodrome was attacked repeatedly and received heavy damage by the Luftwaffe but still remained operational throughout the battle. In 1944 when the first V1 flying bombs started to fall in southern England, Biggin Hill Station had to close because of its proximity to London brought it within the defensive balloon barrage belt and Station was taken over by the balloon crews. Later, Biggin resumed the offensive fighter role by escorting Lancasters and Halifaxes in daylight attacks on Germany.

After the War, Biggin Hill was transferred to No.46 Group, Transport Command and in 1946 it was handed to Reserve Command until 1949 when it returned to Fighter Command. In 1950 Biggin Hill was home to Meteors and later Hunters. In 1957 as Fighter Command was being scaled down and Biggin Hill airspace was becoming crowded with airliners flying from London Airport, its Squadrons were disbanded. The Station was now relegated to a non-operational status. The RAF still retained the North Camp to house the Officers and Aircrew Selection Center and one of the hangars housed a fine collection of World War Two aircraft. A Battle of Britain Open Day was held annually in September bringing a temporary return of RAF aircraft and thousands of spectators. In 1992, the RAF finally left Biggin Hill and the Selection Centre moved to RAF Cranwell.

The Biggin Hill 'The Hardest Day' 2020 event was cancelled due to the Corona (COVID-19) Virus and due to the uncertainty posed by Covid-19 the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight 2021 did not take place.