Meet the Team

Museum Founder and Curator 26.01.1942 – 16.10.2013.

I joined the museum at the age of ten in 1979 after badgering my parents to allow me to volunteer. Luckily Dave Buchanan (the original chairman) and Len Green, both of the then Brenzett Aeronautical Museum allowed me to join and took me under their wing from the beginning of the planned museum at Hawkinge. A short time later Brenzett amalgamated with the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, from Chilham Castle, and I met Mike Llewellyn, Tony Parslow and others. All became inspirational in encouraging me to expand my knowledge of the Battle of Britain, to hunt for the crash-sites of long forgotten aircraft, educated me in the skills of research and down to more practical skills in such things as wood and metalwork, which I still use on a daily basis.

At the age of seventeen I became a Trustee and then was very honoured to become the Museum Chairman in 1990 (the fiftieth anniversary of the Battle) and after Dave Buchanan retired.

I have been very privileged to have known and be friends of about 400 of 'The Few' and around 50 former Luftwaffe Battle of Britain airmen, all of whom I have met through my work within the Museum. I used to juggle my work commitments with school and then work, but in 2008 the business I was working for failed and I took the massive and difficult decision to become a full-time volunteer.

Volunteering and running the museum is hard work but every day I remember and commemorate my hero's 'The Few' and by doing so, make sure others remember them too.

My first connection with the museum was in 1980 when it first came to Hawkinge but owing to work commitments I had to stop until I retired in 2004, then it was back to volunteering which I enjoy and I particularly like meeting the different visitors that come during the year. I especially enjoy a coach of veterans who always have a good story to tell, but also the young school children who make for an interesting day with some unusual questions.

I became a Trustee in 2015. Everyone is very appreciative of the work carried out by the museum volunteers.

I met Mike Llewellyn sometime after finishing my National Service in Germany with the Queens Royal Regiment and, in 1964, he invited me to join his small group of friends, spending weekends recovering the wrecks of Battle of Britain aircraft. In those days it was just a hobby with no idea of anything as formal as an established museum, but over time the collection grew.

The publication in 1969 of 'Battle over Britain' written by Frank Mason, with the involvement of my brother Martin, was a great help with our searches and so that small group has now become the leading Battle of Britain museum in the world, supported by over 40 volunteers, with whom it is my greatest pleasure to work.

When I retired in 2010 I was looking for somewhere to offer my services as a volunteer. My wife was looking on the internet and found the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. I applied and found a world of information on the Battle of Britain, met some fantastic fellow volunteers and visitors but most of all I had the opportunity to meet some of 'The few'.

I am extremely proud to work here and help to keep the memories of those brave men and women who played a major part in preventing an invasion of our island. We also remember the brave German pilots who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Joined the volunteers in January 2018 after visiting the museum and attending a talk by the museum chairman at HAC at Duxford in 2017.

My story started with the Museum back in 2010 when I first visited the museum itself, from that day I became a frequent visitor that would visit up to 7 times a year sometimes more, I became good friends with Dave, Mike and the volunteers along the way.

My association with the museum as a volunteer started in December 2017 when I received a phone call from the Dave asking whether I would like to help out in moving the Bristol Blenheim a few days later from IWM Duxford. After picking myself up from the floor I gladly accepted, I felt very privileged to of been asked and have been a volunteer ever since, helping out with the restoration of the Blenheim and around the museum, I have been made very welcome by all at a Museum that has such a fantastic future ahead of it and I feel very lucky to be a small part of, as every day is different and full of surprises.

I have always had a love of aircraft and flying. My father was a Flight Engineer on Lancaster's at the end of the Second World War. I flew with my father at the age of three and from then all I wanted to do was to learn to fly. Sadly, this wasn't to be my profession, but at the age of 23 I did obtain my private pilot's licence and spent many happy hours flying. I joined the museum in 2004. I enjoy the camaraderie of the volunteers and have made many friends. The museum is the nest for presenting the history of the Battle of Britain and has many unique artefacts. I enjoy meeting the visitors, in particular the older generations who relate their experiences during the war.

Having been interested in the Battle of Britain for many years and after attending the unveiling of the airfield memorial at the museum I ask Dave if I could become a volunteer having also being retired for a couple of years. He agreed and now I am able to help keep the memory alive of all those who gave so much to during the dark days of 1940.

My first memories of my life long interest in the Battle of Britain and WW2 was my dad modelling I was lucky enough to have many trips going to museums all over as a young boy. Most of dad's models ended up hanging from my bedroom ceiling in "dogfight" scenarios.. I spent many fun days playing on the Manston Spit outside and the aircraft grave yard/fire dump. Throughout my life I've visited airshows and met our hero's collecting fine art and signatures. I have visited the Museum as a visitor/supporter for some years.

A few years ago I sent a email to Dave asking how the museum was over the winter and if they needed help or advice, i'd love to help. I had a immediate reply!!! Dave asked me to "pop down for a chat"... I was intrigued. Hawkinge is approx a 40 min drive so I went that evening. I was met by Dave and shown into the main hanger, and 3 part repaired hurricanes - "When can you start?" said Dave!!! It was all ok he gave me 3 weeks to get them done.

Being accepted at the museum is a dream for me. Giving back to preserve the memory of all involved in the battle of Britain. This culminated in meeting several of my hero's at our memorial opening. Whether it's painting aircraft, vehicles, making frames or repairing toilets volunteering is something I love.

Being a mechanic I am interested in all things with an engine. When being offered the opportunity to rebuild a Spitfire I jumped at the chance. Having a keen interest in the RAF and the Battle of Britain, I admire the dedication of the young men and women of that time and what they did for us.

I became a volunteer after watching the Boulton Paul Defiant arrive at the museum in February 2015.

I have been a volunteer at the Kent Battle of Britain Museum since 2004, originally, as a form of therapy following a family tragedy and health issues, but now the work at the museum has become a very important part of my life, particularly since my retirement from paid employment.

I've only been volunteering since January 2018 but have already been welcomed into the group and met some great people. Having always had a great interest in the RAF and the Battle Of Britain, its now great to have the opportunity to help keep the memory of "The Few" and all the brave men and women going for future generations. It's a fantastic museum packed with great stuff, and where else do you get the chance to help restore WWII planes!

I retired in 2011 having moved to Hawkinge in 2007. I volunteered in 2011 and have been here ever since. A panel beater by trade so I have been able to contribute to the museum with my skills. I love meeting the different people that visit and listening to their stories. I also enjoy the banter between the volunteers.

Scramble arrived at the museum in 2014, being a present from Dave's parents, and soon became the museum mascot. Very quickly becoming a supervisor with the volunteers and a firm favourite with museum visitors, having her own fan club