Exhibition Held to Mark 84th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Last weekend, the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was commemorated at the Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, in Hornchurch Country Park, with an event hosted by local historians Richard and Kim Smith.

The event celebrated the legacy of the brave RAF pilots who defended Britain during the historic battle, offering attendees a glimpse into the important role played by RAF Hornchurch.

Richard Smith, who has spent 30 years collecting memorabilia from the Battle of Britain and RAF Hornchurch, shared his passion for preserving this important part of history.

His dedication to this cause began after he moved to the area in 1983. He was inspired by a Battle of Britain stall at the Havering Show during the 50th anniversary, which led him to film related clips for them. From there, his involvement deepened, and he began interviewing surviving pilots.

Photo Credits: Andrew Ruff

Richard’s work has been instrumental in keeping the stories of the RAF alive. “533 pilots were killed during the Battle of Britain, and 70 of them lost their lives operating out of RAF Hornchurch,” he noted, underscoring the sacrifices made by these airmen.

Running from 10 July to 31 October 1940, the Battle of Britain was a pivotal moment in British history. Richard has also authored several books on the subject, helping to ensure that future generations understand the significance of the battle and the pilots’ heroic efforts.

The event at Ingrebourne Valley was a fitting tribute to those who served, with visitors able to learn more about the history and explore the extensive collection of memorabilia curated by Richard and others.

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