London Biggin Hill Airport

London Biggin Hill Airport was formerly (and a small remains) RAF Biggin Hill, one of the best known World War II Air Stations from the Battle of Britain. Squadrons based here included 32 Squadron, 79 Squadron and 601 (County of London) Auxiliary Squadron. Vitally positioned to defend the capital, Biggin Hill became known as ‘The Strongest Link’ and fighter squadrons from this air station claimed to have destroyed 1400 enemy aircraft during the war. It should be of little surprise then that the stories concerning haunt like experiences at Biggin Hill involve the most famous WWII RAF fighter aircraft, the Supermarine Spitfire.

This extract is taken from an article in the Kent and Sussex Courier entitled ‘The ghastly ghouls rumoured to haunt our sleepy district’ dates from 31 October 2008. ‘A rather happier ghost is said to haunt the air above Biggin Hill, where a ghostly engine is sometimes heard (some say it’s a Spitfire, some a Merlin*), and is thought to be the spirit of a British airman who was shot down over Tatsfield. He’s also said to thumb the occasional lift back to the airfield, along with colleagues who appear in the village in trench coats; they’re reported to stop people and ask directions… then disappear.’

A large collection of airworthy Spitfires is housed in the Hertiage Hanger at Biggin Hill.

*The Spitfire was powered by a Rolls-Royce PV-12 Merlin engine. The negine was also used in the Hawker Hurricane and Avro Lancaster.