National Battle of Britain Memorial
Contents
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(photo, Mitch Peeke)
Key Facts
| Location: | Folkestone, Kent |
| SatNav: | ? |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Date Opened: | July 1993 |
| Aircraft Exhibits: | 2 |
What’s Here
Not strictly a museum, more an evocative memorial to the Allied aircrews of the Battle of Britain. Officially opened in July 1993, the memorial is in the shape of a giant three-bladed propeller carved into the ground, with the statue of a lone airman sitting on the propeller-boss looking out to sea. Carved on the boss are the Squadron badges of the RAF units which took part in the battle. The surrounding grassy area features a series of raised banks which give the impression of pilot’s leather flying helmet and earphones. A visitors centre sells a range of souvenirs and refreshments. Close-by are two circular concrete areas. On one sits the Full Scale Model (FSM) of a Hawker Hurricane in the markings of 56 Sqn. On the other is a Supermarine Spitfire FSM in the markings of 72 Sqn. These ‘models’ are of very high quality and considerably enhance the experience of visiting the site.
Directions
At Capel-le-Ferne, between Folkestone and Dover. Access is from the A20 from Dover, or the M20 from Folkestone, then via the A2011. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps
Visiting
Opening Hours:
The car park and visitors centre are open daily 11.00 am to 5.00 pm (last admission 4.30 pm), 1 April to 11 November. The site may be accessed on foot outside of these times.
Admission:
Free, donations appreciated.
Amenities:
Toilets, Parking, Visitors Centre, access for the disabled.
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| Memorial wall, flagpole and cafeteria (photo, Mitch Peeke) |
Hurricane ‘Little Willie’ of 56 Sqn (photo, Mitch Peeke) |
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List of Aircraft Exhibits
| Displayed I.D. | Aircraft Type | Real Identity | Condition | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ‘P2970′ | Hawker Hurricane I | - | FSM | Displayed |
| ‘R6775′ | Supermarine Spitfire I | - | FSM | Displayed |
FSM = Full Scale Model.
More Information
National Battle of Britain Memorial, New Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent. Battle of Britain Memorial, Capel-le-Ferne
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| Pilot memorial viewed from the entrance (photo, Mitch Peeke) |
Pilot looking out to the sea (photo, Mitch Peeke) |
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| RAF Sqn badges cover the memorial base (photo, Mitch Peeke) |
Pilot memorial from the west side (photo, Mitch Peeke) |
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Tags: Folkestone, Kent, Museum, National Battle of Britain Memorial
Main, Museums | admin | Posted 
22 March 2010 5:56 pm | Last Updated 5 August 2010 8:12 pm |
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