FROM top secret Ministry of Defence operations to a Christian group's plans for a new on-site school, RAF Kenley has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks.

But the historic airstrip which has defiantly stood the test of time is no stranger to the spotlight.

The airfield – branded by English Heritage as "the most complete fighter airfield associated with the Battle of Britain to have survived" – was instrumental in defeating the German Luftwaffe during the epic battle which proved to be a critical moment in the Second World War.

Its capacity to store 35,000 gallons of aviation fuel, 1.25 million rounds of small arms ammunition and four Bofors anti-aircraft cannons was what established the strip as a stronghold during the conflict.

But it also made RAF Kenley a prime strategic target for the Germans, who bombed it on August 18, 1940.

"That is one event which sticks out in my mind. It was a huge event in its history," said Chris Baguley, chairman of Kenley Airfield Friends' Group.

He added: "I think that's what makes it such a part of British national heritage. That was the benchmark.

"There were significant people based there, and people who were out on the airfield at the time were killed, but it survived."

The onslaught, which came on a Sunday afternoon, claimed the lives of nine people, including the station's much-loved medical officer and local GP, Flight Lieutenant Robert Cromie.

The bombing also injured a further ten, as well as crippling communications, knocking out equipment stores and damaging aircraft and their hangars.

RAF Kenley recovered and would still be key in defeating the Germans, but it was not the last time the airfield would be severely tested.

In October 1978, disaster struck when flames ripped through the final remaining hangar, effectively destroying its visible presence.

However, the remaining relics of its former glory days, which include the blast pens and a rifle range, are now the subject of a bid to have them restored, along with the other artefacts.

Kenley Airfield Friends' Group is in the early stages of applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the funds required to see the strip restored to its former glory.

Mr Baguley added: "We are very lucky to have it on our doorstep. It played a key role in 20th century history, and from our point of view we should be making sure that the glory of its history, and the records of its history and the artefacts, should be preserved.

"We intend to look at restoring the existing fixtures and the remaining relics that are reminders of what was built around the time of the war.

"The history and heritage makes me proud to be a local citizen, and for me I'm trying to make sure we keep the same history on the top of people's minds and making sure newcomers are similarly kept informed.

"This is all part of our bid for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund."