Manston’s role on D-Day, 6th June 1944
On this day, 6th June 1944, known as D-Day, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline forming the largest amphibious attack in history....
Category: Hawker Typhoon
The Valentine’s Day ‘Battle of the MTB’ – 14th February 1943
In the channel a Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) had been disabled near the French coast between Dover and Cap Griz-Nez after carrying out operations overnight around the French ports. The...
F/Lt Baron Jean de Selys Longchamps’ Attack on Secret Police HQ and a hectic day for No.609 Squadron – 20th January 1943
Baron Jean Michel P.M.G. de Selys-Longchamps was born 31st May 1912 in Brussels as the son of Baron Raymond Charles Michel Ghislain de Selys-Longchamps and Emilie de Theux de Meylandt...
Hurricane Homecoming by Stephen Brown
A Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB in the markings of 174 (Mauritius) Sqn based at RAF Manston. Image used with permission from Stephen Brown. You can purchase artwork based on his...
Loss of F/O Henry “Harry” Hector MacKenzie (RCAF) – 3rd January 1944
No.198 Sqn Typhoon JR523 piloted by F/O Henry “Harry” Hector MacKenzie (RCAF) took off from Manston at 1143hrs as “Blue 3” in a formation of four Typhoons with F/Lt R.O....
US Author John Steinbeck visits No.609 Sqn, writes article on William de Goat, 29th June 1943
No.609 Sqn ORB: This morning’s Roadstead consists of aircraft of all 3 Sqdns: 609, 3 and 184. Taking off at 0500, Haabjoern, Roberts and Leslie act as close escort to...
