Focus On: Ghosts Of The Airmen

Today is Battle of Britain Day

The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Empire, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British airmen who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant challenge and mortal danger, are turning the tide of the World War by their prowess and by their devotion. Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. All hearts go out to the fighter pilots, whose brilliant actions we see with our own eyes day after day…

I do not wish to be crude, using such an esteemed and respectful event as a theme for my post, but it does provide an opportunity to bring up this very interesting phenomenon and I hope you will forgive me, Dear Reader.

I've found this great site about the phantom planes and airmen that haunt some parts of Britain.

There is something that touches the heart in these stories, whether they are real or not. A connection to the stories behind the ghosts, to the bravery of the crews and airmen, and to a not so distant time.

As a Man of Kent I feel a very deep connection to the stories of ghosts at the Biggin Hill airport, a former fighter station during the Battle of Britain.

There have been many reports of the sounds of Spitfire being heard when no such plane could be flying in the area and on more than one occasion this ghostly aircraft has been sighted as it circles over head. What is really amazing is that the ghost of the RAF pilot uses a victory roll to signal that he's going back to his base.

An airmen has also been seen thumbing for a lift back to base along roads leading to Biggin Hill.

Many incidents have occurred where ghosts have been seen around the air field. All in all, for ghostly activity, Biggin Hill is certainly a busy place to be.

More ghostly aviation and airmen stories can be found here.

Further Reading

The Ghosts Of Biggin Hill - Bob Ogley - A book not just about the ghosts but also about the heroes and heroines of the most famous fighter station in the world.

Ghost Riders: True Stories of Planes, Trains and Automobiles - Barbara Smith