The Biggin Hill Air Fair is the biggest and best known privately run air display in Europe. The 2004 Battle of Britain show is the 40th and commemorates the Battle of Britain, fought over the skies of Kent, Surrey and Sussex (in the south of England) in 1940.
Biggin Hill sat firmly on the front line in the summer of 1940, as Britain faced the threat of Nazi invasion. Following the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940, Hitler's forces stood just across the Channel. As a prelude to invasion, the might of the Luftwaffe was tasked with wiping out Britain's air defences, targeting radar installations and airfields.
Biggin Hill was a prime target and by the end of August was enduring a series of twice daily raids that wreaked devastation. In the course of the war more than 450 Biggin Hill airmen lost their lives. Not only British airmen, but many from other Commonwealth nations, Europe and the USA. In early September the focus of the German onslaught shifted to London and the Blitz began. On October 30 the Battle of Britain was over and Biggin Hill had secured legendary status.
For more information about the Biggin Hill International Air Fair: http://www.airdisplaysint.co.uk/
The RAF Red Arrows website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/reds/