Listen Live

‘Battle of Britain’ class loco honours brave Polish pilots

Wednesday, 4 September 2024 06:05

By Nigel Peacock X @westkentradio

An express locomotive at the Spa Valley Railway has been renamed

An express locomotive at the Spa Valley Railway has been renamed to honour Polish pilots who served with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

The renaming coincides with the 85th anniversary of the invasion of Poland by German - and later Russian - forces.

The Bullied Pacific steam engine ‘Sir Keith Park’ will be known as ‘303 Squadron’ until September 2025.

Pilots who escaped from Poland formed the squadron and played an important role in the Battle of Britain. They flew Hurricane fighters and shot 126 enemy aircraft out of the skies over West Kent and South East England during the battle.

The rebuilt Battle of Britain class loco will revert to its original name when the 85th anniversary of battle is commemorated in September 2025.

Peter Spowage - a Director of Southern Locomotives, the organisation that restored and owns the rebuilt the loco - speaks to West Kent Radio’s Brian Johnson.


Peter Spowage is pictured on ‘303 Squadron’

Share

More from LOCAL NEWS FEATURES

  • Soroptimist Group Helps Local Women

    The President of the Soroptimist group in Tunbridge Wells, Jill Ruddock, explains how the volunteers have been improving the lives of women and girls in the town for 80 years.

  • Christmas Tree Festival

    The King Charles the Martyr Church in Tunbridge Wells is holding a Christmas Tree Festival from December 11th to 14th.

  • Safer Streets for Women

    A "Reclaim the Night" walk took place along two routes in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday 25th November 2025.

  • Kent Relief Helps Ukraine

    The Kent Relief charity is continuing to support communities affected by the war in Ukraine.

  • Improving Body and Mind

    Anne Whitley has been organising yoga and pilates classes at the Boundes Studio in Bidborough since 2006.

  • Have Reform Made Savings at KCC?

    It's six months since Reform UK were voted in to run Kent County Council, so do their claimed budget savings stack up?

  • Linden Kemkaren Profiled

    Linden Kemkaren has often been in the headlines during her first six months running Kent County Council, but how did her BBC and freelance career lead her to Kent's top job?

  • Folly Wildlife Calendar

    The Folly Wildlife Rescue Trust has launched a new fund raising venture.

On Air Now West Kent Radio Christmas Mix 9:00am - 7:00pm
Now Playing
Saviour's Day Cliff Richard
Recently Played
  • The Dead Dance Lady Gaga 17:42
  • Happy Xmas (War Is Over) John Lennon & Yoko Ono 17:37
  • Lonely This Christmas Mud 17:34

COMING UP

  • Rayan C

    7:00pm - 10:00pm

    Ready For The Weekend

  • Marion Westram

    10:00pm - 11:00pm

    West Kent Rocks

SOCIAL MEDIA