- Contributed by
- Wilfrid How
- People in story:
- Wilf How
- Location of story:
- Caterham
- Background to story:
- Army
- Article ID:
- A1080712
- Contributed on:
- 16 June 2003
7519740 Pte Wilfrid George HOW Wilf
Mobilized MILITARY HOSPITAL RESERVES RAMC 4 SEPT 1945
Posted to Guards Depot Caterham Reception Center 4SEPT Center moved to THE DENE SCHOOL in the spring of 1940 and we set up a hospital I remained there until OCT 1941 During that time a German Dornier skimmed our roof and crashed into the park opposite. Sunday 18 AUGUST 1940 at lunch time the Germans launched their attacks on our fighter airfields Kenly was next door Biggin Hill to the east nearby The wave of 50 Bombers going for those two came in low over Beachy Head and kept low following the railway. When all sections had reported to me that they were clear of the hospital, being last out, I switched off all power and left by the back door. A Dornier with all guns blazing skimmed the roof I think I took the quadrangle in two steps and a flight of steps down to the command- post in one. During the 59 nights of the Blitz on London the bombers flew over us on their way in and from our playing field we could see London burning.
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