Buzzin TV

Douglas 'Grubby' Grice

Continuing its excellent season of programmes under the banner of  ‘Spirit of 1940′, Yesterday broadcasts the fourth part of the series on Thursday August 12th with the story of the ‘Heroes of Biggin Hill.’

Biggin Hill became the most famous fighter station in the world due to the part that it played in the Battle of Britain and this fascinating documentary tells the story of the bravery and courage shown not just by the pilots, but the local community as a whole.

With its close proximity to London, Biggin Hill was a prime target for Hitler’s air attacks in England and having had some major success against the Luftwaffe the airbase raised itself as a real threat to the German air-force who sent in bombers to blow up the site.

The loss of life was extreme as residents around the area felt the full force of war, long before the London Blitz and the fighter station was all but destroyed.

A clever tactic from Group Captain Grice during the raid was to blow up the remaining hangar on the airfield, convincing the Germans that the base was destroyed. This allowed the Biggin Hill fighters the chance to regroup and comeback with ever more courage and determination as they continued to fight and protect the country from the enemy.

The programme tells the story of the valiant pilots, as well as the community at the base and its environs who kept ‘the few’ flying. Perhaps the most incredible bravery came from three women- Elspeth Henderson, Elizabeth Mortimer and Helen Turner, who continued to man the phones despite being told to go to shelters. They all received the Military Medal; the first women to ever get the honour. Elspeth Green’s daughter gives a heartfelt account of her mother’s story.

Elspeth Henderson

An expert eye is cast across the history of the airbase by historians who have in some cases given their lives to researching Biggin Hill. Haven spoken with veterans for many years their in-depth knowledge gives a true insight into what actually happened all those years ago. Their credible interpretation of events bring to life the Biggin Hill story and celebrates the lives of all that fought there.

Tune in to The Heroes of Biggin Hill exclusively on Yesterday: Sky 537, Virgin 203, Freeview 12 on Thursday 12th August at 10pm. For more information visit the Yesterday website.