Battle of Britain heroes' hut demolished
Biggin Hill airport bosses knocked down the 1940's building and arranged for some of its parts to be exported to the United States, despite Bromley council chiefs refusing to give permission.
Known as the Dispersal Hut, the wooden building was thought to be one of just two original structures at the airport dating back to the Battle of Britain.
Prof Jeremy Black, author of World War Two in 100 Maps, described the demolition as 'deeply depressing'.
'It is a valuable and valued testimony to our nation's greatest moment of bravery and fortitude in the face of deadly peril,' he said.
'That this happens when that heroic generation is passing away casts a dark shadow over our present.'
Now the council has threatened to evict Biggin Hill's bosses, who have promised to rebuild the structure.
The airport, which is about 15 miles south-east of London, was a front-line Royal Air Force (RAF) station during the Second World War and played a pivotal role in the capital's defence.
Place to unwind
Squadrons of Spitfires and Hurricanes based there were part of RAF Fighter Command's successful defeat of Nazi Germany's attempts to bomb Britain into submission during 1940.
Fighter aces such as Group Captain Brian Kingcome used the hut to unwind between sorties defending London against hordes of German bombers.
The demolition of the Dispersal Hut took place 'during Armistice Week in November, ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day this year', a Bromley council spokesman said.
High Court filings revealed that Biggin Hill Airport Ltd filed for relief against forfeiture – a legal challenge against eviction – in March this year. Bromley council owns the airport's freehold, with a 125-year lease having been granted to the company in 1994.
Today the airport is home to a number of private business jet operators and the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, which offers passenger rides in a selection of Second World War fighter aircraft.
A Bromley council spokesperson said: 'The council took legal action following the demolition of a building of historic importance by our tenant. The airport is home to invaluable heritage connected to the Battle of Britain.
'When it quickly became clear that the historic building was no longer in situ and parts were being prepared for export to the USA, the council had to act quickly to protect the position.'
Biggin Hill bosses have pledged to rebuild the hut by 'reusing materials from the dismantled structures' following a public outcry over its destruction.
Legal proceedings
A spokesman for the airport said: 'Sections of the hut were to be sympathetically restored and displayed to the public at RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel, Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar and a non-profit heritage foundation in the US.
'Legal proceedings could have easily been avoided or ended at any time by the council if they had responded to any of the airport's proposals for resolution over the past months. Amicable resolution has always been the airport's preference,' continued the spokesman.
'We remain deeply disappointed by the conduct of Bromley council and the needless waste of money and resources required by both parties for these legal proceedings.'
Biggin Hill was a major headquarters for RAF Fighter Command's 11 Group, the formation that spearheaded the nation's aerial defences during the Battle of Britain.
Those who fought during the summer of 1940 battle have been immortalised in British history as The Few, after Sir Winston Churchill used the phrase to describe them in the House of Commons.
The last surviving member of The Few, Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, DFC, passed away in March this year.
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