The purpose of the “Lest we forget….” series is to take a moment out of our busy lives to remember those who fell fighting for our country. This series, started by ‘Bearded Zombie’, is exclusive to Opencaching.uk

This memorial, unveiled on 9th June 2002 marks the site of royal air force West Malling. After acting as a landing area during World War I, the airfield served civil aviation - it is recorded that Amy Johnson flew from here. In the early days of World War II, RAF West Malling was a satellite station in the Biggin Hill sector.

In 1940, the station sustained heavy enemy bombing. After repairs, RAF West Malling re-opened as a fully operational night fighter base. Famous aviators stationed here included Wing Cdr. Peter Townsend, Wing Cdr. Bob Braham,  Wing Cdr john "cats eyes" Cunningham and  Sqn Ldr Guy Gibson (later of dam buster fame)  who said of West Malling  "of all the airfields in Great Britain, here, many say,  including myself, we have the most pleasant.”

An eventful night in April 1943 contributed to aviation history when three enemy aircraft landed here by default believing that they had crossed  the English Channel and were in France. In peacetime, aircraft continued to fly from West Malling.

After serving with distinction in conflicts abroad, Kent’s own 500 Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadron, the first to fly jet aircraft, was based here 1946-1957. When the RAF stood down the station in 1961, the airfield served as a Nato American naval air facility until 1964. The spirit of aviation lived on through a number of companies, air shows and the 618 RAF volunteer gliding school who trained cadets here until flying ceased in 1995.

Development of the residential and business community of Kings Hill began in 1989.

This memorial consists of four upright stone tablets with a figure of an airman. There is a dedicatory tablet placed at his feet, set around a paved area. The Crest of the RAF and West Malling airfield is depicted on the first tablet. It profiles five aircraft which served at RAF West Malling and are depicted on tablet two and four. They include a Meteor on tablet two, a Westland Lysander and a Gloster Javelin Faw.8 on tablet four. The airman is depicted running to his aircraft with his parachute held in his right hand.

In order to claim this virtual cache, you have a number of options to include with your log:

• Post a picture of you or your GPSR with the memorial in the background. You do not need to be directly in front of the memorial to take this picture.

• Post a picture of part of the memorial that you find interesting (for example, a relief or part of a sculpture).

• Pick a name on the memorial, research and share information about the person or their life (after all, this series is all about making sure these people and the lives they lived are not forgotten). Extra kudos & respect for this, but unfortunately no extra points!

It shouldn’t need reminding, but please be respectful while claiming this virtual cache and take a moment to remember those who are named on the memorial.

If you wish to extend this series, please contact the CO, Bearded Zombie.