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Sgt Stanley Andrew of No 46 Squadron RAF watches ground staff inspecting the oxygen supply of Hurricane Mk I PO-H before a sortie from RAF Stapleford Tawney in 1940. The aircraft was damaged on 8 September by enemy fighters over Sheppey but the 21-year-old Yorkshireman landed safely at base. During a patrol 3 days later, he was killed when the same fighter broke formation and span into the ground at 11.00hrs near the airfield.

LIFE

Spitfire Mk I LZ-N is run up at RAF Gravesend days before carrying P/O Hugh W Reilley of No 66 Squadron RAF to his death after combat at 30,000ft over Westerham on the afternoon of 17 October 1940. Recorded as the 48th victory of Maj Werner Mölders of JG51, the 22-year-old Canadian pilot was buried with full ceremony at Gravesend Cemetery when the families of dockers lined the streets in large numbers to pay their respects as the cortege went by.

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Hawker Hurricane