RAF STAPLEHURST - ENGLAND

RAF Staplehurst is a former WW2 Royal Air Force Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) situated in central Kent, England. The airfield is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) northeast of Staplehurst, about 38 miles SE of London.
Built during 1943 as an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) for Operation Overlord (Normandy invasion), Staplehurst was used briefly by RAF fighter squadrons during August to October 1943 and then allocated to the US Ninth Air Force.
If you like this film, see also:
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER SKIES
• THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN ...
An ambitious Luftwaffe ace encounters a 19-year-old RAF recruit flying his first Spitfire sortie in the Battle of Britain over Kent. What could possibly go wrong... for the both of them?
And how about this one?
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN - THE KING’S MACHINE
• THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN ...
Two Yorkshire lads go off to war, one in a Spitfire, one in a Hurricane.
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN - THE MEN WHO FELL FROM THE SKY
• Video
On September 15th 1940, all hell breaks loose in the skies over a Kent village. For a 19 year-old Hurricane pilot, this will be a day unlike any other.
DON'T MISS the following blockbuster in the series:
V FOR VENGEANCE (2024)
• V FOR VENGEANCE (2024)
Hitler's V Weapons, Summer 1944 - With Operation Overlord, the greatest air and seaborne invasion in history, now underway across the Channel in Normandy, the British people dare to imagine the war may soon be over. But for London and the Kent villages, a new nightmare is about to begin.

[@mrsilbo6499]

Marvellous. A fitting tribute to the memory of those whose willingness to sacrifice their lives halted the spread of fascism.

[@neilreid2298]

Super work as always. England has such gorgeous terrain. Loved living there briefly and look forward to returning.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Major, this is so effective. You know, sometimes words get in the way, and “less is more.” I love your reveal clip, excellently melded together with a drone shot. Thank you for this marvelous video. Btw, have you seen the great movie, “12 O’Clock High”? Your video opening brings that movie to mind-especially its opening and closing scenes. Cheers, sir. 💛🙏🏼

[@samiam619]

Thank you. You saved me from bringing up 12 O’clock High…

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

Thank you for sharing this film, where I live am surrounded by old Airfields and in our village, it is still possible to dig up USAF 0.5 inch mg rounds, bomber crews swept out the spent casings and dud rounds before landing, luckily we used to have an ex-RAF armourer who used to deal with the duds, the tales he could tell. There are a lot of other tales I could recount but I am no filmmaker.

[@billbeeken7532]

brillant lads x

[@richardwarren449]

Really inspiring, even to one not yet born. They gave everything that we might have peace and liberty. For some reason I have recently become enthralled by WWII history, and this is emotionally gripping for me.

[@louiseme]

I really wish you'd make more videos ( I'm being selfish here ! ) They are superb !

[@majorsterling9889]

more on their way...

[@10toMidnight]

Vey touching actually.

[@pfdrtom]

Thank you, sir. Thank you so much!

[@bessiebraveheart]

I could weep when I think of all those valiant men who gave their lives to defend England and our freedom. I look at this disgrace of a country that our corrupt politicians have allowed it to become. I am proud of these warriors, but I am ashamed of my country.

[@todaywefly4370]

I’ve never had to go to war but my granddad spent 2 1/2 years in Changi prison. He died in the early 80s and I’m kinda glad he didn’t get to see the level of complacent apathy that has seeped into society in general. We might be living in apparent luxury but the freedoms those people fought for are disappearing fast.

[@oceanhome2023]

God Bless the Drones for these camera shots !

[@kevelliott]

About 15 years ago I learned to fly at Headcorn (Lashenden), then flew out of Old Hay nearby. I must have flown over this site a hundred times, not knowing it was there. That memorial is very sobering - all those guys killed in such a short period of action. (Careful with that drone! - the circuit height at Old Hay is 800'.)

[@dixiefallas7799]

Very sad! I didn’t know about this. Thanks Major.🇬🇧

[@andrewdewar8159]

I like the music, its very compelling and poignant .

[@maranathanow2]

What is the music called, loved the whole production very much

[@theofarmmanager267]

Excellent video. Lived most of my life within 10 miles of Staplehurst and Marden but never knew about this temporary base. I wonder how it matched/differed from Headcorn which is obviously still and operating airfield. Can anyone visit this place? I’d like to go and pay my respects. I have to say that I don’t agree about keeping WW2 airfields open as a matter of respect. If there is a real use for them as an airfield today, then fine. Otherwise, the retention of a perhaps single building but certainly a fine memorial would be perfectly respectful.

[@robertbolding4182]

always encourage your people not to close the American bases like France did, the base are a sign of respect for those that died and didn't appease Germany. it would have been easy , we had good teachers.

[@rpm1796]

Very good...The Maple Leaf Flag signifying an RCAF presence?

[@majorsterling9889]

Yes, absolutely.

[@rpm1796]

@@majorsterling9889 You just caught me digging..... reading we had an RCAF Wing at RAF Staplehurst in 43-44. 401 Sqn. (My cousin 'Jock' Patton was lost June 2nd 42', 15 miles off Le Havre, still in his Spit V, Y OJ) on his way back for a pint at the Bull at Biggin, age, 21. 411 Sqn. 412 Sqn. 🍻

[@majorsterling9889]

@@rpm1796 So sorry to hear about Jock. I am local to Staplehurst and we keep the memories alive of all the brave warriors who flew out of there. In my film V for Vengeance, I also cover an Aussie pilot, Red Blumer, who crashed shortly after refuelling at Staplehurst flying back to West Malling.

[@rpm1796]

@@majorsterling9889 Appreciated. Very accomplished. Just enjoyed watching the escapades of Sqn.Ldr Slipper-Cooper, and the reverence afforded the foe by the team. Well, off to Hastings now!⚔ Slainte'🍻

[@robertkeaney7047]

Imagine using a metal detector on these old sites. It would be interesting to see what relics might turn up.

[@stanleyjones3454]

Where is this located in Staplehurst now so I can visit!

[@majorsterling9889]

Chickenden Farm!

[@stanleyjones3454]

@@majorsterling9889 Great thanks