Then and Now: RAF Hawkinge

by Richard Paver

If you’re unfamiliar with the term rephotography, it involves the process of reshooting old photos, as accurately as possible, from their same vantage point and scope in the present day. This can prove complicated to achieve, especially when it comes to older photographs, as places can change dramatically over time, which can make it exceedingly challenging to find the exact spot where someone captured an image many decades, or even a century or more earlier. Social media has produced a lot of great work on the ‘Then and Now’ subject, often portraying locations of WWII battles or other historic events. That being said, photographer Richard Paver has taken this art to whole new level, by incorporating warbirds overflying historically significant locations in Royal Air Force history.

In 2017, I flew a Spitfire photo sortie over the site of the former RAF Hawkinge, a key, all-grass fighter field in 1940 during the Battle of Britain. Sadly most of this historic site is now built-overwith housing, however in the summer of 1940 an Imperial War Museum photographer visited the aerodrome and captured some marvelous images of Spitfires, Hurricanes and personnel, amongst other details.

I have plotted some of these views onto a picture of the site today (see below). The Kent Battle of Britain museum is presently located in some of the remaining airfield buildings, so the site still maintains some connection with its historic past.

During WWII, RAF Hawkinge was the nearest Royal Air Force air station to enemy-occupied France, with Luftwaffe fighters based in the Pas-de-Calais being a mere 6 minutes flying time away. Naturally the airfield and the region surrounding it were  targets for Luftwaffe bombers. In addition, the location was subjected to long-range, cross-channel shelling from the German artillery batteries stationed along the French coast – indeed the region surrounding Dover and Folkestone gained the apt moniker, Hellfire Corner as a result. Despite the passing years, today’s visitor can still savor the atmosphere of the airfield’s past amongst the period landmarks and buildings which remain, reminders of those perilous days. Indeed, prior to the airfield’s redevelopment in 1993, one could still see the English Channel and even the French coast from this historic spot.

Then and Now #1 : A Return to Bodney with 352nd FG Mustang ‘Miss Helen’

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

• Air Zoo’s Winter Break Family Fun Events Offer Holiday Adventures for All Ages
• Persian Cat in Flight: Quite Possibly The Last Chapter of Iran's F-14 Tomcats
• DDA Classic Airlines’ DC-3 'Princess Amalia' Receives Farewell Salute from KLu F-35s
• A-26 Invader 'Sugarland Express' For Sale by Platinum Fighter Sales