tA memorial has been unveiled to honour the part played in protecting Britain by Gravesend Airfield and all its personnel.

The landing field, best known for its use during the Battle of Britain, was used as a domestic facility when it opened in 1932 before serving as a fighter air base during the Second World War.

The site closed in 1956 and it is now home to Riverview Park housing estate but to commemorate its special place in history, the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust has installed a permanent tribute at Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane.

The stone memorial was unveiled by the Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr Greta Goatley, and Kenneth Bannerman, founder and leader of the trust where a service of dedication and commemoration, led by the Vicar of Chalk, the Rev Nigel Bourne, was held

Standard bearers from the Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy Associations were in attendance, along with Air Training Corps units from Gravesend and Dartford.

Mr Bannerman said: “Britain’s airfields are and always will be hugely important for every single one of us.

“These tremendously popular places have saved the world and revolutionised everyday life for the betterment of all. Gravesend has shown significant interest in this particular plan and we are therefore pleased to be able to dedicate our latest memorial to this airfield after all it has done for this country.”

Gravesend Airport Heritage Project (GAHP) assisted with the installation and its coordinator John Tate said “Whilst there are already existing memorials to the pilots of 610, 501 and 66 Squadrons RAF who were killed when flying from RAF Gravesend prior to and during the Battle of Britain; this memorial is to the airfield itself and all personnel based there.

“To some it may relate to the war and to the fact that for more than a hundred airmen, this long-gone airfield was the last place on earth they knew before death. Or perhaps they will think of the soldiers or civilians killed on or near the airfield as a consequence of that war.

“To others it may conjure-up images of pioneering figures such as Amy Johnson and the Golden Age of aviation pre-war; or maybe the innovative work of Essex Aero Limited, on the site after the war.”

He added: “My own hope is that, with its prominent placing, this memorial will make people think and ask questions. In so doing they may then learn something of the fascinating history of this area of land that is now Riverview Park - for so long overlooked - and keep that history alive.”