Loss of F/O Henry “Harry” Hector MacKenzie (RCAF) – 3rd January 1944
No.198 Sqn Typhoon JR523 piloted by F/O Henry “Harry” Hector MacKenzie (RCAF) took off from Manston at 1143hrs as “Blue 3” in a formation of four Typhoons with F/Lt R.O....
Category: Hawker Typhoon
US Author John Steinbeck visits No.609 Sqn, writes article on William de Goat, 29th June 1943
No.609 Sqn ORB: This morning’s Roadstead consists of aircraft of all 3 Sqdns: 609, 3 and 184. Taking off at 0500, Haabjoern, Roberts and Leslie act as close escort to...
Manston’s role on D-Day, 6th June 1944
On this day, 6th June 1944, known as D-Day, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline forming the largest amphibious attack in history....
The Valentine’s Day ‘Battle of the MTB’ – 14th February 1943
In the channel a Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) had been disabled near the French coast between Dover and Cap Griz-Nez after carrying out operations overnight around the French ports. The...
F/Lt Baron Jean de Selys Longchamps’ Attack on Secret Police HQ and a hectic day for No.609 Squadron – 20th January 1943
Baron Jean Michel P.M.G. de Selys-Longchamps was born 31st May 1912 in Brussels as the son of Baron Raymond Charles Michel Ghislain de Selys-Longchamps and Emilie de Theux de Meylandt...
Hurricane Homecoming by Stephen Brown
A Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB in the markings of 174 (Mauritius) Sqn based at RAF Manston. Image used with permission from Stephen Brown. You can purchase artwork based on his...
