Letters

Ruined Churches in the Rochester Diocese

The Council for British Archaeology is collecting information concerning ruined churches in the whole country. I have been asked for information relating to such churches in the Diocese of Rochester and would be grateful for details of any known to K.A.S. member. Any ruins in Kent outside the Rochester Diocese do not come within the scope of this limited enquiry.

A printed form is available giving details of the information required and any help which can be given in this survey will be appreciated. Please contact: Peter J. Tester.

Church Bier

I should be very grateful to anyone who could tell me anything about the type of old church bier which has four large wheels, brass rails and a handle for pulling in funeral processions. I should like to know the approximate date when these were in use, and how rare they are today. Molly Lewis.

Flying History

I am a researcher with a small group of aviation enthusiasts who research the histories of aircraft and the men who flew them during World War II.

On February 3rd 1943, twelve Lockheed Ventura bombers of 21 Squadron Royal Air Force were detailed lo bomb an enemy held airfield near Lille in France during daylight. The mission was entitled 'Circus 258'. The bombers were lo have fighter protection by three Spitfire units - 64,1 22 and 208 (Polish) Squadrons.

Two of the Spitfire Squadrons returned to their base leaving the bombers escorted by the twelve aircraft of 308 Squadron.. It was at this point that the formation was intercepted by up lo fifty enemy fighters. On crossing the English Coast the formation broke up and made their way back to bases in ones and twos. The fight put up by the bomber crews and by the Polish pilots was so good that only one of the bombers was shot down and two were severely damaged. One aircraft, piloted by Flight Sergeant Heagerty was forced to crash land at Mansion and Sergeant Derrick H. Lear whose Ventura, serial number AE774 and coded YH-V, which had been hit by enemy fire was also forced down. The aircraft was flying on one engine and with his fuel tanks shot up, Sergeant Lear managed to crash land his aircraft between Eythorne and Knowlton, west of Deal, all the crew getting out safely. I would like to hear from anyone who remembers any details of Sergeant Lear's aircraft crashing or anyone who might be able to add to the story of 'Circus 258' or from any K.A.S. members who might have a personal story of this period to tell.

Steven P. Betambeau

RE. HAACUS RUSSELL. See Letters, KA.S. Newsletter No. 14 I would like to thank all the members who have been in touch about this gentleman. When all the information is cordinated I hope we shall know more about him.

K. M. Roome.

The Medway Boat Trip

The 23rd September was another fine warm late-summer's day, ideal for our trip on "Kentish Lady II" from Maidstone, on the winding pleasant waterway which divides East and West Kent.

We passed through unspoilt countryside under fine stone bridges, aided by an excellent set of guide notes. Just a little too late for the hops this year, but this was compensated by the green grass, revived by recent rains after a long hot summer, and sheep and ducks.

"Kentish Lady II" is designed similarly to the river and canal boats for "abroad" with good viewing through the wide windows and roof. On the return journey we were entertained and informed by slides of hopping and hoppers in their heyday.

A memorable afternoon with time for old contacts to be renewed and new ones made amongst a party which came from all over the County, from East and West Kent.

Thank you, Mrs. Lawrence.
K. M. Roome.