10 March 2025New Zealand Battle of Britain Medals

Brilliant news from the Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust at Hawkinge is that Dave Brocklehurst MBE met Russell, the medal vendor, late yesterday afternoon, 28 February 2025, and was more than happy with the medals and associated memorabilia that he had brought with him. The deal was finalised and shaken on between the Museum and Russell, at the agreed £58,000 for all six sets of Battle of Britain aircrew medals and we are very pleased to report that as of last night the JustGiving Fund Raiser had raised a total of £29,278.42 (£27,003.91 + £2,274.5 in Gift Aid) so just over 50% of the total price! Amazingly in four weeks and thanks to you, our friends and supporters of the Museum.

Russell had flown over from New Zealand to deliver the medals and after touring the Museum late yesterday afternoon and seeing what we are about and stand for, he was very pleased to pass all six medal groups into the care of Dave.

We still need to raise just under £29,000 so if anyone as yet has not donated, but would consider supporting the Museum and helping us to fund the purchase of these six stunning medal groups, you can do so by donating through our JustGiving Page.

This morning, 1 march, Dave was very pleased and proud to show his fellow volunteers on site today all six medal groups and share some of the amazing stories behind the six airmen they were awarded to. Sadly, five of the six would pay with their lives during the Second World, including P/O Howard Hill who was killed during the Battle of Britain and less than three miles away from the Museum and lays in the CWGC Plot in the local Hawkinge Cemetery.

Now Dave can progress the new display in the RAF Gallery in the Armoury where these medals will be displayed alongside many other new and exciting personal effects from Battle of Britain pilots and aircrew and in five weeks’ time, you can visit the Museum, see these medals for yourself, and learn the stories of these incredible members of ‘The Few.’

Scramble, Dave, and all their fellow Volunteers would like to say a massive thank you to all who have donated too date and all those who might help us achieve what some thought was impossible four weeks ago!.