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Hornchurch Scramble reviewed by Michael J. Merry:
The dust cover of the volume states "The definitive account of the RAF Fighter Airfield, its Pilots, Ground Crew and Staff." When Richard C. Smith says definitive, he really means it! From the early days of WWI through Christmas of 1940, the author has used his skills to document the most interesting events that occurred at Hornchurch (Sutton's Farm).
The Appendixes alone show the dedication and painstaking research that the writer toiled at. The results are remarkable and contain the names of every aircrew member of every squadron that served at the airfield between the dates mentioned above. Not only that, every Spitfire flown from Hornchurch is shown along with its arrival date, fate and its pilot.
We fly from Sutton's Farm with William Robinson as he chases and destroys an SL11 Zeppelin in the spring of 1916. The years between the wars are related and the evolution of the aircraft utilized is tracked. Mr. Smith tells us how Sutton's farm became RAF Hornchurch in 1928 and lists many of the famous visitors to the field. Many of the names that Britons became familiar with during the conflict served at Hornchurch: Frank Whittle, who designed the first British jet engine; Sailor Malan, the South African; and Charles Broughton who would later become Air Marshal Broughton. In June 1940 H.M. the King visited the airfield and present medals to some pilots. The story of this visit is worth reading the book for!
The collection of photographs included in Mr. Smiths book are another indication of the care and attention the author has exhibited in producing this work. They show men, machines and scenes from WWI and continue on through the years of peace and into the first two years of WWII. The combat reports and interviews included are not dramatized but left in their original state, showing the stark fear and danger that affected all aircrew during these difficult days.
This is a work by an author who has painstakingly researched his subject and has arranged the results in a very readable format. If you approach this volume seeking a exciting fictionalized read, you will be disappointed. However, if you are interesting in learning the A to Z's of how Hornchurch operated for some 25 years, through one war and through the opening phases of another, this is something you should not miss.
Michael J. Merry, 29th October 2000
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