RAF West Malling over the Channel. The three surviving aircraft were rescued only when the fight was joined by Hurricanes from No. 111 Squadron. The remainder of the unit returned north to RAF Prestwick on 25 July due to the ineffectiveness of the Defiant against single-seat fighters. No. 29 Squadron flying Bristol Beaufighters arrived for its first tour of duty on 27 April 1941. One of the Squadron's pilots, Guy Gibson VC, later officer commanding 617 Squadron on the Dambusters Raid, said of the station "Of all the airfields in Great Britain ... we have the most pleasant". A regular and long-standing inhabitant,
RAF Bridgnorth Ronnie Corbett and ex-test cricketers Cyril Washbrook and Raman Subba Row. One of the notable commanders on recruit training after the Second World War was Squadron Leader George 'Johnny' Johnson, one of the aircrew who took part in the Dambusters Raid. The Station closed down on Friday 8 February 1963. A commemorative plaque was unveiled on the former '3' Wing mess hall / cook house chimney on 28 May 1994. The chimney is now in the part of the former RAF Station that has been designated a Country Park. RAF Bridgnorth RAF Bridgnorth was a Royal Air Force Station, created