, Biggin Hill, world-famous as a Battle of Britain fighter station, has
had many lives. First used as an airfield in 1917, Biggin Hill saw
brutal action in both World Wars, never losing a day's operations
despite devastating enemy attacks. Since 1959 two dynamic figures have
kept this historic airfield open against the odds: fighter ace Jock
Maitland, creator of the renowned Biggin Hill Air Show, and army pilot
Andrew Walters, who has turned it into London's No 1 business airport,
with a thriving aviation community that includes air charter companies,
engineering firms, flying schools, storage and restoration, and Formula
1 and Bombardier interests. Meanwhile a new Museum and St George's
Memorial Chapel keeps memories alive.
The first full history of this great airfield, Nine Lives looks behind
the scenes of a busy modern airport, digs deep into its dramatic past,
and tells an inspiring tale of enterprise, innovation, teamwork and
determination.,