Action taken to preserve historic dispersal hut for future generations

London Biggin Hill Airport has enabled The Collings Foundation to begin work to preserve original material from what is believed to be a World War II dispersal hut situated at the airport.

Following the careful work being carried out by The Collings Foundation, sections of the dispersal hut will be made viewable to the local community for the first time when they go on display at both the RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel and the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar.

A third section of the hut will join The Collings Foundation's exhibition in the US, where it is due to feature alongside a World War II Hurricane that has been restored by the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar.

Speaking about the preservation of this building, David Winstanley, Chief Executive Officer of London Biggin Hill Airport said: "This dispersal hut has long been located at the rear of the airport site, unavailable to be viewed by the public. Over the years, we have explored various plans to preserve the hut, but none have proved viable, so we are delighted that, thanks to the work of The Collings Foundation, we have been able to realise our ambition to share this important piece of heritage with many more people, both here in the UK and in the US."

During World War II, the dispersal hut at RAF Biggin Hill would have been used by pilots while waiting to be scrambled to their aircraft. Through the decades, the predominantly wooden structure has served a number of purposes on the historic airport and has undergone a number of repairs.

Samantha Bailey-Buck, Director of the RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel, commented: "The history and importance of RAF Biggin Hill is well documented, both locally and internationally, so it is wonderful that we will be able to exhibit part of the hut here at the museum for current and future generations, ensuring they can learn about the incredible actions of those who were based here, many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice."

Exact dates for the inclusion of the preserved hut sections at the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar and the RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel are yet to be announced.