Published on Oct, 2024
Dr. Medhurst provided us not only with data and statistics, he gave us his invaluable perspectives of the human side of the RAF leadership and pilots who won the Battle of Britain. His enormous knowledge of the people, the advantages and disadvantages of both sides gave we fairly well-oriented people a far deeper understanding of the entire big picture of the challenges of 1940.
The full day took us from Canterbury through the Kent countryside to Dover's White Cliffs overlooking the harbor where he showed us the fortifications and described the Dover Castle and Chain Home facilities and operations.
On to Folkestone and the RAF Memorial, Dr. Medhurst spoke eloquently of the individual sacrifices made by several of the men whose profiles are highlighted at the memorial. We visited a local pub frequented by some of the pilots before moving on to the Hawkinge Museum. Anthony focused our attention on many key exhibits, including the Operations Building and the many artifacts located among the former warbirds and military hardware there. He also took us to the JACKDAW Tavern, made famous from the movie "The Battle of Britain".
Overall, Anthony made our limited available time far more valuable with his boundless storehouse of facts and human interest, while allowing us not to be concerned with driving, searching for roadsigns and finding the most important sights to see.
I strongly recommend Dr. Medhurst to anyone interested in that historical era of World History, including visitors who are already well versed in the subjects. Anthony's cordial, personable presentation and delivery allowed for numerous questions and thoughtful answers. I look forward to maintaining this relationship for future visits.