The R J Mitchell Primary School

The site of The RJ Mitchell Primary School holds a very special place in 20th Century history. The school is built on the Parade Ground of RAF Hornchurch, an airfield with history going back to World War 1 and a vitally important sector airfield during The Battle of Britain...

During World War 1, the base on this site was known as RAF Suttons Farm, an airfield tasked with the job of protecting London from raiding Zeppelins. On September 3rd 1916, Lt William Leefe-Robinson took off from Suttons Farm and shot down the first Zeppelin to be destroyed over Great Britain. For this he became a popular hero and was awarded the Victoria Cross.

It was during the Second World War that RAF Hornchurch, as it was now called, really came into its own. RAF Hornchurch was one of four main airfields that formed Number 11 Group of Fighter Command of the RAF. During The Battle of Britain, Hornchurch was at the centre of the action. It played host to many famous squadrons, including 222 Squadron, 74 Squadron, 65 Squadron, 51 Squadron, 41 Squadron and 54 Squadron. It was unique, in that these squadrons were exclusively equipped with Spitfires, the aircraft invented by RJ Mitchell. Many of the most famous of all Spitfire aces were stationed at RAF Hornchurch, including Al Deere, Adolf ‘Sailor’ Malan, James Leathart, Peter Brown, Harry Broadhurst, H.M. Stephen and Bob Stanford-Tuck. The base also played host to a squadron of the ill-fated Boulton-Paul Defiants during the Battle of Britain, as well as a squadron of Blenheims, which were light bombers. Many young men went to their deaths from RAF Hornchurch during the Battle of Britain and their stories must never be forgotten. This is one of the reasons why the school is committed to keeping the memories of RAF Hornchurch alive.

The school contains many artefacts, pictures, and a copy of the airfield station crest in the hall. The school also maintains strong links with the RAF Hornchurch Association and it also contains the memorial to RAF Hornchurch in its grounds.

The rich heritage is also remembered in the names of the school teams (Spitfire pilots) and in the RJ Mitchell prize for endeavour, which is given by RJ Mitchell’s son every year. The school tie is actually an RAF tie and RJ Mitchell is one of only two schools in the UK that is allowed to wear one of these as part of its uniform.

The school is justifiably proud of its heritage but it is also a forward looking school. We do not seek to glorify war, but but to remember the sacrifice of brave people in extraordinary circumstances.

Find out more about RAF Hornchurch at www.rafhornchurch.thehumanjourney.net