Corgi AA39204A Supermarine Spitfire MkI, X4067. DW-K, 610 Sqn Biggin Hill, Sgt S.J. Arnfield, August 1940

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Sgt S.J.Arnfield (New Zealand) served at Biggin Hill and destroyed one aircraft before the Battle of Britain and two Bf 109E’S on the 18th of August 1940. On the 24th August 1940, at 08:50hrs, Arnfield was shot down by a Bf109 of JG51 off Ramsgate. He bailed out and broke an ankle on landing, ending his part in the Battle. He was admitted to Victoria Hospital, Deal. Sgt S.J. Arnfield was awarded the D.F.C. on the 30th June, 1944.Formed at Hooton Park on the 10th February 1936, 610 squadron was initially a day bomber unit of the Auxiliary Air Force. On the 1st January 1939, the squadron was redesignated a fighter unit and at the outbreak of war was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes, and by the end of September 1939 Supermarine Spitfires. When the German offensive opened in May 1940, 610 squadron moved to Biggin Hill, then briefly to Gravesend and helped to provide fighter cover for the Dunkirk evacuation. During the Battle of Britain 610 squadron was attached to No.13 Group, operating from Biggin Hill, and was one of the units bearing the brunt of German attacks. The squadron put up a terrific show and forty enemy aircraft were confirmed as having been destroyed by 610 squadron during the month of August. The loss to the squadron was eleven pilots killed during the Battle.

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