Battle of Britain locomotive renamed 303 SQUADRON
4 September 2024
Battle of Britain locomotive renamed 303 SQUADRON.
The Bulleid Battle of Britain Pacific class steam locomotive 34053 “SIR KEITH PARK” has been renamed 303 SQUADRON by its owner Southern Locomotives at an unveiling ceremony at Eridge Station, Kent.
The ceremony opened with an introductory address by Southern Locomotives director Peter Spowage welcoming dignitaries and guests, including a delegation of Officer cadets from the Polish Air Force University Dęblin, led by Vice Rector Commandant Col Pilot Wojciech Wróblewski, and the public.
Vice Consul for the Republic of Poland Anna Tarnowska-Wasza followed with a moving speech before handing over to the Defence Attaché for the Republic of Poland Brig. Gen Michał Sprengel. He gave a short address before Louise Pemberton spoke on behalf of the Kellett family. Louise is the youngest daughter of Wing Commander Ronald Kellett who helped form and commanded 303 squadron during the Battle of Britain from its base at RAF Northolt. The Polish 303 Squadron, under the operational command of the RAF, was the most successful allied fighter squadron of the Battle of Britain.
Brig. Gen Michał Sprengel together with Louise Pemberton then jointly unveiled the 303 SQUADRON nameplate. Guests were then invited onto the locomotive’s footplate for a close view of the controls. Following the unveiling the locomotive, which is currently operated by the Spa Valley Railway, travelled back to the terminus at Tunbridge Wells West station, while dignitaries and guests enjoyed afternoon tea during the journey.
On arrival guests were able to view display panels about the locomotive and the Polish Air Force, while enjoying further refreshments provided by the parents of pupils at the local Polish school.
The locomotive will retain the 303 SQUADRON nameplate for much of next year, coinciding with the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. It will then revert back to SIR KEITH PARK in a ceremony planned over the weekend of 6/7 September 2025.
Southern Locomotives, based at Herston, Swanage, Dorset, is a not for profit organisation that restores, maintains and runs steam locomotives. The history of 30453 can be found at this link https://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk
Following a welcoming introductory address by Southern Locomotives director Peter Spowage, Vice Consul for the Republic of Poland Anna Tarnowska-Wasza followed with a moving speech.
Louise Pemberton, daughter of Squadron Leader, later Wing Commander, Ronald Kellett who commanded 303 squadron during the Battle of Britain, spoke on behalf of the Kellett family.
Following the unveiling of the Battle of Britain Pacific class steam locomotive 34053, with its new 303 SQUADRON nameplate, it travelled back with guests to the Spa Valley Railway terminus at Tunbridge Wells West station,
Following a welcoming introductory address by Southern Locomotives director Peter Spowage, Vice Consul for the Republic of Poland Anna Tarnowska-Wasza followed with a moving speech.