World War Two RAF hero to be honoured at new Hornchurch Aerodrome museum
A Second World War hero is to be honoured at a new museum in east London on the site of the airfield where he was based.
Fighter pilot Brendan “Paddy” Finucane was the youngest ever wing commander in the history of the Royal Air Force. His record of 32 downed enemy planes is thought to be second in the list of RAF fighter aces after Johnnie Johnson.
He was killed on July 15, 1942, aged 21 on a sortie to France. At the time he was Commanding Officer of 602 Squadron at RAF Hornchurch, now known as Hornchurch Aerodrome.
Wing Commander Finucane’s nephew, Brendan Finucane QC, is helping launch the museum. He called on families of servicemen and women who were based at the aerodrome to share any memorabilia with the museum.
He said: “My uncle was a legend in his lifetime and a hero to the nation.
“We hope those who have items relating to those who served at Hornchurch will either donate or loan them for display at the museum, so that there is a fitting memorial to all those who served there.”
Originally named RFC Sutton’s Farm during the First World War, the aerodrome played a crucial role in the defence of London in both conflicts.
Other notable fighter pilots based there include the father of former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith, WGG Duncan Smith.
The Hornchurch Aerodrome Historical Trust museum, set to open in mid-September to coincide with Battle of Britain day, will feature the story, photographs and memorabilia of Wing Commander Finucane, an original Hurricane engine and the everyday artefacts belonging to Second World War servicemen, from maps to cigarette packets.
The museum will be housed in Sixties building Sutton’s House, donated by property developers Bellway Homes, which sits adjacent to what was the aerodrome’s main runway.
The Hornchurch Aerodrome Historical Trust is fundraising for the work at Sutton’s House at gofundme.com. Any relatives of servicemen and women who were based at the aerodrome should email info@rafhornchurch.com
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