The Airline of Kent
Invicta Airways
WING COMMANDER HUGH CHARLES KENNARD
Hugh Kennard learned to fly at Prestwick in 1937 and by the following year was a Pilot Officer on 66 Squadron where they were the second squadron after their sister squadron 19 at Duxford to receive Spitfires.
In 1940 Hugh flew covering patrols over the Dunkirk evacuations and operated from Coltishall as part of 12 Group in the Battle of Britain. In August he joined 306, a Polish Squadron, as Flight Commander. The following May he was transferred to help form 121 Squadron, one of the three famous American Eagle Squadrons. In early 1942 Hugh took command of 121 Squadron leading them on offensive sweeps over occupied France. After being taken off operations for a while Hugh returned to fighters in command of 74 Squadron
When the war ended by September 1945, Wing Commander Hugh Kennard was the Commanding Officer at RAF Hawkinge but decided at that time to leave the air force and take part in the burgeoning re-emergence of civil aviation.
After flying such types as the Messenger,Hawk and Consul on ad hoc charters to Europe, Hugh started his own airline, Air Kruise at Lympne. Assisted by his wife,Audrey Hugh built up Air Kruise to be a leading Company in the emerging
Inclusive tour market.
In 1940 Hugh flew covering patrols over the Dunkirk evacuations and operated from Coltishall as part of 12 Group in the Battle of Britain. In August he joined 306, a Polish Squadron, as Flight Commander. The following May he was transferred to help form 121 Squadron, one of the three famous American Eagle Squadrons. In early 1942 Hugh took command of 121 Squadron leading them on offensive sweeps over occupied France. After being taken off operations for a while Hugh returned to fighters in command of 74 Squadron
When the war ended by September 1945, Wing Commander Hugh Kennard was the Commanding Officer at RAF Hawkinge but decided at that time to leave the air force and take part in the burgeoning re-
After flying such types as the Messenger,Hawk and Consul on ad hoc charters to Europe, Hugh started his own airline, Air Kruise at Lympne. Assisted by his wife,Audrey Hugh built up Air Kruise to be a leading Company in the emerging
Inclusive tour market.
At this time,Silver City was establishing an impressive business of ferrying cars by air across the Channel and the two companies eventually merged with Hugh becoming joint
managing director. In 1954 Silver City had its own airfield constructed at Lydd and the famous company operated successfully from there for many years.
In April 1959 some of Silver City’s operated were transferred to Manston and Hugh was given the responsibility of opening up the famous airfield to a civilian use. In November 1960 Hugh resigned from the Silver City group and decided to set up his own airline once more--- the beginning of Air Ferry.
Over the next 20 years many of the well-known post war companies succumbed to the financial and other difficulties that the Independents perpetually struggled against. In that time,Hugh assisted by his fellow directors guided his company against the tide until in 1981 he finally left the airline business.
Hugh turned his attention to another abiding interest, the renovation of historic cars and continued until his death in 1995.
At Hugh’s funeral, Dr.Brian MaCavoy, the Manton airlines’ company doctor gave the address that ended with the immortal words: ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed to so many by so few.’
In April 1959 some of Silver City’s operated were transferred to Manston and Hugh was given the responsibility of opening up the famous airfield to a civilian use. In November 1960 Hugh resigned from the Silver City group and decided to set up his own airline once more-
Over the next 20 years many of the well-
Hugh turned his attention to another abiding interest, the renovation of historic cars and continued until his death in 1995.
At Hugh’s funeral, Dr.Brian MaCavoy, the Manton airlines’ company doctor gave the address that ended with the immortal words: ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed to so many by so few.’