Fond memories of an inspirational man and good neighbour to the Ferrell family next door
donated £20 in memory of Kenneth
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Kenneth Albert Drury (9 Jun 1923 - 14 Jan 2026)
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Kenneth AlbertThe Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund
£365.00 + Gift Aid of £63.75
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In loving memory of Kenneth Albert Drury who sadly passed away on 14th January 2026 aged 102.
Ken was born in Sittingbourne in June 1923. He grew up loving sports but particularly cricket and football. During the war he played a few football matches for Sittingbourne before a bomb hit the pitch and ended games at the old ground in the middle of the town. Ken joined the RAF, trained to become a navigator and was posted to 100 Sqn where he formed part of a Lancaster Bomber crew. He survived a tour of 31 trips and also took part in pre-bombing raids prior to the Normandy Landings. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal (he was non commissioned at the time) and later the Legion d'honneur.
Ken married Betty in 1945 who he loved dearly and had three sons - David, Philip and Graham. Ken continued with a full career in the RAF as a navigator and also examiner within transport command and taking part in key historical events such as the Berlin Airlift, Malayan conflict and planning for the Falklands Conflict before retiring as Squadron Leader at 60.
Ken's love of cricket continued and he umpired for Gore Court until his 80s. He was also an avid gardener and was very proud of his certificates from Sittingbourne in Bloom. Ken leaves behind his three sons, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He will be very much missed.
Ken's funeral will be on 26th February at 11am at St Michael's Church, High St, Sittingbourne, Kent followed by burial at Capel Rd Cemetery, ME10 4EP. All are invited to the wake - details to be confirmed but will be local. Family flowers and donations to the RAF Benevolent Fund.
wrote
I have known his son Philip for over 30 years and met his father once. We in the UK owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his service to our country. May he rest in peace.
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donated £30 in memory of Kenneth
IN MEMORY OF OUR LOVELY CUSTOMER KEN AND THE AMAZING LIFE HE LED. A VERY SPECIAL MAN.
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donated £15 in memory of Kenneth
From Barbara Walker and family,Kens niece.
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donated in memory of Kenneth
Ken was a keen cricketer. He always knew how many runs he had scored when batting.
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donated £20 in memory of Kenneth
RIP.
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donated £20 in memory of Kenneth
A lovely neighbour who was always in his garden tending his garden and would smile and wave. We enjoyed so many chats over the garden wall and he was happy to pass on advice and guidance about plants. He was very modest and I only learnt in later years about his heroic escapades - what a hero - I will miss him dearly. RIP Ken
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donated in memory of Kenneth
From all the Royds family x
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posted a picture
Ken and Betty
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donated £50 in memory of Kenneth
From Rita,Kens sister and her family
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donated in memory of Kenneth
Ken was a remarkable man and Robert and I were very fond of him and Robert’s lovely sister Betty. I will miss my wonderful brother in law very much. Sister in law Sue X
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wrote
Lovely gentleman
Always attending his garden and flowers
My respect to all his family
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posted a picture
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posted a picture
Ken and his crew standing beside their aircraft.
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posted a picture
Ken with Betty
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Comments
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Ken was a hero to us when we were growing up. Now he is part of history. A special man that we should not forget, and kept this country from tyranny. and... he is still a hero. Ken never thought of himself as a hero, always a quiet matter of fact sort of chap. He put his escape as a navigator in Lancasters during the war years to an excellent crew. In later years he did talk about those days in WW2 but then only when you asked him. Ken married Betty, my stepsister and they were devoted to each other. They spent time in Singapore when he was flying "Comets", the ground breaking plane that in the early days had a design feature that meant he escaped from disaster again. You would never think meeting him that he escaped from danger twice, you would never think he was someone who was someone special and famous. His medals and awards are testament to his part in history. Ken was important to us we will miss him. A quiet special person who we will think of often.
Ken and Betty
Ken and his crew standing beside their aircraft.
Ken with Betty
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