Windows of Friendship and Honor

I'm still working on the current article from my journal. I admit to a little procrastination but in my defense, I took a journalistic side trip and wrote about one of several lovely old churches we visited. This one was special because of a certain little chapel added to it almost 20 years ago. It was submitted today so I feel free sharing it here.

Windows of Friendship
American Military still appreciated across the Atlantic

In the tiny English village of Little Easton sits the centuries old Little Easton Parish Church. The present structure, erected during the Norman Conquest of 1066 A.D., is located on the site of a former Saxon church. There’s also evidence that a Celtic church preceded the Saxon church and the probability of this being the site of a Roman fort or lookout tower is strongly indicated by the presence of re-used Roman bricks and tiles in the current buildings’ external walls. Even though this structure has been extensively altered and enlarged, there’s definitely a Gothic aura about it.

One fairly recent alteration was the addition of an American Memorial Chapel inside this historic house of worship. Through the combined efforts and generosity of the 386th Bomb Group Association and villagers from Little Easton and neighboring Great Dunmow, the chapel was dedicated in October 1990 in remembrance of the 386th Bombardment Group (Crusaders) who called USAAF Station 164, a/k/a known as Great Dunmow Airfield, home for thirteen months during WWII. Many of those honored attended services in the little church at the edge of the airfield during their stay.

And accolades aren’t limited just to the inside. Visitors entering the churchyard pass beneath an archway graced by an original landing light from a runway at Great Dunbow. Making your way into the old church, you hear its stone walls, secret passages, ancient relics, frescos and tombs speaking softly of times long past until you turn to your left. It’s then that you see the memorial chapel glowing in quiet splendor as the sun streams through two masterfully crafted stained glass windows. Strangely, these medieval style windows with a modern theme don’t seem to be out of place at all.

A burst of gold straight ahead draws your eyes immediately to the window known as "The Window of Friendship and Peace." Designed by American artist Douglas Phillips, stained glass was used to create vignettes and symbols signifying the mutual support and respect that developed between American airmen and people of the villages while the Crusaders were flying missions from Great Dunbow Airfield.

It’s left lancet shows an American airman in conversation with a British RAF flying officer, suggesting close cooperation between the two forces. The right one depicts an arresting likeness of an American airman with local villagers, indicating almost familiar ties between American military forces and local villagers.

The left tracery shows a dove with an olive branch, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and Peace, while the right one reveals an eagle in flight, referencing the biblical theme "They shall mount up with wings as eagles." American decorations included on this window are the Purple Heart and European Victory Medal.

At the lower left, two hands are shown clasped in friendship, representing Great Britain and America. An oak tree at the lower right reminds everyone of the all the mighty oaks that had to be destroyed in order to construct the airfield. Easton Lodge, the manor house whose grounds held the oaks, is superimposed on a globe in the background, representing the universal nature of conflict and the peace that follows.

The second window is called “The Window of the Crusaders.” Its central theme is the triumph of the fight for God and Right. A figure of Christ with outstretched arms is located high in the center lancet with a Banner of Victory. To the left of the banner are the American Eighth Air Force emblem and the USAF medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross. The right center tracery makes a powerful statement with a victors’ wreath superimposed over a blunted sword to represent mercy. To the right of the sword is the American Ninth Air Force emblem and the Air Medal.

The lower portion of the left lancet shows a group of airman in front of a B-26 Marauder as they prepare for a mission. The top part details a group of five Marauders under flak attack and the figure at the left of the group of fliers is an actual portrait of a fallen comrade. The “Missing Man” formation serves as a reminder of those who did not return from missions and the lower center portrays men and vehicles of the dedicated ground crew with an ambulance to remind everyone of those who were wounded. Both windows are so exquisitely done that they almost seem to have a life of their own.

Not only are the 386th Crusaders who served at Dunbow honored, those assigned to the 386th Bombardment Group (M) and its attached service organizations from activation in 1942 until deactivation in 1945 are also included. A plaque near the windows lists all 193 men from this division who lost their lives.

This chapel and its inspiring memorial windows serve as a lasting reminder of a group of men who assimilated so easily into the community while they did what had to be done in service of their country and others under attack. It will continue to touch the hearts of generations to come as they visit this lovely little church that still remembers America and its sacrifices along with those made by their own country.