During the war many gave their lives in pursuit of that peace, and it is the memory of those men and women to which the new window in the St. Andrew's Church at Tangmere is dedicated. The churchyard is the safe haven to which so many made their final journey.
It was to Tangmere that Billy Fiske returned, his Hurricane in flames after engaging the enemy. Pulled from his burning aircraft by two Royal Air Force personnel who were each awarded the Military Medal for their bravery. Pilot Officer Fiske was admitted to hospital, where he sadly succumbed to the extensive burns sustained in action. He became the first American citizen to give his life for our freedom.
Visit the churchyard and read the headstone inscriptions; note Pilot officer Bingley. On the 10th March 1941 he took off from Tangmere to engage the enemy. He fell from the sky with fatal consequences. The same day in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, I was born. It is with very mixed feelings that I stand at his graveside and wonder what strange quirk of fate brought me to Tangmere 55 years later.
It has certainly given me the motivation to offer assistance to Father Mark with the aims of his Parish team - to keep this beautiful, historic and symbolic Church in good repair. When a church like this is close to one thousand years old, maintenance is vital, and it is to this end that the proceeds from this print are donated.
The process of signing has taken nearly as much time as World War Two; I am sure that by the time the final print has gone, so too will the time span be complete!
During the signing process, the prints have crossed about 40 dining room tables, and covered thousands of miles by road. Each print has been signed 35 times giving a total signing in the region of 15,000! The success of this project could not be acheived without the wholehearted support and encouragement of those who have kindly given of their time to sign the prints.
My wife Barbara has for long years put up with my travellings and endless requests for typing with her usual efficiency, without complaint.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew the prints in the Lancaster over St.Andrew's Church, Tangmere, and then signed them.
Without the professional support of my friend Colin Lewis, who, as a director of LMA (http://www.lma.co.uk) - an advertising firm in Southampton - has produced not only the prints themselves, but all the accompanying book photographic reproductions, none of this would have been possible.
Finally my thanks to you for donating an amount toward the fund, I hope this print gives you much pleasure, whilst reminding you of the sacrifices made by so many, to allow your enjoyment.
Thank you
Richard Hellyer (Junior)
