MEMORIAL TO N.Z. AIRMEN

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27151, 22 September 1953, Page 9

MEMORIAL TO N.Z. AIRMEN

WINDOW IN LINCOLN CATHEDRAL (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

(Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 21. A stained glass window in memory of 200 New Zealanders who lost their lives during the Second World War when serving with Bomber Command of the Royal Air Force in Lincolnshire was unveiled by JLord Freyberg in the Airmen’s Chapel of Lincoln Cathedral at a service to commemorate the Battle of Britain.

The window was presented by Sir Arthur Sims, formerly of Christchurch, and was designed and executed by Mr H. Stammers, of York. Before asking the Bishop of Lincoln (the Rt. Rev. M. H. Harland) to dedicate the window. Lord Freyberg, in a short address to the congregation, paid tribute to the New Zealanders who served in the R.A.F. He said that of 11,000 who served in the United Kingdom. 3380 were killed. No fewer than 1500 had served with Bomber Command in Lincolnshire.

"I unveil this * window, set up in memory of those New Zealand aircrews who. flying from bases in this country for conflict with the enemy, failed to return, and thus gave their lives in service of the Commonwealth,” said Lord Freyberg. He prayed that posterity might keep them in mind, and ever do honour to their memory. Many New Zealanders attended the service, but Sir Arthur Sims was unable to be present. The New Zealand High Commissioner (Sir Frederick Doidge) was represented by Air Commodore C. E. Kay. Others present included Sir Leonard Isitt. Air ViceMarshal A. McKee, and Mrs E. A. Brown, who lives in Lincolnshire and entertained many New Zealand airmen during the war.

Many souadron crests are in the Airmen’s Chapel of the ancient cathedral. The New Zealand window has the Angel Gabriel as its chief figure. It Mso includes the arms of New Zealand and the shield of Lincoln, an airman readv for flight, the traditional Lincolnshire noachpr. and a view of thp cathedral from the air. The sermon at the service was preached bv the Rt. Rev. G. V. Gerard, formerly Bishop of Walapu.