Additional general notes on the memorial
Symbolism in the design includes the plan of the main runways of the original airfield, which runs through the stone tracery at the top right of the window. The dove bearing an olive branch is to its right. Flights of symbolic aeroplanes pass through rays of light, superimposed by the path of a B17 Bomber, which managed to perform a loop-the-loop over Great Ashfield - apparently the only known B17 to have achieved this feat. In the left of the window stand the three poplar trees that were looked for with such intensity by pilots and navigators on return flights. The trees rose above morning mist and the surrounding countryside and the sight of them meant that the men were safely home. The lower area of the window bears the shape of the tail of the B17's, which flew from the village bearing the letter 'G' that denoted an aeroplane from the Great Ashfield Airfield. 385 is the number of the USAAF Bombardment Group and to the right of this is the official badge. If you stand back and use your imagination you will see, cleverly woven into the tracery of lead and glass, an outline of the head of an eagle, the symbol of the United States of America.