How would you describe the memorial and its ornamentation?
Stained Glass Window.
The imagery of this 5 light stained glass window, in detail, is-
The Benedictus- the opening inscription is taken from verses 1 and 2
Outer Light Top Left-Isaiah; Outer Light Top Right-St John the Baptist
Inner Light Left- The Annunciation; Inner Light Right-The Nativity
Centre Light-OUR LORD reigning from the Tree of Life with the rainbow round the Throne and celestial rays emanating from the Cross. Below the central figure are David and Abraham. At the top of the cross is the Pelican feeding its young.
2nd groups on the tree-
Left Outer Light- St Alban & St Peter (the patron saint of York Minster), with the arms of the province of York
Right Outer Light-St Augustine (Maples is buried at the Augustine National Cemetery, Florida, USA) & St Mark (the patron saint of this Church),the arms of the Diocese of Carlisle; below them are St Nicholas (the patron saint of sailors) and St Michael (the patron saint of airmen).
The Base of the Window shows those who bore the war with faith, courage and for many the sacrifice of their lives-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Royal Observer Corps, Home Guard, Auxilairy Women’s Services, Civil Defence, Fire Services, Farmers, Munition Workers, Nurses, Railwaymen, Bus Drivers, Shop-keepers, Boy Scouts etc, behind whom is the Rising Sun of Hope.
All is surmounted by the top tracery which shows the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.
The Memorial Inscription is flanked by the Pilot’s Badge of the Fleet Air Arm on the left, and the Coat of Arms of the Maple family on the right.