Grantham Journal Friday 4/11/1949 reported:
'A young pilot and his pet dog. A MEMORIAL stained glass window to a Little Humby sergeant-pilot and an old boy of King's School, who did not return from an operational flight over Ostend, was unveiled in Ropsley church on Sunday, a week before the eighth anniversary of his death. He was William Philip Dales, Spitfire pilot in the 74th Squadron R.A.F., and the window, on the south wall near the door of Ropsley church depicts an RAF sergeant-pilot in full flying kit, with a small dog standing by his side. This dog is symbolic of the pilot's own pet. Fatch, who always ran outside when he heard a Spitfire fly over. He still runs out when a plane goes over, looking for the master who will not return. DIED OVER OSTEND. The window bears the inscription : "To the glory of God and in memory of a beloved younger son, William Philip Dales, of Little Humby, who did not return from an operational flight over Ostend, 5th November. 1941, aged 22 Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends' "The service was conducted by the Rector, the Rev T C. Clarkson, and the dedication was performed by the Rev W J. Chantry, Rector of Boothby Pagnell, who was formerly Rector of Ropsley. REPRESENTATIVES In addition to relatives the congregation included Major M. H. Raymond, King's School C.C.F., Major B. J Move, secretary of the Past Members' Association J.T.C.. Mr. and Mrs. R W Featherstone and Mr. and Mrs W T. Branson, representing Messrs. Aveling- Barford Ltd where William Dales was employed. Mr. Stanley Webb, RAF Association, Mr. M, Broughton, King's School Old Boys' Association. Major W C Potts, Somerby Grove, W O. Flatman. R.A F Relatives attended from Ashington (Northumberland), Bristol, Lincoln, Skegness, Thorne, and Leicester. Among those who laid wreaths below the window were Mr W. Clark (uncle), Mr R B Dales, (brother), and Mrs T Richardson, late of Humby (friend)'.
https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000400/19491104/002/0001