On the north side of the church.

This "Window Of The Crusaders" depicts some of the daily activities of the men of the 386th Bomb Group during the thirteen months they were stationed near this church. During World War II the American 386th Bomb Group, known as The Crusaders, "mounted up with wings as eagles" flying some 263 missions from nearby Easton Lodge airfield against Nazi targets in Europe. Nearly 200 Crusaders were lost to enemy action and many more were wounded or taken prisoner.

The triumph of the fight for God and Right is the central theme of this window. High in the center lancet is a figure of Christ. Above him in the left-center tracery is the Banner of Victory, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. To its left is the American Eighth Air Force emblem and the American decoration, The Distinguished Flying Cross. The right center tracery has a blunted sword, the symbol of mercy, with the superimposed victors wreath. To the right is the American Ninth Air Force emblem and the Air Medal.

The lower portion of the left lancet shows a group of airmen in front of a B-26 Marauder aircraft, perhaps as they prepare for a mission. At the top of the left opening is a group of five Marauders under flak attack. The "Missing Man" formation reminds us of those who did not return. In continuation of this thought, the figure at the left of the group of fliers is an actual portrait of a fallen comrade.

The lower center of the window shows vehicles and men of the dedicated ground crew. The ambulance reminds us of the many wounded airmen. Behind them are crossed runways of the airfield and the control tower. At the far right, an airman stands with a map case, helmet, and life vest, ready for the mission. Faintly seen behind him are two earlier Crusaders with Christian banners expressing the continuity of the fight for Right. At the top of this lancet coming in from the right are four B-26 Marauders in flight representing the four squadrons of the 386th. British Spitfires and American P-47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft escort them towards the target.

Although a strong, dynamic, and determined figure of Christ is flanked by implements of war, His outstretched arms over both modern and ancient Crusaders link them in the love of God and the fight for Right.

Source of information: b26.com

Source of images: b26.com, www.waymarking.com