During World War II, in September of 1943, the United States Air Force's 386th Bomb Group, "The Crusaders", arrived with their B-26 Marauder aircraft at a newly constructed airfield on the grounds of Easton Lodge, just a few hundred yards from this church. This "Window of Friendship and Peace" recalls in vignettes and symbols the special relationship of mutual support, friendship, and lasting respect that developed between the American airmen and the people of the villages of Little Easton and Great Dunmow during the thirteen months the Crusaders flew missions from the nearby airfield.

The left lancet shows an American airman in conversation with a British Royal Air Force flying officer suggesting the close cooperation that existed between the two forces, both in the air and on the ground. Royal Air Force Spitfires provided fighter escort and protection for Crusader bombers on many missions. The right opening depicts an American airman with local villagers expressing the close off duty ties with nearby communities. Easton Lodge is depicted in the background and is superimposed upon a globe representing the universal nature of the conflict and the ensuing peace.

The larger left tracery shows a dove with an olive branch, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and Peace. The right tracery shows an eagle in flight, a reference to the biblical theme of the west window, "they shall mount up with wings as eagles." The two American military decorations depicted are the Purple Heart, awarded to those who were wounded in action, and the European Victory Medal.

At the lower left, two hands are clasped in friendship, one British and one American. The oak tree at the lower right calls to mind the many beautiful oaks or, ~ the grounds of Easton Lodge that had to be destroyed to construct the airfield. The oak tree is also a symbol of strength and fortitude, two virtues much called upon by both civilians and fighting men during the difficult pre-victory days of World War II.

This "Window of Friendship and Peace" and the "Window of the Crusaders" to the left are dedicated to the nearly 200 airmen of the American 386th Bomb Group who lost their lives during the conflict, and to the enduring friendship and support The Crusaders experienced while stationed here during World War II. These windows were dedicated in October of 1990.

Source of information: b26.com

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