Memorial to Billy Fiske
Location: Boxgrove Priory, West Sussex
Installed: 28 May 2008
Description: Stained glass
These window is a for a memorial window to William Meade Lindsley Fiske, affectionately known as 'Billy Fiske'. He was a pilot officer of the 601 Squadron, who at the age of only 29 gave his life in the Battle of Britain. A plaque was unveiled in his honour by Sir Archibald Sinclair in 1941, in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral.
Billy's story is remarkable in that he was the first American to give his life in The Battle of Britain. He used his connections to voluntarily enlist two years before America became part of the war. He was shot down defending the Tangmere RAF base and died at St Richards's Hospital on 17th August 1940. He is buried at Boxgrove Priory.
The joining of nations in war remains a topic in today's world, and although these proposed windows are a memorial to Billy, they are by no means devoid of links with today. These stained glass designs represent loyalty and the triumph of friendship, and the linking of two nations through the laying down of a life in brave and committed service. This is the message held within the art.
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