USAAF Memorial Window, Anstey, Herts, UK - Stained Glass Windows on Waymarking.com

During WW2 the 398th Bombardment Group flew from Station 131 at nearby Nuthampstead. To commemorate the fallen of the Group, the UK Friends of the 398th commissioned the window which was dedicated on June 11th, 2000.

The window consists of three panels.

The centre panel consists of butterflies, which are symbols of flight and transformation of the soul after death. Some of the butterflies are imprinted with the insignia of the four Squadrons of the 398th Group. The names of the 291 fallen are etched into the stained glass around their individual Squadron insignia. At the bottom of the panel is the engulfment of Pharaoh's armies when the Red Sea closed over them, intended to show the defeat of an enemy in the face of all odds.

The left panel depicts the Old Testament Exodus Pillar of Smoke which led the Israelites by day, whilst the right panel depicts the Pillar of Fire which led them by night. In both panels the B17 Flying Fortresses of the 398th Group are to be seen in the panels.

The artist for the creation of the memorial window was Patrick Reyntiens who was born in 1925 and educated at Ampleforth and the Edinburg College of Art. The Artist felt that because not all those who lost their lives were Christian which suggested iconography that was not solely Christian. The artist turned primarily to the old Testament rather than the new for his inspiration, and in particular the Journey of the Israelites out of Egypt.

Type of building where window is located: Church Address: St George's Church Anstey, Herts UK Admission Charge: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Days of Operation: All days Hours of Operation: From: 10:00 AM To: 5:00 PM

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