A magnificent stained glass window, dedicated nearly 80 years ago in memory of Second World War airmen, is finally returning home to Pembroke Dock.
The RAF Pembroke Dock Memorial Window has been offered on long loan by the RAF Museum in London for display at Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre – which in wartime, was the RAF church where it was originally sited.
In October 1945, just weeks after the end of the war, RAF Pembroke Dock became the first RAF station in the UK to dedicate a memorial to its lost airmen, with many local people contributing to the cost.
The memorial window in its original home, which is now the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. (Image: Ian de Hamel) It remained in the east window of the former Dockyard Chapel until 1958, being removed when the RAF station was closing down. For the past 30 years it has been displayed at the RAF Museum.
The Heritage Centre team has an excellent working link with the RAF Museum and has been negotiation the window’s return for some time.
The window remembers the lost airmen of RAF Pembroke Dock. (Image: Andrew Watkin)
Several thousand pounds has to be raised to fund the transportation and the creation of new display framework at the centre – both by specialist firms.
A Just Giving fundraising page has been set up – https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pdht-window – and proceeds from the big 1940s Dance, to be held on June 21 in the Royal Dockyard, will go towards this.
The dance – with music principally from the Phil Dando Band – is being supported by the Port of Milford Haven which is sponsoring a 400-capacity marquee. Tickets for the dance, priced at £25, will soon be on sale via Eventbrite and through the Heritage Centre.
Later this year, a special service will be held and the Memorial Window will be re-dedicated.