Memorials Dedicated to the 4th Fighter Group
4th Fighter Group Memorial at Carver Barracks, Wimbish, England
The 4th Fighter Group Memorial was dedicated on 11 July 1981 in a ceremony at Carver Barracks, Wimbish, formerly Debden Airdrome and USAAF Station F-356. Leroy Nitschke first broached the idea of a memorial at the 1979 Milwaukee Reunion, and Old Nick's proposal to "investigate, determine costs, and obtain approval and cooperation to install a bronze 4th Fighter Group plaque at Debden" was approved at the Business Meeting.
Nitschke proceeded with his usual zeal, and by October had secured donations from 50 members. By January 1980, the Memorial Fund had quadrupled in size and he had received approval from British officials for the project. Also at this time, Don Allen was fully immersed in designing the plaque. Association members were encouraged to contribute suggestions for the location of the plaque as well as the inscription on it. The phrase EVERYBODY ENDORSES THE DEBDEN MEMORIAL PLAQUE PROGRAM became regular content in the Eagle Eye. During the Spring, the firm of Whitehead and Day of Saffron Walden was selected to construct the memorial using the Don Allen design. The contract was finalized by 31 July 1980.
In the Fall 1980 Eagle Eye it was announced that the fund's goal had been met, as well as the selection of the site for the plaque "adjacent to the Main Entrance." In January 1981, the Association received progress reports on the construction of the monument from Keith Braybrooke and Cliff Stacey; by April all planning for the ceremony had been completed. On 11 July 1981, the ceremony went off precisely as planned. Reporting on the event for the Eagle Eye, Keith Braybrooke described the scene:
"Promptly at 12:30 hours, a double Guard of Honour, consisting of an American Contingency from RAF Alconbury and the 13/18th Royal Hussars
(Queen Mary's Own) in ceremonial dress were inspected by the Commander of Carver Barracks and Col. Walter Clatanoff, USAF (Ret), in
company with other senior officers, to the accompaniment of music provided by the Band of the 13/18 Royal Hussars. Following this, the Guard
of Honour was re-formed in echelon, either side of the Memorial Stone, which is located on a grass area adjacent to the Guard Room, in order that
all visitors to the Base will have to pass this spot.
The introduction by Col. Clatanoff spoke of the memories evoked of those far-off days and paid tribute to the effort and time devoted
to the project by Ol' Nick. The service of Dedication commenced with the hymn, O God Our Help in Ages Past followed by a Reading from the
Gospel by W/Cdr R. Wilkinson RAF (Ret) formerly of the Eagle Squadron, RAF. The prayers were led by the Rev. R W Reed, Rector of Debden
and Wimbish (Chaplain to Carver Barracks) together with Father W. L. Lee, USAF Alconbury. O Valiant Hearts was sung prior to the Act of
Commemoration. Trumpets of the 13/18 Hussars then played Last Post the assembly then singing the final two verses of O Valiant Hearts.
Reveille was played by the Hussars and prayers of Dedication said by Father Lee followed by the Act of Unveiling and Dedication by Col.
Clatanoff.
"The Ceremony came to its close with a blessing by Rev. Reed, the National Anthem of both countries being played by the band of the Hussars.
This formality over, the cameras clicked from all directions, and the informal assembly moved to the Officer's Mess for lunch."
In addition to those already mentioned, among the Debdenites who attended were Jim Goodson, Dusty Miller and Don Allen. Famed 8th Air Force
historian Roger Freeman was also in attendance. The 13/18 Hussars were lauded universally for the fine job they did as hosts. In his comments on the afternoon, Leroy Nitschke would state matter of factly " I was impressed with the way the program was carried off...nobody can do a military ceremony as well as the British. " After lunch, folks from the 4th gathered at Keith Braybrooke's home.
The 4th Fighter Group Memorial was dedicated on 11 July 1981 in a ceremony at Carver Barracks, Wimbish, formerly Debden Airdrome and USAAF Station F-356. Leroy Nitschke first broached the idea of a memorial at the 1979 Milwaukee Reunion, and Old Nick's proposal to "investigate, determine costs, and obtain approval and cooperation to install a bronze 4th Fighter Group plaque at Debden" was approved at the Business Meeting.
Nitschke proceeded with his usual zeal, and by October had secured donations from 50 members. By January 1980, the Memorial Fund had quadrupled in size and he had received approval from British officials for the project. Also at this time, Don Allen was fully immersed in designing the plaque. Association members were encouraged to contribute suggestions for the location of the plaque as well as the inscription on it. The phrase EVERYBODY ENDORSES THE DEBDEN MEMORIAL PLAQUE PROGRAM became regular content in the Eagle Eye. During the Spring, the firm of Whitehead and Day of Saffron Walden was selected to construct the memorial using the Don Allen design. The contract was finalized by 31 July 1980.
In the Fall 1980 Eagle Eye it was announced that the fund's goal had been met, as well as the selection of the site for the plaque "adjacent to the Main Entrance." In January 1981, the Association received progress reports on the construction of the monument from Keith Braybrooke and Cliff Stacey; by April all planning for the ceremony had been completed. On 11 July 1981, the ceremony went off precisely as planned. Reporting on the event for the Eagle Eye, Keith Braybrooke described the scene:
"Promptly at 12:30 hours, a double Guard of Honour, consisting of an American Contingency from RAF Alconbury and the 13/18th Royal Hussars
(Queen Mary's Own) in ceremonial dress were inspected by the Commander of Carver Barracks and Col. Walter Clatanoff, USAF (Ret), in
company with other senior officers, to the accompaniment of music provided by the Band of the 13/18 Royal Hussars. Following this, the Guard
of Honour was re-formed in echelon, either side of the Memorial Stone, which is located on a grass area adjacent to the Guard Room, in order that
all visitors to the Base will have to pass this spot.
The introduction by Col. Clatanoff spoke of the memories evoked of those far-off days and paid tribute to the effort and time devoted
to the project by Ol' Nick. The service of Dedication commenced with the hymn, O God Our Help in Ages Past followed by a Reading from the
Gospel by W/Cdr R. Wilkinson RAF (Ret) formerly of the Eagle Squadron, RAF. The prayers were led by the Rev. R W Reed, Rector of Debden
and Wimbish (Chaplain to Carver Barracks) together with Father W. L. Lee, USAF Alconbury. O Valiant Hearts was sung prior to the Act of
Commemoration. Trumpets of the 13/18 Hussars then played Last Post the assembly then singing the final two verses of O Valiant Hearts.
Reveille was played by the Hussars and prayers of Dedication said by Father Lee followed by the Act of Unveiling and Dedication by Col.
Clatanoff.
"The Ceremony came to its close with a blessing by Rev. Reed, the National Anthem of both countries being played by the band of the Hussars.
This formality over, the cameras clicked from all directions, and the informal assembly moved to the Officer's Mess for lunch."
In addition to those already mentioned, among the Debdenites who attended were Jim Goodson, Dusty Miller and Don Allen. Famed 8th Air Force
historian Roger Freeman was also in attendance. The 13/18 Hussars were lauded universally for the fine job they did as hosts. In his comments on the afternoon, Leroy Nitschke would state matter of factly " I was impressed with the way the program was carried off...nobody can do a military ceremony as well as the British. " After lunch, folks from the 4th gathered at Keith Braybrooke's home.
Relocation of the 4th Fighter Group Memorial September 2015
In the Spring of 2014 Keith Braybrooke, an A4FG member and resident of Saffron Walden, brought us up to date on a project that had long been dear to him: the creation and placing of a stone marker for RAF Debden honoring all the units that served there, including the 4th Fighter Group. Keith informed the A4FG that after considerable pressure had been applied, the District Council had approved his plan for the marker, to be located on Elder Street and the end of the N-S runway.
Sadly, in December 2014 Keith succumbed to cancer, and the thought here was the project’s status would remain in limbo, and perhaps not seen through to completion in his absence. Enter Mike Fairchild, who picked up the ball and ran with it. With the help of a boatload of volunteers, Mike kept the project moving forward. In July 2015, he contacted the A4FG with a proposition: to relocate the existing 4th Fighter Group monument from its current position inside Carver Barracks to a position near the soon to be completed memorial stone. As the monument was designed, built and maintained the Association, it would not be moved without the consent of the Association.
A4FG officers then canvassed the Association’s full members – i.e. the Debdenites – for their opinions on the matter. In true fashion, the men of the 4th cut to the chase. Moving the monument to a place where the general public would have easy access was a no brainer. Concerns were voiced about the long term prospects for the monument otherwise; what if the Royal Army left and the base closed, or even sold to private developers? With the relocation all but approved, the big question was who would pay for the move?
Enter the Royal Engineers, who volunteered to move it at no expense to the A4FG. That issue resolved, the Debdenites quickly gave their consent for the move. Throughout the summer, Mr. Fairchild kept us apprised of the project’s status, with the unveiling planned for a ceremony marking the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain on 19 September 2015.
On the day of the unveiling/dedication, a good sized crowd was on hand to see local dignitaries, representatives from the RAF and USAF, and RAF veteran William Clark, who trained at Debden prior to the 4th taking up residence there in the fall of 1942. Clark arrived at the ceremony via a restored Harvard, the British version of the venerable AT-6 Texan. The ceremony also featured a flyover by a BOB Spitfire. The Harvard was accompanied by a P-51 Mustang fitted out with 339th FG markings.
The new memorial grounds feature the new marker for RAF Debden, the relocated 4th monument and one of the Pickett-Hamilton forts/pillboxes recently restored at the base of the runway. Visitors can now view the 4th’s monument without requiring permission and being granted access by the Royal Army.
In the Spring of 2014 Keith Braybrooke, an A4FG member and resident of Saffron Walden, brought us up to date on a project that had long been dear to him: the creation and placing of a stone marker for RAF Debden honoring all the units that served there, including the 4th Fighter Group. Keith informed the A4FG that after considerable pressure had been applied, the District Council had approved his plan for the marker, to be located on Elder Street and the end of the N-S runway.
Sadly, in December 2014 Keith succumbed to cancer, and the thought here was the project’s status would remain in limbo, and perhaps not seen through to completion in his absence. Enter Mike Fairchild, who picked up the ball and ran with it. With the help of a boatload of volunteers, Mike kept the project moving forward. In July 2015, he contacted the A4FG with a proposition: to relocate the existing 4th Fighter Group monument from its current position inside Carver Barracks to a position near the soon to be completed memorial stone. As the monument was designed, built and maintained the Association, it would not be moved without the consent of the Association.
A4FG officers then canvassed the Association’s full members – i.e. the Debdenites – for their opinions on the matter. In true fashion, the men of the 4th cut to the chase. Moving the monument to a place where the general public would have easy access was a no brainer. Concerns were voiced about the long term prospects for the monument otherwise; what if the Royal Army left and the base closed, or even sold to private developers? With the relocation all but approved, the big question was who would pay for the move?
Enter the Royal Engineers, who volunteered to move it at no expense to the A4FG. That issue resolved, the Debdenites quickly gave their consent for the move. Throughout the summer, Mr. Fairchild kept us apprised of the project’s status, with the unveiling planned for a ceremony marking the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain on 19 September 2015.
On the day of the unveiling/dedication, a good sized crowd was on hand to see local dignitaries, representatives from the RAF and USAF, and RAF veteran William Clark, who trained at Debden prior to the 4th taking up residence there in the fall of 1942. Clark arrived at the ceremony via a restored Harvard, the British version of the venerable AT-6 Texan. The ceremony also featured a flyover by a BOB Spitfire. The Harvard was accompanied by a P-51 Mustang fitted out with 339th FG markings.
The new memorial grounds feature the new marker for RAF Debden, the relocated 4th monument and one of the Pickett-Hamilton forts/pillboxes recently restored at the base of the runway. Visitors can now view the 4th’s monument without requiring permission and being granted access by the Royal Army.
4th Fighter Group Memorial at Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force Dayton, Ohio
The 4th Fighter Group Memorial was dedicated on 6 September 2002, in ceremony
commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Group's activation. The dedication marked the culmination of 3 years of hard work in which Don Allen's vision of a 4th memorial became a reality, work which Don himself described as being "perhaps...too much to attempt for a bunch of guys in their seventies and eighties." Don provided the impetus for the project, when after a visit to Memorial Park at the U.S. Air Force Museum in 1999 he noted there was nothing there honoring the 4th. Upon returning home, he fired off a letter to Bill Spencer stating the Group had no representation in the park, then followed that with two words: "Shouldn't WE?" Incidentally, Don's letter included two designs for a memorial.
Following the 1999 Knoxville Reunion, Association President Bill Spencer appointed a Memorial Committee, chaired by Raymond Dyer with members Andrew Lacy and Don Allen. On 5 April 2000, the Committee sent a letter to A4FG President Bill Spencer outlining three options for the Memorial with the anticipated cost of each. In the October 2000 Eagle Eye, A4FG members were sent ballots to cast their vote on which option should be chosen for the Memorial. The January 2001 issue reported Option #3 the clear winner, a 65" high stainless steel monument consisting of a centerpiece and two winged plaques bearing the names of those who gave their lives during the war. Including the raised cement pad on which it was mounted, the completed memorial would stand 80" high.
In April 2001, Andy Lacy was named local contact in Ohio and took over as Project Coordinator. That July, he introduced the idea of placing a
Memorial Walkway in front of the monument as another way to help raise funds for the project. The 6' x 12' walk would be comprised of engraved bricks purchased by members bearing the name of a 4th FG veteran of their choice, with the purchase price of the bricks going directly into the Memorial Fund. By October 2001, 80% of the required funds had been raised. Andy called upon the members to make the necessary contributions to bring the project to fruition. Displaying the resilience and can-do attitude that defined their efforts during the war, the Association's membership responded.
In the January 2002 Eagle Eye released the schedule of milestones that work mark completion of the project. On 15 February the monument was completed and kept in storage in Chicago until the grounds at the USAF Museum were prepared. Work in Memorial Park began on 1 May and was completed two weeks later. Along with Bill Spencer, Andy selected 6 September as the date of the dedication, which coincided with the Group's reunion celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 4th's activation at Debden in 1942. Richard Rinebolt would work with Andy and the folks at Seymour Johnson in planning and coordinating the dedication ceremonies.
On 6 September, under clear blue skies, nearly 200 people gathered for the dedication ceremonies, which included a two-ship F-15 flyover by Strike Eagles based at Seymour Johnson AFB. In the Eagle Eye, editor Frank Speer summed up the day's events with one word: "Super!" A4FG President Bill Spencer would call it a "memorable and historic occasion." Though the F-15 flyover was reduced to one two ship formation due to security concerns (the other two aircraft would be involved in patrolling air space of the large cities on the eastern seaboard) the down-sized Missing Man formation still impressed those watching. Wrote Speer, "...when the #2 man kicked his plane in the butt and headed straight up towards infinity, not a soul gave a thought to the missing flight of two. It was a straight breath-taking thrill."
In the Eagle Eye, Frank Speer finished off his recap of the event by saying "We are forever indebted to Don Allen for his idea, his design, and his dedication to the completion of the Memorial project. Kudos also to Andy Lacy's detailed work and follow-through on the construction and erection
of the Memorial and his idea and completion of the Walkway project."
National Museum of the United States Air Force Dayton, Ohio
The 4th Fighter Group Memorial was dedicated on 6 September 2002, in ceremony
commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Group's activation. The dedication marked the culmination of 3 years of hard work in which Don Allen's vision of a 4th memorial became a reality, work which Don himself described as being "perhaps...too much to attempt for a bunch of guys in their seventies and eighties." Don provided the impetus for the project, when after a visit to Memorial Park at the U.S. Air Force Museum in 1999 he noted there was nothing there honoring the 4th. Upon returning home, he fired off a letter to Bill Spencer stating the Group had no representation in the park, then followed that with two words: "Shouldn't WE?" Incidentally, Don's letter included two designs for a memorial.
Following the 1999 Knoxville Reunion, Association President Bill Spencer appointed a Memorial Committee, chaired by Raymond Dyer with members Andrew Lacy and Don Allen. On 5 April 2000, the Committee sent a letter to A4FG President Bill Spencer outlining three options for the Memorial with the anticipated cost of each. In the October 2000 Eagle Eye, A4FG members were sent ballots to cast their vote on which option should be chosen for the Memorial. The January 2001 issue reported Option #3 the clear winner, a 65" high stainless steel monument consisting of a centerpiece and two winged plaques bearing the names of those who gave their lives during the war. Including the raised cement pad on which it was mounted, the completed memorial would stand 80" high.
In April 2001, Andy Lacy was named local contact in Ohio and took over as Project Coordinator. That July, he introduced the idea of placing a
Memorial Walkway in front of the monument as another way to help raise funds for the project. The 6' x 12' walk would be comprised of engraved bricks purchased by members bearing the name of a 4th FG veteran of their choice, with the purchase price of the bricks going directly into the Memorial Fund. By October 2001, 80% of the required funds had been raised. Andy called upon the members to make the necessary contributions to bring the project to fruition. Displaying the resilience and can-do attitude that defined their efforts during the war, the Association's membership responded.
In the January 2002 Eagle Eye released the schedule of milestones that work mark completion of the project. On 15 February the monument was completed and kept in storage in Chicago until the grounds at the USAF Museum were prepared. Work in Memorial Park began on 1 May and was completed two weeks later. Along with Bill Spencer, Andy selected 6 September as the date of the dedication, which coincided with the Group's reunion celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 4th's activation at Debden in 1942. Richard Rinebolt would work with Andy and the folks at Seymour Johnson in planning and coordinating the dedication ceremonies.
On 6 September, under clear blue skies, nearly 200 people gathered for the dedication ceremonies, which included a two-ship F-15 flyover by Strike Eagles based at Seymour Johnson AFB. In the Eagle Eye, editor Frank Speer summed up the day's events with one word: "Super!" A4FG President Bill Spencer would call it a "memorable and historic occasion." Though the F-15 flyover was reduced to one two ship formation due to security concerns (the other two aircraft would be involved in patrolling air space of the large cities on the eastern seaboard) the down-sized Missing Man formation still impressed those watching. Wrote Speer, "...when the #2 man kicked his plane in the butt and headed straight up towards infinity, not a soul gave a thought to the missing flight of two. It was a straight breath-taking thrill."
In the Eagle Eye, Frank Speer finished off his recap of the event by saying "We are forever indebted to Don Allen for his idea, his design, and his dedication to the completion of the Memorial project. Kudos also to Andy Lacy's detailed work and follow-through on the construction and erection
of the Memorial and his idea and completion of the Walkway project."
Anglo-American World War II Memorial Saffron Walden, Essex, England
Dedicated on 13 August 1955, the Anglo American memorial in Saffron Walden honors the sacrifices of residents of Saffron Walden and of the 65th Fighter Wing, which was headquartered in Saffron Walden during the war. As part of the 65th Fighter Wing, 4th Fighter Group's casualties are among the names listed on the memorial. The other fighter groups of which the 65th was comprised were the 56th, 355th, 361st and the 479th.
Dedicated on 13 August 1955, the Anglo American memorial in Saffron Walden honors the sacrifices of residents of Saffron Walden and of the 65th Fighter Wing, which was headquartered in Saffron Walden during the war. As part of the 65th Fighter Wing, 4th Fighter Group's casualties are among the names listed on the memorial. The other fighter groups of which the 65th was comprised were the 56th, 355th, 361st and the 479th.
Don S. Gentile Memorials Piqua and Columbus, Ohio
There are two memorials in Ohio that honor 336's Maj. Don S. Gentile, one in his hometown of Piqua and the other in Columbus. The Piqua memorial, which is topped off by a statue of Gentile in his flight gear, was dedicated on 6 July 1986 and is located on Veteran's Way just east of the intersection of North Main Street and East Main Street in downtown Piqua. At left is a photo of the plaque that graces the Piqua monument.
The memorial plaque in Columbus is located at Capitol Square outside the Ohio State House's North Plaza on east Broad Street.
There are two memorials in Ohio that honor 336's Maj. Don S. Gentile, one in his hometown of Piqua and the other in Columbus. The Piqua memorial, which is topped off by a statue of Gentile in his flight gear, was dedicated on 6 July 1986 and is located on Veteran's Way just east of the intersection of North Main Street and East Main Street in downtown Piqua. At left is a photo of the plaque that graces the Piqua monument.
The memorial plaque in Columbus is located at Capitol Square outside the Ohio State House's North Plaza on east Broad Street.
Kendall Carlson Memorial Red Bluff, California
Erected in March, 2001, the monument honoring 336's Maj. Kendall "Swede" Carlson is located at the southern corner at the intersection of Oak and Washington and Streets in front of Red Bluff City Hall. Memorial information from the Red Bluff Daily News, 11 November 2011 issue; photos from the website www.waymarking.com. |
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