Battle of Britain Pilot’s Stained Glass Window

A FONFA member who visited on Sunday kindly sent me some photos of a beautiful stained glass window at a local church, St. John the Baptist Church in Burley. As the pilot ,who the window is dedicated to ,served at Ibsley Airfield they kindly sent some photos of taken at an  August 2015 Bygone Days event.

These events, although no longer taking place, seem fondly remembered.

I found the story of his life and career in the article link below particularly interesting.

https://www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/Simmonds.htm

The poem reproduced in the article, dedicated to him on his birthday by schoolgirl Elizabeth Tucker, then 14, detailed in the article, was quite poignant, as was the information below.

“Simmonds died on 23rd February 2005; subsequently, his wife Shirley received a card from the staff that had nursed him at Poole Hospital:

“In an age of shallow celebrity, true heroism shines like a beacon. It was a privilege to know you, Vernon, and to play a part in the final chapter of your extraordinary life. From all the staff at Ward E3, Poole Hospital”.

His ashes were interred by an oak tree in their garden; Shirley was assisted by Vernon’s long-time friend W/Cdr. Paddy Barthropp, while a Spitfire piloted by its owner, Carolyn Grace performed a salute and victory roll overhead.”