The North Aisle - No 47 Squadron Window
Along the North Aisle Chapel are three fairly similar designed windows of gothic arch shape split equally into three lower segments filled with clear glass diamond lattice panes, with rectangular borders. The window glass dates to medieval times. The window which is nearest the North Aisle Altar is in remarkable condition considering its age and weathering. The other windows have experienced some weather erosion and as expected for their heritage are slightly faded, however this does not spoil their splendour.

The middle window on the northern face has been replaced in September 2007 by a brand new design dedicated to No 47 Squadron, which has served at RAF Lyneham since February 1971 following their transfer from RAF Fairford. The squadron has a long and proud heritage and from it formation in March 1916 through to today, it has been heavily involved in many conflicts, peacekeeping and policing operations around the world. It is the unique history, professionalism and camaraderie of the current crews and ex-members, that has allowed the Squadron to be proudly acclaimed in the Royal Air Force, as one of the most decorated units.

You will be pleased to know that 47 Squadron has continued to follow in the footsteps of their forefathers and established quite a reputable tradition, which has been more prominent in the media over the last two decades. In fact, 47 Squadron has been committed to almost every operation during their official journal, involving some difficult and extremely dangerous situations, including decisive roles in the Falkland Islands, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Sadly, like members of the squadron and the local community, we have witnessed the loss of some dear friends and colleagues under tragic circumstances in a struggle for peace and stability around the globe. As we recollect the history of the squadron here, its association with the local community, we will remember the 'fallen heroes' while serving and having been involved with their important tasks linked to No 47 Squadron.

The Squadron formed at Beverley, Yorkshire on the 1st March 1916 under the command of Major F G Small, and saw its first action within six months as the unit transferred for duty with a change of boss too, Major OC Wigram led the duties in Salonika against the Bulgarians on the northern frontier of Greece. In those days the Squadron flew 2 elements, a fighter and a reconnaissance force. As we look through the enriched and expeditious participation of the squadron in the four corners of the globe, we will extract the points that are associated with the new window and how the Squadron has been involved with these mandates.

We have illustrated an additional picture of the window, with each section lettered to explain what the separate panels depict. The main centre pane (H), centred by a white triangle, represents the confluence of the blue and white Nile, from where the Squadron motto: Nil Nomen Roboris Omen "the Nile shall be an omen of your power", has been taken as the basis for the background. The Nile has been synonymous with the Squadron throughout its history and runs through the centre light of the window from top to bottom. There is also an underlying representation of the continents of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the theatres frequently served by the Squadron. The design combines a fountain above the RAF Emblem as a reference to the Bible's "river of life", where the waters of the Blue and While Nile provide the source of life throughout the world signifying the Squadron's humanitarian role. The motto of Sans Peur" means 'fearless' or 'without fear'. The lower part of the frame is represented by a Sopwith Camel aircraft which the squadron flew as fighters in the early days of their missions.

It also portrays an impression of the world as seen from a Hercules aircraft. References to contour lines and navigational aids are also hinted at.

The right hand main panel (I) again is revealed with the background blue and white Nile and if we look close enough we can see among the blue sections of the water flow are fish being stained into the glass panels. The continents represented on this part are the Far East, Australia and New Zealand. The Squadron badge is also illustrated with HM Queen Elizabeth's crown and the Beaufighter aircraft is stained into the bottom.

During the Second World War the Squadron operated with Beauforts and Beaufighters in the Mediterranean and Mosquitoes in India and Burma. The squadron disbanded in the Far East in 1946 and reformed in Palestine, returning almost immediately to Fairford, Gloucestershire where it operated Halifax transporters. In 1948 it moved to Disforth and then to Topcliffe, becoming the first squadron to operate the Hastings. Later that year, during the Berlin airlift, No 47 Squadron flew over 3,000 sorties in the seven months it was assigned to the operation, mainly transporting coal to the beleaguered city. The Squadron returned to Fairford to convert to the Hercules and finally moved to Lyneham in February 1971.

The ageing Hercules aircraft, which first arrived at Lyneham in November 1967, has painted the Wiltshire's skies for over four decades. The workhorse of the RAF now has become part of the county symbology, is easily seen on its day-to-day low level flights across the county, either en route to other far reaching mercy missions, world-wide freight movement, peacekeeping tasks or part of the operational training requirements.

The Lockheed C130K Mk1 Hercules which is represented on the left hand panel (G) is XV179. Sunday 30th January 2005, a peaceful winter's afternoon as the Iraqi people were voting for the price of freedom following the capture of tyrant Saddam Hussein, we heard the news that would change the community and indeed the world in many ways.

Reports across the internet and international news feeds were being flashed of a Lyneham based Hercules (XV179) that had been shot down north west of Baghdad Iraq by an Iraqi insurgent group. and all the crew on board were lost. This tragedy sent shockwave's around the world as the aircraft and crew was one of the Wiltshire airbase finest. A sense of numbness and disbelief vibrated around the country as this has been recorded as the biggest single loss of life to hit UK forces since military action in Iraq began.

The whole of RAF Lyneham and the local community still feels this loss intensely and our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies remain with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved. The crew, support personnel and passengers on board were playing a vital role in helping to deliver democracy to the Iraqi people. They will be sorely missed.

Just below the older squadron badge with King George VI crown is the beautifully illustrated C130K Hercules or 'Fat Albert' as it is affectionately known. Between the wars, the squadron was based in East Africa - notably Khartoum - flying Bristol Fighters, Fairey II Fs, Vickers Vincents and Wellesbys. It was from this period of the Squadron's history that the Squadron crest and motto were derived. To gain the confidence of the natives in Khartoum, the local chieftains were gathered to see the River Nile set alight. This was achieved by pouring large quantities of petrol into the river which was then bombed by 47 Squadron aircraft. One chief praised the aircraft's ability by saying "the name of the Nile shall be an omen of your power" - hence the Squadron Motto, "Nili Nomen Roboris Omen" The crane on the crest is symbolic of the native bird of the Nile and the blue and while background is a representation of the meeting of the Blue and While Nile. King George VI approved the crest in November 1938. The unofficial badge had been a sun rising over a pyramid, but tours in Russia and Sudan inspired the use of a crane, which is native to both countries. The fountain commemorates the amphibious role when seaplanes were flown off the Nile. Back to the window panel, the background like the other three main sections also depicts the Nile river flow and the major continents shown are Canada, USA and South America.

In 1982 the Squadron was heavily involved in Operation Corporate in the Falklands campaign, during which the squadron was tasked with the re-supply of Ascension Island. Flights of up to 24 hours were commonplace from Ascension Island to the recaptured Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands. For its efforts the Squadron was awarded the Battle Honour "South Atlantic" in 1982.

The Hercules plays a pivotal role within the Royal Air Force air transport tasking and many overseas operations. Owing to its dexterity and importance, supported by the professional crew and ground support teams, it has been quoted in many media circles, as being the 'first in and last out' Reflecting the essential part it plays in military operations today.

We have a comprehensive background portfolio of the gigantic air transporter from when we helped celebrate the Hercules' 40th Anniversary in the Royal Air Force and additional information on the aircraft role in the Falklands War. Read here...

The six small panels blanketed at the top of the window, all are illustrated with the Blue and White Nile water flow reference on the background and different representations on the panel. Panel's A and F are both quite small sections and just continue the flow of the adjacent water patchwork. Windows B and E are mirrored as identical, with the water flow background and two white cupped hands symbolising the prayer of the church.

The upper middle left hand panel (C) equally has the water patchwork from adjacent panes and it shown with a pare of scales to reflect the justice... The last panel to the right (D) shows the congregation visiting St Michael and All Angels Church.

The window was designed by Mr Trevor Wifin, then constructed and installed by Salisbury Stained Glass. It is a gift from No 47 Squadron, its Association, the Ballad Memorial Fund, and other donations to St Michael and All Angels Church in recognition of the church's and Squadron's home here at Lyneham. The window was blessed on the 9th September 2007 by the Rt. Rev. John Kirkham and the incumbent Rev Anthony Fletcher.

Beaufighter
The Bristol Beaufighter was part of the RAF as soon as September, 1940. Given its good speed, long range, and great firepower, the British pilots loved her immediately, even though the plane was somewhat tricky to handle in low-speed flight. It was used as a night fighter and, equipped with a torpedo, as an anti-shipping/submarine fighter. Eventually, this military aircraft fought on all fronts – planes based in Australia, for instance, were used to attack Japanese shipping. The Bristol Beaufighter was the first radar equipped night fighter. One of the most notable missions missions accomplished by a Beaufighter with 47 Squadron on the 5th November 1943 where six aircraft were dispatched to attack invasion ships in Lavrion Bay, Leros. Wing Commander Lee-Evans with Observer Flt Lt Heden ditched in the bay after the starboard engine was hit and set on fire. They became prisoners of war. On the same operation Flight Lieutenant Graham with Flying Officer Langdon were hit and ditched. They also became POWs. About 5900 units were built. The Bristol Beaufighter remained in service until 1959.

Sopwith Camel
The Sopwith Camel was produced by Thomas Sopwith and his Sopwith Aviation Company in 1916. Designed by Herbert Smith, the Camel was the first British fighter to be equipped with two fixed synchronized forward Vickers machine guns.

The Camel arrived on the Western Front in May, 1917 and went into action two months later. The aircraft quickly achieved a reputation as a deadly trench-strafer. With its fixed guns, pointing downwards though the floor of the fuselage, it could rake enemy troops with fire while flying fast and level above their trenches.

The Sopwith Camel was a difficult plane to fly, tending to spin out of control during tight turns, and caused the deaths of many young pilots during their training period. However, the Sopwith Camel, with its great agility and good rate of climb, made it a popular fighter plane with experienced and talented pilots. It has been claimed that the Sopwith Camel was responsible for shooting down 1,294 enemy planes during the war. Some Sopwith Camels had racks for four 25-pound bombs installed under the centre fuselage. These planes were used for ground-attack operations at were active at the battles of Passchendaele and Cambrai. After suffering heavy losses due to ground fire this strategy was abandoned.

By November 1918 over 2,500 Sopwith Camels were being used in France and Belgium. A total of 5,140 were built but they were rarely used by the RAF after the end of the war.