Mural - Background

Sgt. P. C. Sanders was asked to come up with a design to brighten up the wall of the night simulation hanger at Harrington Airfield.The colour sketch was reproduced onto a plywood canvas and then approved by senior officers.Paints and brushes were bought by the Airmen themselves. The sketch painted in colours that represented the type of operation that they conducted from the base.

'Spirit of aerial combat'

The central figure represents the 'Spirit of aerial combat'. The recruits on the left are approaching the school, represented by the books whose titles; weapons, night vision turrets, Radar sighting, and so on show the subjects they studied under the eyes of the spirit. The graduated are shown leaving on the right in flight gear, for missions to occupied territory.

At the end of the war, the airfield was disbanded and when asked what was to become of the mural, Sgt. Sanders thought his friends in Clipston may like it.That evening on a visit to the Bulls Head pub, he found Major Regnart, a member of the local School Board, who when offered the mural thought the school would like to have it as a souvenir of the friendship of our two countries and of their joint struggle.

The School accepted the mural the following day and it has hung in the Schools main stairwell ever since.

Sgt P C Sanders

Harrington Field USAF

The American Air Force moved into Harrington in 1943. The secret unit was formed to fly agents and supplies to resistance groups in occupied Europe and became known as ‘Operation Carpetbagger’.

Being only 4 four miles from Clipston many friendships were made in the Bulls Head and Red Lion between American Airmen and locals.