Billy Fiske, the first American to fight for the RAF in the ‘ Battle of Britain '
Based at Tangmere flying Hurricanes, he lived briefly at Chidmere and was killed in August 1940.
Based at Tangmere flying Hurricanes, he lived briefly at Chidmere and was killed in August 1940.
When they first started rehearsals, the cast of the new play about Billy Fiske was invited over to Chidmere to see the house and grounds. Billy rented Chidmere while he served with 601 squadron flying Hurricanes based at Tangmere in 1940. He died at the height of the Battle of Britain.
'Billy Fiske, King of Speed' is on at the Alexandra Theatre, Bognor Regis from July 20th - 25th
The play by David Morris is directed by Richard Morrison and stars Henry Luxemburg, as Billy, with Jamie Maclachlan, and Lucie Howard as Rose, Countess of Warwick
For tickets £14 (£12 concessions)
or Phone (01243) 861010
'Billy Fiske, King of Speed' is on at the Alexandra Theatre, Bognor Regis from July 20th - 25th
The play by David Morris is directed by Richard Morrison and stars Henry Luxemburg, as Billy, with Jamie Maclachlan, and Lucie Howard as Rose, Countess of Warwick
For tickets £14 (£12 concessions)
or Phone (01243) 861010
The photo shows members of the cast of 'Billy Fiske, King of Speed' with Jackie Russell, friends and family members
Billy Fiske was buried at Boxgrove Priory.
On 17 September 2008 a stained glass window was commissioned by 601 Squadron's Old Comrade's Association as a memorial. The artist was Mel Howse, who also designed the new window in St Mary's.
There is also a memorial tablet to Fiske in St Paul's Cathedral in London. Winston Churchill had it erected partly because there was a national interest in promoting the story. The USA had not yet joined the war, and the inscription on the plaque was designed to have propaganda value.
link
On 17 September 2008 a stained glass window was commissioned by 601 Squadron's Old Comrade's Association as a memorial. The artist was Mel Howse, who also designed the new window in St Mary's.
There is also a memorial tablet to Fiske in St Paul's Cathedral in London. Winston Churchill had it erected partly because there was a national interest in promoting the story. The USA had not yet joined the war, and the inscription on the plaque was designed to have propaganda value.
link