The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-31

buried the aviator where his plane
came to earth, and was able to lead
the American mother to the spot,
which was on French soil.
"On this spot" said Mrs. Claxton.
Mrs. Bennett. who is a wealthy
woman, Immediately had a wonder
full little chapel built which was
dedicated to the American flying
soldiers. She left money enough,
also. for its perpetual maintenance,
"The idea of the memorial window
in Westminster came to her the day
she attended the services for the
English unknown soldier At the
last moment-almost like a miracle
Mrs. Bennett had obtained a per-
nit to go to the services and for
tunately, was able to get near
enough to see and hear.
while the touching ceremonies
were going on. Mrs. Bennett hap
pened to look UP and TO note that
the light which fell upon the grave
came through a plain glass window.
And this suggested to her beauti-
full opportunity.
wished To Give Window
"a fitting window could be put In
by her-and she wanted to do it, if
humanity possible. For Mrs. Bennett
Is to conceive an idea is for her to
ton. She went to the American am
bassador. He told her If she was
able to get permission to do such a
thing it would be little short OF
marvellous. But undismayed, she
went from one, authority to another
putting up her plea so effectively
that. in spite of all objections Of
fered by anyone, the permission was
given-and Mrs. Bennett hired an
- n
plan for its installment.
These window plans were found
most pleasing-showing troops of
angels steadily flying upward in the
two lower panels, while in the up
per panel, the design of the English
flying insignia was reproduced. This
insignia carried out the idea of
righteousness staying the dragon Of
evil.
Lovely CoIorings
Colorings for the window were
che sen in the most exquisite of pastel
tones. When the day for dedication
came. without that Abbey was cele-
brated magnificent service attended
by vast throngs
mot only was the window me-
mortal for thesAmerican aviators who
fell serving in the British ranks.
but Mrs. Bennett made it to include
also officers and men OF the British
flying service who sacrificed their
lives.
This dedication, so unprecedented
in significance to Americans, took
place May 26. of this year. The win
dow will naturally be one of the
show things for travellers abroad
and one of the little, sacred meccas
all American tourists will wish to
seek cut in London.
As one will stand before it, it cam
not help but tell the story of the
dead West Virginia boy who gave
his life for right. and those who
know history will recall how, even
before America entered the war. Lieu
tenant Bennett with his own money,
built at Wheeling, several airpiane
hangers and bought a number of air
planes with which he trained corps
of men as flyers.
Offered as Gift
When this task was done. and the
field was properly a functionins
whole. the young aviator offered the
hangers airplanes and field to the
United States.
The government, however, at that
time had not determined to go into
the war, and so did not accept the
gift g
1t was soon after this that Lieu
tenant Bennett. impatient to enter
the fray, left American and went to
England to join the war forces
against the Germans. Il.
had the memorial window put in So