A major appeal is launched today to erect a permanent memorial to flyers from North Weald and Stapleford Tawney who sacrificed their lives during the Battle of Britain.

And This Is Essex partner paper the Ongar and North Weald Gazette is backing the campaign to pay tribute to the 39 airmen killed during the battle which changed the course of the war.

Organisers of the appeal hope a distinguished former flyer will unveil the memorial in June, during the 60th anniversary of the battle, to mark the heroism of The Few.

The man behind the initiative is aviation enthusiast Arthur Moreton, a parish councillor and chairman of North Weald Airfield Museum Association.

He said: "Sixty years after the battle that took place in these skies and determined the future of our country and the way we live today, there is still no Battle of Britain memorial in the village.

"It is proposed that one should be erected on the green beside the former main entrance to RAF North Weald near Ad Astra House where the museum is situated."

Mr Moreton, who lives in Bassett Gardens, says that the memorial will be based on the North Weald parish sign which shows a Hurricane fighter over-flying the airfield.

It is likely to take the form of a three-dimensional bronze on top of a 4ft stone plinth. One side could also contain a plaque naming the airmen from the North Weald airfield and its satellite, Stapleford Tawney, who died during the battle.

There will possibly be a further plaque on the opposite side dedicated to the people who died on the ground because of enemy action at the airfield.

Mr Moreton said: "It's difficult to put a cost on the proposal at this stage.

"Ideally, the memorial should cost little in financial terms being designed, fashioned and built using locally available craftsmen, artists and architects sourced and supported by the business community."

Of the Gazette's role in the appeal, he said: "Its success will be governed by a successful and sustained awareness campaign in conjunction with active support, coverage and publicity from a respected local newspaper with a wide circulation and a record of commitment to North Weald, its airfield and its aviation heritage."

Editor Keith Potter said: "The Gazette always aims to be at the heart of the community. We're delighted to give publicity to such a worthwhile appeal and wish it every success."

Mr Moreton stresses that, despite his connection with the parish council and the museum, the memorial campaign is a personal project.

But he is confident of support for the project which will run alongside the museum's major Battle of Britain exhibition from May until October. Further details from Mr Moreton on 01992 523010 or email: arthur1@btinternet.com

Onwards and upwards: Arthur Moreton at Ad Astra House, North Weald, near where he wants the Battle of Britain memorial sited.

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