The Arizona Aviation Historical Group (AAHG) has proudly presented Falcon Field Airport with a replica plaque honoring the more than 2,300 Royal Air Force (RAF) cadets who trained as pilots during World War II at the Airport. The plaque, now displayed in the Airport's terminal building lobby, commemorates the 27 courses held at No. 4 British Flying Training School from 1941 to 1945.
"We deeply appreciate this plaque honoring the WWII British cadets who trained at Falcon Field. It is a heartfelt tribute to their courage, resilience and fortitude when faced with the formidable challenge of defending their country and democracy," said Airport Director, Corinne Nystrom.
Crafted from wood salvaged from one of the airport's original WWII hangars, which was damaged in a severe storm in September 2023, the plaque was made by Sara and Dave Hengtes of Hawkeye Engraving. The plaque partly reads, "They will rise on wings like Eagles."
Earlier this year, the original plaque was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, England, alongside memorials for No. 1 and No. 5 British Flying Training Schools. The October 19 presentation was during the 2024 Falcon Field Day, a gathering of descendants and one 99-year-old pilot from No. 4 British Flying Training School. The event was organized by the Falcon Field Associationthe Next Generation, founded by Kathryn Masters, a descendant of a RAF pilot who trained at Falcon Field, with support from AAHG in the U.S.
Mesa District 4 City Councilmember Jenn Duff participated in the ceremony in England. "As a descendant of one of the pilots who stayed in Mesa after the war, I found it particularly meaningful to visit their homeland and honor their service, and their ultimate sacrifice for freedom," she said. "This plaque serves as a tribute to their sacrifice and the profound bond between Mesa and the United Kingdom."
"Falcon Field's legacy as a World War II British Royal Air Force training facility is a remarkable piece of Mesa's history that deserves to be remembered and shared," said Jocelyn Condon, vice president of AAHG. "The Airport, its staff, and our non-profit, together, play an integral part of connecting, sharing, and preserving the history of Falcon Field. I hope the plaque will spark curiosity and serve as a gateway for visitors to learn about the fascinating history of the airfield and its role in the allied war effort."
Notably, a remembrance ceremony is held every November at the Mesa Cemetery to honor 23 British Royal Air Force cadets who lost their lives while trainingat Falcon Field.It is organized by the 6 member RAF Memorial committee, a collaboration of non-profit groups of which Condon is a member. The ceremony participants come from 12 non-profits.
The Arizona Aviation Historical Group is now involved in helping to raise funds for the documentary Patriot Skies by Emmy award winning producer Kelly Sallaway. The film includes interviews of many of the pilots and their memories of Mesa.