A recent ceremony at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa has drawn attention once again to the storied history of the Royal Air Force cadets who trained there during the Second World War. A replica plaque has been presented to the airport by the Arizona Aviation Historical Group, honoring the 2,300 plus British cadets who honed their flying skills at the No. 4 British Flying Training School between 1941 to 1945. According to MesaNow, the plaque is a testament to their bravery and commitment in a time when their efforts were critical to defending democracy.
Airport Director Corinne Nystrom expressed appreciation, stating, "We deeply appreciate this plaque honoring the WWII British cadets who trained at Falcon Field," furthermore emphasizing its importance as "a heartfelt tribute to their courage, resilience and fortitude." The plaque, crafted from wood of an original wartime hangar at Falcon Field damaged in a 2023 storm, now displayed in the terminal building lobby, bears the inscription "They will rise on wings like Eagles," conveying a message of hope and perseverance.
The dedication of this plaque coincides with international remembrances, as the original plaque was also recently unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, England, where Mesa District 4 City Councilmember Jenn Duff said, "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," according to a report from MesaNow. The presentation, steeped in heritage and sacrifice, parallels the Falcon Field Day event which gathered descendants and even a nonagenarian pilot from the original training school.
Jocelyn Condon, vice president of the AAHG highlighted the role of the airport and its personnel by saying, "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," also mentioning that the plaque and the efforts of the Airport and non-profits, like the AAHG, are central to preserving this legacy, igniting curiosity and a deeper understanding of Falcon Field's role in history. Simultaneously, the community acknowledges the past, with remembrance ceremonies held every November to honor the 23 British Royal Air Force cadets who perished during their training endeavors at the site; these gatherings see representation from a myriad of non-profit organizations.
In addition to commemorating history, the Arizona Aviation Historical Group has aimed to keep these narratives alive through multimedia, assisting in funding efforts for "Patriot Skies," a documentary by Emmy award-winning producer Kelly Sallaway. "Patriot Skies" promises to bring personal accounts to life as it features interviews with many of the pilots who remember Mesa fondly, revealing a palimpsest of personal and collective memories.
