Battle of Britain Print

"The American Friend"
Prints and story of Pilot Officer Billy Fiske who gave his life for
Britain, 16th August 1940

Now featured in jonzlicks movie : See link at bottom of this page

From the painting by John Howard Worsley.

July 4th : American Independence Day 1941. On this day a special plaque was installed in the crypt of
St. Paul's Cathedral. London. The plaque was to honour the first American serving in the British forces to die for
England and for freedom in the Second Word War. The ceremony was headed by Sir Archibald Sinclair, then Secretary of State for Air and
was at the instigation of Winston Churchill who knew well the importance of the USA as a force for world order.

The American pilot was P/O William S Fiske known to all as Billy Fiske.

Having witnessed the serious political developments in 1930's Europe, Billy freely volunteered to
fight for Britain in the imminent conflict. He was so determined to play his part in the fight against Nazi oppression that he entered the
RAF by means of forged papers which gave his nationality as Canadian. This was the unselfish act which would lead to his death at the
height of the Battle of Britain on the 16th August 1940 at Tangmere aerodrome in W. Sussex S. England.

Prior to the war Billy Fiske was a famous bobsleigh champion. He was born 4th June 1911 and at the age of sixteen he
drove the US bobsleigh at St. Moritz. He became the youngest man to win a Winter Olympics Gold Medal.
Born into a wealthy banking family, he was also a keen golfer and racing driver. He earned a certain respect from his
fellow golfers from the way he transported them through winding lanes to their
Mildenhall Golf Club. He drove them the 24 miles in his supercharged 4.5 ltr. Bentley in 17 ------------

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See jonzflicks movie on this subject

Available as hand mounted prints 10" x 8" , 14" x 11" , 20" x 16".

Canvas prints also available to order