6 minute read
Hidden Halton - St George's Church
Revd (Sqn Ldr) Kevin Capelin-Jones
The current St George’s church was planned and built after the first St George’s station church – located in the Old Workshops – burnt to the ground in 1960. The new church was opened in 1963 with the chaplains conducting services in the Burnett Gym in between.
Services had been held at Halton Camp from before the RAF’s formation; records indicate forces’ chaplains taking services at least from Oct 1916 and not only on station, but at outlying elements at Tring Isolation Hospital, Tring Military Hospital, the Aylesbury Military Hospital, Halefield Camp and Wendover YMCA.
Few elements survive from that first station church, but as can be seen from the photo of the interior, the Bristol Fighter Lectern (reading desk) did survive, although it was too large in its old form, so a new support was made for it. The later (current) oak pedestal was presented and dedicated to St George’s in Apr 1989.
As you enter the church, the first thing that strikes you is the sense of internal space – with the roof structure and beams such as they were able to be made – there are none of the usual pillars one finds in old churches. At the front of the church above the vestry door (left), permission was given to display the Royal Arms; to the right above the emergency door is the Coat of Arms of the Diocese of Oxford (Church of England), and one can also see to the right (behind the pulpit) the No1 School of Technical Training Crest above another door which would have been reserved for the Commandant (and his family or guests) to enter and exit by. The ensigns hanging along the South Wall are from Commonwealth Air Forces that had apprentices train at Halton.
The Quetta Memorial remembers those who trained under the Apprenticeship Scheme at Halton from No 3 (Indian) Wing, and 5 & 31 (AC) Sqns and died in the earthquake in the early hours of 31 May 1935. Fittingly, it is a ‘Goldstars’ (31Sqn) Tornado that sits as the mascot for RTS graduations on Henderson Parade Square.
The Last Supper Tapestry’s entire origin is lost in both history and legend. It arrived at St Luke’s Chapel, (within the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Hospital, Halton) from the hospital at RAF Uxbridge, and was subsequently transferred to St George’s. As can be seen up close, the tapestry is unfinished, and it has been suggested (now legend) that
Outdoor Church Parade, 1921.
The original St George’s Church, in the Old Workshops.
The Quetta Memorial.
The unfinished Last Supper Tapestry. The Queen’s Colour, No 1 School of Technical Training.
Station News
it was worked on by downed aircrew from the Battle of Britain and other battles, as part of their rehabilitation.
Under the ensigns of the South Aisle, there stands a portable font made from the boss of an aircraft propeller. It was originally in use at the PMRAF Hospital’s maternity ward for emergency baptisms, subsequently used in the hospital chapel (St Luke’s) and transferred to St George’s in 1995 on the closure of PMRAFH Halton.
The Caduceus is the Medical Emblem pictured above next to the font. The plaque beneath reads; 'Presented on the closure of the Royal Air Force Institute of Health 1 September 1919 - 1 June 2000.' Whilst there was opposition from the other two Services at the time, it was eventually decided that the RAF would benefit from a separate medical service due to its unique medical requirements. The first hospital for flying service personnel was set up at Hampstead for RNAS and RFC personnel. The first RAF hospital was opened in 1919 at Halton.
Turning around, you cannot help but be impressed by the Stained Glass Memorials in the West Window. Should you talk to anyone about St George’s, it is this window (windows!) that is most likely mentioned and remembered. Not part of the original plan for the church, but starting from an idea in 1997, each individual pane in
the West Window (and also in the Side Chapels) has been dedicated to an Apprentice Entry, Group of Entries, Branch or other group; there are just over 100 unique stained glass designs. With careful individual touches, many shared themes (beech trees, apprentice wheel etc), and some poignant history, they are worth perusing at leisure. In this Platinum Jubilee year, it is fitting to finish by taking a look at the Queen’s Colour for No1 School of Technical Training. The award of a Colour is the highest award that a Sovereign can bestow on a Service or unit for distinguished service. On 27 December 1947, King George VI approved the award
of Colours to the Royal Air Force, the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell and No1 School of Technical Training, RAF Halton. Due probably to the King’s poor health (and royal timetabling) the Colour was presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the presence of Lord Trenchard at Halton on 25 July 1952, between her Accession and Coronation. The Colour was laid up in St George’s on 13 October 1968. The Colour is unique in that it was presented to, and is paraded by, noncommissioned personnel. The Colour contains a symbolic tree of learning (derived from the beech trees surrounding Halton and the area), and the
motto Crescentes Discimus, which can be translated ‘As we grow, we learn’. Let us keep learning!
St George’s Church is routinely open on Sunday mornings for our service at 0930 to which you’re more than welcome. Should you wish to arrange to visit at another time, please contact the Chaplaincy office.
The Font from PMRAF Hospital.
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