Memorial on the corner of Tunbridge Lane

Image: © Adrian S Pye Taken: 21 Mar 2020

The memorial is to Colonel Thomas J J Christian and the road in which it is located (Thomas Christian Way) is named in his honour. The plaque (most unfortunately in shadow) reads thus: "This street is situated on what was part of Bottisham Air Base and is named in honour of Col Thomas J J Christian Jr. Commander of the 361st Fighter Group US Eighth Air Force who with members of his command flew from here and gave his life in the defence of freedom during World War II. Unveiled by Col. Christian's daughter Ms. Lou Christian Wilson Fleming on 16th October 1988. Lest we forget." During his military service he was awarded the following: Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, American Defense Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Croix de Guerre, Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak leaf cluster, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Philippine Defense Ribbon, Purple Heart, Silver Star and the World War II Victory Medal. He was the great-grandson of "Stonewall" Jackson, one of the Confederacy’s outstanding commanders of the American Civil War. He was killed in Action on 12th August 1944 while bombing the station of Boisleux-au-Mont (near Arras, France). He is believed to be buried in Arras Faubourg d’Amiens British Cemetery.

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