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Life-size cartoon for Edinburgh, Royal High School, Second World War Memorial, Heroes' Window (Top Frieze Right Hand Panel [H3], Air Force Cross (AFC)

Designer: Wilson, William, OBE RSA RSW · 1905-1972

Life-size cartoon for Edinburgh, Royal High School, Second World War Memorial, Heroes' Window (Top Frieze Right Hand Panel [H3], Air Force Cross (AFC)

The window marks the School's War Memorial in memory of the 131 former pupils who lost their lives during the Second World War. It comprises three…

The window marks the School's War Memorial in memory of the 131 former pupils who lost their lives during the Second World War.

It comprises three rectangular lights on the theme of Scotland's Heritage.

In order from west to east the windows are; Heroes, Royal (or Benefactors) and Thinkers.

The present cartoon is for the top frieze right hand panel of the west (Heroes') window and features the British Military Decorations the Air Force Cross (AFC) first awarded in 1918 shortly after the formation of the Royal Air Force. It was originally awarded to RAF Commissioned and Warrant Officers for "valour, courage, or devotion to duty" whilst flying but not in active combat. Its award criteria has been narrowed and its eligible recipients base has been broadened since.

The dedication of the War Memorial Window was reported in the Edinburgh Evening news thus;

‘ROYAL HIGH” WAR MEMORIAL DEDICATED The number of Royal High School former pupils who lost their lives in the Second World War was 131 and this afternoon, in the School Hall in Edinburgh, the dedication of a war memorial took place.

The memorial is in the form of three stained glass windows executed by Mr William Wilson, R.S.A., and their theme is described as the Scottish heritage.

The first is the Heroes Window, the central figures of Wallace, Bruce, and Prince Charlie being flanked by James IV, George Wishart, Sir John Moore, and David Livingstone. The insignias of war decorations awarded to former pupils are incorporated in this window, which also carries the School crest.

The centre piece has a central group consisting of David I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Edward VII, all in various ways benefactors to the School. Stages in Scotland’s development are suggested by Panels showing the presentation of the Charter to Edinburgh by King Robert the Bruce, the building of the Great Michael, Andrew Millar's printing press, and the signing of the Covenant.


THINKER'S WINDOW

On the East Side is the Thinker's Window, a picture of which is given above. The central panel shows Barbour (father of Scottish poetry and history),Burns and Scott, and the other panels show St Columba and R L Stevenson. The Arms of the City of Edinburgh are incorporated.

Coats of arms in various windows are those of famous former pupils from Drummond of Hawthornden to Lord Inglis.

The Right Reverend G S Duncan, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, officiated at the dedication service, and Lord Provost Sir Andrew Murray presided.

A tribute to the fallen was paid by the Rev R F V Scott, President of the Royal High School Club, London."

The Memorial also included a set of gates to be installed at Jock's Lodge Playing Fields in March1950.

© The Artist's Estate