dsc50603.jpg

Along the pathway is a memorial to General Ira Eaker, first commanding general of the 8th Air Force in England.

Picture 3 of 4.

The upper plaque on the memorial. It reads

General Ira C. Eaker

Aviation Pioneer and Airpower Leader

1896-1987

General Ira C. Eaker was a farm boy from Eden, Texas who became one of history's most famous air commanders. From April 15, 1942 to December 1, 1943 General Eaker commanded VIII Bomber Command (later redesignated Eighth Air Force) from his command post in the Wycombe Abby School for Girls. From this base, known during World War II by the codename "Pinetree," General Eaker directed "The Mighty Eighth" in the precision daylight bombardment of Nazi Germany clearing the way for the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day. He was never one for long-winded speeches, but shortly after his arrival in High Wycombe, the town mayor invited General Eaker to address a large gathering of townspeople. This is the full text of his speech ...

"We won't do much talking until we've done more fighting. After we've gone, we hope you'll be glad we came."

This sculpture, depicting General Eaker as he appeared when he served at High Wycombe, was sculpted by Lt. Colonel Jerry McKenna who was commander at High Wycombe Air Station between 1975 and 1978.