US SERVICEMEN WHO FOUGHT IN THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN.
The Unveiling of a Memorial Plaque at the Ambleside Pub in Mt. Kisco, NY
Memorial Plaque at Ambleside Pub in Mt. Kisco, NY of US Servicemen who fought in the Battle of Britain
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, thirty-five members of the DBE, a British and Commonwealth of Nations Women’s Organization, from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania convened at the Ambleside Pub, 25 East Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY.
The purpose of the occasion was to honor and to show our deep appreciation for the American servicemen who fought valiantly during the Battle of Britain in 1940 and to dedicate a memorial plaque recently installed on the wall at the Ambleside Pub’s entrance. The plaque lists U.S. servicemen from Ohio, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota. James Normington, MBE, who founded the British and Commonwealth Remembrance Project www.BCRPUSA.org and members of DBE in New York organized the event. BCRPUSA.org provides poppies and wreaths to honor the graves of British and American servicemen.
We enjoyed a delicious British pub lunch while reconnecting and chatting with DBE members from our eastern states. After lunch, the official Unveiling of the Memorial Plaque to the US Citizens in the Battle of Britain began. The Ambleside Pub’s British owner, Drew Hodgson, gave a warm welcoming introduction, and then James Normington spoke about his Battle of Britain Project and how he uncovered the servicemen whose names are listed on the plaque.
Group Captain Simon J. Nevin, Deputy Air Attaché from the British Embassy in Washington, DC, gave his thanks to James and spoke of his admiration for the American servicemen. He thanked the sons and grandson of Air Pilot John K. Haviland for making the journey to Mt. Kisco.
Olivia Normington, daughter of James, spoke of the bravery of the soldiers and airmen. Peter Haviland, son of Air Pilot John Haviland, talked about his father’s legacy and the family’s pride and his gratitude for this remembrance ceremony.
Mayor of Mt. Kisco, J. Michael Cindrich, thanked Drew Hodgson and James Normington and DBE NY members for organizing this memorable event. He spoke of the American servicemen’s achievements and pride in the placing of the plaque, renewing memories of WWII and Americans’ participation.
Susan Gerrity, DBE Honorary National President and co-District organizer, explained how the DBE was founded and its members’ efforts during WW1, purchasing aircraft ambulances, sending food and medical supplies to Britain. She explained how during the Second World War, members raised money for medical supplies, food, and clothing to be shipped to Britain to those isolated during the Blitz, contributions to Spitfire funding, and the purchase of ambulances. Susan talked about “war brides”, British women who met American servicemen, married and returned with them to the US, and how the DBE was able to make these women feel at home in their new country. She discussed how the DBE today welcomes women with UK or Commonwealth of Nations heritage, how DBE members have fun, companionship, satisfaction, and rewards, while fundraising for the elderly and those less fortunate. At the conclusion, DBE members recited their motto in unison, “Not ourselves but the cause”.
After the ceremonies, DBE members enjoyed chatting with the sons and grandson of Airman John K. Haviland, who had traveled a significant distance to honor their relative. DBE members introduced themselves to government and consulate officials and to James Normington. Our members were pleased to meet one of our newest DBE recruits, Caitlin Normington, wife of James and State President of the recently revived DBE in Massachusetts. James gave out packages of poppy-emblazoned crosses with names and locations of British soldiers’ graves to several DBE members, including Susan Gerrity. We loved the opportunity to exchange recruitment and fundraising ideas with longtime as well as new members from our Eastern States.