HRH The Princess Royal paid a visit to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre on Thursday, 11th September, 2025 to view the Pembroke Dock Memorial Window which is now a dramatic new installation at our museum.
The magnificent stained glass window was commissioned at the end of the World War Two and was the first memorial of its type in the United Kingdom. Paid for by the citizens of Pembroke Dock, the window is a tribute to the aircrews of many nations who served at RAF Pembroke Dock and who lost their lives in the conflict. It was originally installed in 1945 in the east window of the RAF Church (the former Royal Dockyard Chapel that now houses the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre) but was removed when RAF Pembroke Dock was closed down in the 1950s. Finally the window has come home again, on long-term loan from the RAF Museum at Hendon, and is now the centrepiece of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre.
On her arrival, The Princess Royal was met by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, accompanied by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Aeron James and children from both Pennar Community School and Pembroke Dock Community School.
The Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust’s Chair, Mr Rik Saldanha, then welcomed Her Royal Highness into the museum. During her two-hour visit the Princess spoke warmly with many of the museum trustees and volunteers. She was fascinated to learn the history of the Memorial Window, and about the importance of Pembroke Dock’s Naval Dockyard which built 263 ships for the Royal Navy in its 113 year history, including five Royal Yachts for Queen Victoria.
Before her departure, The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit, and signed the Visitors’ Book.
The Pembroke Dock Memorial Window’s new installation stands over three metres in height, with backlighting to show off the stunning colours. The window depicts two Coastal Command aircraft flying against a backdrop of Pembrokeshire sea and sky. In the distance, an Air-Sea Rescue Launch makes its way across the water beneath the watchful presence of the grey cliffs, while in the foreground two pilots in full flying kit scan the skies. Surrounding the scene are the crests of five Coastal Command Squadrons and one American Patrol Bombing Squadron, all set within a striking blaze of blue and gold. At its heart is the moving inscription: “In proud and grateful memory of the Officers and Men who gave their lives while serving on this station in the Cause of Freedom, 1939–45.”
The window was brought home to Pembroke Dock and installed at the museum thanks to the generosity of donors to our JustGiving page, including the RAF Historical Society, and to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
LEFT: HRH the Princess Royal admires the Pembroke Dock Memorial Window. RIGHT: PDHT Chair Rik Saldanha talks about the window’s history. PICTURES: Martin Cavaney Photography.