A striking new memorial has been unveiled to honor the military and civilian personnel who served at a World War II airbase in Warrington, England. The impressive sculpture, titled "Bolt of Lightning," depicts a US Lockheed P-38F Lightning fighter aircraft that played a crucial role during the Second World War.
The artwork has been installed strategically near the M62 motorway junction in Burtonwood, Warrington, where it captures the dramatic moment of the aircraft rising toward the sky after completing a dive, with distinctive trails streaming behind it. The sculpture stands as a powerful tribute to those who worked at the historic RAF Burtonwood airbase during one of the most challenging periods in modern history.
Designed by artist Peter Naylor, the memorial specifically commemorates the contributions of personnel at RAF Burtonwood, which held the distinction of being the largest military airbase in the United Kingdom during World War II. The base's significance extended beyond the war years, as it continued to serve as an important facility for the US Air Force in the post-war period.
The monument is particularly impressive in scale, reaching a height of 22.5 meters (73.8 feet), which actually makes it taller than the famous Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead, which stands at 20 meters (65 feet). To enhance its visual impact and ensure visibility during evening hours, the sculpture will be illuminated by searchlights at night, creating a dramatic silhouette against the sky.
The installation serves not only as a memorial but also as an educational reminder of the region's crucial role in the wartime effort and the international cooperation that characterized the Allied forces during World War II.
