Boston, Ma. - March 5, 2026 - The Bee’s Knees British Imports is proudly sponsoring a Battle of Britain event, honoring the ten American heroes who served with Britain before the U.S. joined World War II.
At the British Officers Club of New England’s Battle of Britain dinner in 2024, it was still undetermined how many U.S. citizens had flown with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. After substantial research with the RAF’s Air Historical Branch and RCAF archives, original documents were produced to identify the ten American individuals who flew operationally from 1939 to 1940 in the Battle of Britain. Those who participated faced huge risks as they were violating U.S. neutrality laws, which could result in a $10,000 fine or imprisonment.
“The Battle of Britain was not merely an aerial campaign; it was a defining struggle for the preservation of liberty itself. In the summer and autumn of 1940, the people of the United Kingdom stood virtually alone against tyranny. Had Britain fallen, the freedoms of its citizens would have been extinguished. The courage of those who flew in defense of Britain ensured that democratic ideals endured, and their stand altered the course of history for generations to come. It is in that spirit that our Club joined in sponsoring the Battle of Britain memorial plaques — as a lasting tribute to those who safeguarded those freedoms and to remind future generations that liberty is never guaranteed, only defended,” Peter Richardson, President of the Boston-based British Officers’ Club of New England, reflected on the importance of their sacrifice
With funds from contributors like The Bee’s Knees British Imports and The British Officers Club of New England, over $25,000 was raised to purchase plaques for the ten American heroes who sacrificed their freedoms and even violated U.S. law to support Britain during WWII’s Battle of Britain. Ten plaques will be placed in each of the heroes’ home states, with the remaining five to be placed in nationally recognized locations such as RAF College Cranwell, USAF Academy in Colorado, and the USAF Memorial in Arlington, VA.
“James Nornington formed the British and Commonwealth Remembrance Project during COVID as a project for his kids. The organization is now national, with people across America and Canada honoring British war heroes buried in the U.S. and Canada. When he took on this Battle of Britain project, we felt compelled to support this marvelous effort to honor these ten American heroes who fought with Britain at great risk to themselves. We plan to continue supporting James through his Remembrance Project and spreading word of his tireless work through our Bee’s Knees community,” says Lucinda Sears, co-owner of The Bee’s Knees British Imports.
This year, the Battle of Britain Anniversary Memorial Project will be unveiling another plaque at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson, OH. The unveiling will take place on March 9th at 6:00 PM EST by Air Marshall Paul Lloyd, the UK’s Deputy Chief of Air Staff, in front of an audience of over 300 attendees, followed by a viewing at the Battle of Britain exhibit.
For more information on The Bee’s Knees British Imports or their participation in the 85th Anniversary Memorial Project for The Battle of Britain, please contact ciana.rodgers@otterpr.com.
About The Bee’s Knees British Imports:
The Bee’s Knees has been featured in MSN, Washington Examiner, Medium, and SF Weekly for its curated selection of British-made and British-designed products. Established in 2011 by co-founders Donna and Lucinda, whose shared British heritage and collaborative work in their Massachusetts community inspired the creation of a business dedicated to celebrating English craftsmanship. In 2019, the team welcomed Trish, also originally from England, further strengthening the company’s connection to its roots. Initially launched as an online retailer, The Bee’s Knees successfully adapted through the challenges of the pandemic, opening a well-received holiday pop-up shop in West Concord in 2020. Continued growth led to the establishment of a permanent storefront in West Acton in 2021, followed by the opening of its current location at 566 Massachusetts Avenue in 2022. That same year, the shop was recognized by Boston Magazine as the Best of Boston® Best Shop for Anglophiles.
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