In 1944, Haveringland Church stood on the edge of RAF Swannington, home of 85 Squadron’s de Havilland Mosquitos. Famously made of wood, Mosquitos were very versatile aircraft. 85 Squadron flew missions to protect the heavy bombers attacking Germany, partly by picking up the radar emissions sent out from German night fighters and were also involved in supporting the advance after D-Day. One of the most decorated Mosquito crews of the War flew from Swannington- Wing Commander Bransome Burbridge (Pilot) and navigator Flight Lieutenant Bill Skelton. They shot down 21 enemy night-fighters and also destroyed three V-1 flying bombs on their way to English cities. A navigator on 85 Squadron said of them: "They had the perfect and all too rare understanding that characterised the best crews, and which enabled them to work together almost as one man." Both men were committed Christians. Burbridge was a conscientious objector for the first 6 months of the war until he realised how mercilessly the Nazis waged war. He volunteered for the RAF in 1940. That journey- from pacifist to decorated fighter-pilot- is part of what makes this story so fascinating and poses helpful questions for us as we, under far less pressure, work out how to live out our faith in the world every day. After the war they dedicated their lives to the Gospel. Burbridge was a Scripture Union lay preacher. He lived in Chorleywood until his death in 2016 at the age of 95. Skelton was the nephew of a Bishop of Lincoln and was ordained in the Church of England, as Chaplain of Clare College, Cambridge, working with John Robinson, later an influential and controversial Bishop of Woolwich. He appointed Skelton to be Vicar of Bermondsey in south London. Skelton later successfully ran a number of almshouses and charities in the area, putting the Lambeth Endowed Charities on a secure financial footing. Their faith was vitally important to them before, during and after the War they found themselves caught up in, like millions of others, having to work out their identity and values in the midst and face of brutal conflict. Burbridge said that he always aimed at the wings of the planes he was attacking to try to give the crew a chance. His intent mattered then and it matters still. Our intent matters as well.