RAF Memorials

[fobotcso]

Could someone update me please on the main RAF Memorial sites?

There is the "RAF Memorial" on Victoria Embankment (1923), I know, and also a memorial at Runnymede that I thought was actually an "AirForces Memorial" including over 21,000 Foreign and Commonwealth Aircrew killed in WW2.

The RAF Web Site describes Runnymede as "The RAF Memorial" however so I'm confused.

Is there an "RAF Memorial" or just lots of them?

[Jackonicko]

Though I'm condemned forever as being non-useful cos I disagree with you, mighty F, about Israel, my understanding is that the Runymede memorial is the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial and is specifically for those who have NO KNOWN GRAVE. There is also, of course a Polish Air Forces memorial at Northolt, and various other 'factional' memorials.

I further believe that the function of 'general RAF memorial' is fulfilled by the RAF Church at St Clement Danes.

[Brian Dixon]

Fobotcso,. .the Imperial War Museum is currently compiling a list of all war memorials in the UK. If you give them a ring on 020 7416 5445 they may be able to help.

Regards. .Brian

[ORAC]

<a href="http://www-saw.arts.ed.ac.uk/raf/memorial.html" target="_blank">http://www-saw.arts.ed.ac.uk/raf/memorial.html</a>

The first rays of the dawning sun. .Shall touch its pillars,. .And as the Day advances. .And the light grows stronger,. .You shall read the names. .Engraved on the stone. .Of those who sailed on the angry sky. .And saw harbour no more.. .No gravestone in yew-dark churchyard. .Shall mark their resting place;. .Their bones lie in the forgotten corners. .Of earth and sea.. .But, that we may not lose their memory. .With fading years, their monument stands here,. .Here, where the trees troop down to Runnymede.. .Meadow of Magna Carta, field of freedom,. .Never saw you so fitting a memorial, . .Proof that the principals established here . .Are still dear to the hearts of men.. .Here now they stand, contrasted and alike,. .The field of freedom's birth, and the memorial . .To freedom's winning.

And, as evening comes,. .And mists, like quiet ghosts, rise from the river bed,. .And climb the hill to wander through the cloisters, . .We shall not forget them. Above the mist . .We shall see the memorial still, and over it. .The crown and single star. And we shall pray . .As the mists rise up and the air grows dark. .That we may wear. .As brave a heart as they.

[SACSmith]

The 11 Gp Bunker at RAF Uxbridge is very interesting, they conduct tours during the week. It certainly brings home how much they achieved with such primitive technology, against such odds.

[Pom Pax]

Here is a list of Bomber Command airfields which have there own <a href="http://www.nucleus.com/~ltwright/Memorials.htm" target="_blank">memorials.</a>

There is a Book of Remembrance in Ely Cathedral. I believe it commemorates all those who lost their lives whilst operating out of bases in the diocese. It is in a locked glass case on the North wall and it is open for the current date.

[WebPilot]

May I recommend The Friends of War Memorials?

Obviously FOWM is not only concerned with RAF memorials, but it is a group with very worthy aims.

<a href="http://www.war-memorials.com/" target="_blank">http://www.war-memorials.com/</a>

[Perky Penguin]

There is, of course, the Battle of Britain Memorial which is on the Dover cliff tops at Capel le Ferne. Sounds French but it is UK, trust me!

[fobotcso]

Thanks to all for varied responses; please excuse slow reply due comms difficulties.

My visits to these kinds of memorials (I have visited Utah Beach regularly) always invoke the most intense of emotions.

[Scud-U-Like]

Should you ever find yourself in Plymouth, have a look at the RAF memorial on the Hoe: it's a very evocative bronze of a WWII pilot. Going completely off thread, the US Military Cemetery near Cambridge is well worth a visit. I once stopped off there when I was passing and found it the most peaceful and ethereal place I have ever visited.

[Samuel]

I've visited a few, not that I have a compulsion to do so, but because I invariably feel I owe it to those that lie there.

I noticed the tiny little cemetery in Cottesmore Village once, and often gave them a thought on the way past.

The Kranji Cemetery in Singapore is stunning in it's effect, especially when you realise what a magnificent setting it is. The most poignant of all, for me, is that at Kanchanaburi, on the River Kwai. It is truly magnificent, beautifully kept.We don't have a lot to moan about really!

[Blacksheep]

Don't forget the airborne memorial operated by the BBMF. Although with a Lancaster and a Dakota included it could be more appropriate for it to be renamed as the RAF Memorial Flight.

**********************************. .Through difficulties to the cinema

[Mycroft]

The current After the Battle (115) has an item on the UK National Inventory of War Memorials which is now available at the IWM, containing data on 45,000 memorials (mainly WW1) but including for example 222 aircraft crash site memorials. Unfortunately although computerised to a large extent there are no plans to make this available on the web, and can only be accessed by appointment (0207 416 5344 or [email protected])

[StiffNose]

I can recommend the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial at RAF Manston. Their website includes info on the Capel-Le-Ferne memorial mentioned above.

<a href="http://www.spitfire-museum.com" target="_blank">www.spitfire-museum.com</a>

[ 26 February 2002: Message edited by: StiffNose ]</p>