air force memorial

Alanyeti

How can one rate this ? A beautiful place, and a good place to sit and think.It was not just 'The Few' - over 20,000 names of fliers who have no known grave are inscribed on the walls. Mixed feelings of respect and gratitude for the bravery of these fallen, contempt that we haven't learnt the lessons, and relief that as a member of a privileged generation I have not had to face the horror that is war.

fender1961

Been here many times and often come when I'm feeling a bit "down" as a walk through the memorial reminds you of the enormous sacrifice others have made. Recent laid flowers and other items reminds you that for dome people this is very much as relevant and meaningful as it was 70 years ago. As someone put it better ;Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirthOf sun-split clouds, --and done a hundred thingsYou have not dreamed of --Wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring thereI've chased the shouting wind along, and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air...Up, up the long, delirious, burning blueI've topped the wind-swept heights with easy graceWhere never lark or even eagle flew --And, while with silent lifting mind I've trodThe high untrespassed sanctity of space,Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

valueformoney2014

This is the most serene yet emotional places to visit.It makes one feel so grateful to those who were sacrificed for us.Upsetting yet inspiring.That it has the most amazing views from the top are wonderful yet secondary to the memory of those that disappeared but have never been forgotten by their loved ones

Rory56

really well kept memorial with lovely views, only shame is dogs are not allowed in the grounds. Dogs on leads could easily be allowed while keeping the place calm and serene.

Legionella88

A friend came to stay and being interested in WWII aviation asked to visit this monument, I had been previously with my father to see the name of a relative whose name is listed there. After a brief walk from the carpark you enter a garden of tranquility with the monument at the end of a long straight path. The monument, designed by Sir Edward Maufe with sculpture by Vernon Hill, is a stunning tribute to those Commonwealth pilots and air crews who lost their lives during WWII. Climbing the stairs of the memorial takes you to the roof where you can see the River Thames and Runnymede Meadow, where the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215. On clear days such monuments as the London Eye and the arch of Wembley Stadium.

LorTayEgham

An important place to visit, reflect, and pay respect to the people of air forces around the world who gave their lives. Make the effort to climb to the top for the fantastic views over Runneymede!

922seans

I was expecting a roadside monument at best, perhaps a plaque, but this is a serious monument to the Commonwealth pilots and air crews. A must visit for those interested in WWII aviation.

JodieYates

This Commonwealth War Graves Commission site, lists the names of over 20,000 Commonwealth airmen and women who lost their lives during the Second World War. It is a beautiful memorial that acts as a tribute to each of the 20,000 whose final resting place remains unknown. There are many personal notes, flowers and cards left by loved ones. Particularly heartbreaking see the photographs. These make the heroic sacrifice of these men and women much more real. Opened by the Queen in 1953, the architectural design participates as a 'final air control tower'. At the top of the spiral staircase you will find the outside deck which gives you a stunning panoramic view from Windsor Castle across to Heathrow. I strongly recommend visiting to pay your respects. This memorial is utterly beautiful.

GordoH27

A stoic reminder at the scale of the loss of life among Commonwealth Air Forces in WWII. Stunning to see the sheer volume of etched names of Airmen (and women!) that went missing and were never recovered. This unique memorial is a little hard to find, but rewards the effort with an immaculate display and beautiful views from the top level (Windsor Castle to the London skyline). The design is meant to recall a remote airfield's control tower and serves as a truly original idea to honor the many. Lots of little treasures tucked away if you do a little searching. No, this is not a memorial to the American Air Forces in WWII.

DickBurton

I have visited this memorial many times over the years and have always found it a very moving experience. The memorial is dedicated to over 100,000 commonwealth airmen (and women) who gave their lives in the Second World War. Their names are all carved into the walls of the cloister, with many moving personal tributes and pictures from families under the wall panels.It being close to Remembrance Day there were many poppies in evidence and some stunning wreaths made to look like the RAF Roundel.I always find it a very peaceful place and commented to my companion that the only sound disturbing the atmosphere was from planes taking off and landing at Heathrow. She said "well that would seem appropriate". Not sure I completely agree, but the point was well made!The view from the top of the tower is pleasant, spoilt a bit by the airport and too many buildings generally. Windsor castle looked good and of course the fields of Runnymede are just below the memorial, superbly fitting as this was the site where the Magna Carta was signed.The building and grounds are very well maintained by the War Graves Commission.Always worth a visit.

87katien

visited for a Sunday afternoon walk to pay respects during the remembrance period. It is very peaceful and very well maintained. The views from the top are incredible

350anthonyc350

Really interesting memorial with the added bonus of a great view from the top. Real sense of calm and plenty of paper information on the site.

Thorpe_Resident

Well worth a trip to pay your respects to so many lost souls. What is poignant is the individual photos and poppies to long lost relatives.

Spencer007

This memorial to the brave fliers who lost their lives for this country is not overstated,but is a place for calm reflection overlooking the Thames Valley and Runnymede. It is beautifully maintained and the list of names brings into sharp relief the sacrifices made on our behalf.

ivaw2014

Very peaceful place and an interesting architecture. Well kept garden and the views from the top are fabulous! You can also look up your surname in the books as you enter to see if it appears on the memorial. Many foreign names are also there. Quite a touching place.