Air Forces Memorial
| Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede | |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth War Graves Commission | |
Showing portico entrance, look-out wing and astral crown surmounting the central chapel.
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| For Commonwealth Air Forces dead of World War II with no known grave | |
| Unveiled | 17 October 1953 by HM Queen Elizabeth II |
| Location |
51°26′16″N 0°33′54″W / 51.4378°N 0.5650°WCoordinates: 51°26′16″N 0°33′54″W / 51.4378°N 0.5650°W near Egham Surrey England |
| Designed by | Edward Maufe |
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Total commemorated
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Over 20,000 Commonwealth Air Forces personnel including those with acting RAF, AuxAF or WAAF rank such as SOE operatives |
The Air Forces Memorial, or Runnymede Memorial, in Englefield Green, near Egham, Surrey, England is a memorial dedicated to some 20,456 men and women from air forces of the British Empire who were lost in air and other operations during World War II. Those recorded have no known grave anywhere in the world, and many were lost without trace. The name of each of these airmen and airwomen is engraved into the stone walls of the memorial, according to country and squadron.
The memorial was designed by Sir Edward Maufe with sculpture by Vernon Hill. The engraved glass and painted ceilings were designed by John Hutton, and the poem engraved on the gallery window was written by Paul H Scott. It was the first post-World War II building to be listed for architectural merit.
The roof of the memorial looks over the River Thames and Runnymede Meadow, where the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215. Most of north, west, and central London can be seen to the right from the viewpoint; such monuments as the London Eye and the arch of Wembley Stadium are visible on clear days. Windsor Castle and the surrounding area can be seen to the left.
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial
One of eighteen bronze sculptures on the main doors of the Air Forces Memorial
Air Forces Memorial Runnymede Entrance Gates & Monument Front Aspect
Image showing lay out of inscriptions by year nationality and rank
Memorial cloister with remembrance stone before the central chapel surmounted by the Astral Crown
Air Forces Memorial Runnymede England - example coat of arms of the Commonwealth Nations of the commemorated
Air Forces Memorial Runnymede England - View of portico from chapel & showing lions passant in door
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Wikipedia