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Coordinates: 51°26′16″N 0°33′54″W / 51.4378°N 0.5650°W / 51.4378; -0.5650
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{{Short description|Memorial in Surrey, England}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{infobox military memorial
{{infobox military memorial
|name=Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede
|name=Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede
|body=[[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]]
|body=[[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]]
|image=[[Image:Air Forces Memorial Runnymede.jpg|300px]]
|image=Air Forces Memorial Runnymede.jpg
|caption=Showing portico entrance, look-out wing and astral crown surmounting the central chapel.
|caption=Showing portico entrance, look-out wing and astral crown surmounting the central chapel.
|commemorates=Commonwealth Air Forces dead of World War II with no known grave
|commemorates=Commonwealth Air Forces dead of World War II with no known grave
|use_dates=
|use_dates=
|coordinates={{coord|51.4378|-0.5650|region:GB_scale:2000|display=inline,title}}
|coordinates={{coord|51.4378|-0.5650|region:GB_scale:2000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|nearest_town=Egham Surrey England
|nearest_town=Egham Surrey England
|designer=[[Edward Maufe]]
|designer=[[Edward Maufe]]
|inscription=
|inscription=
|established= <!-- {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
|established= <!-- {{Start date|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
|unveiled=17 October 1953 by HM [[Queen Elizabeth II]]
|unveiled=17 October 1953 by HM [[Queen Elizabeth II]]
|total=
|total=
Line 19: Line 21:
|source=
|source=
}}
}}
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]].<ref>http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0009128 Canadian Encyclopedia Monuments, World Wars I and II</ref> 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 '''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]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/monuments-of-the-first-and-second-world-wars/ |title=Monuments of the First and Second World Wars|first=Jacqueline|last=Hucker |access-date=2018-02-11 |encyclopedia= Canadian Encyclopedia}}</ref> 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.


==Design==
==Design==
The memorial was designed by Sir [[Edward Maufe]] with sculpture by [[Vernon Hill (sculptor)|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.<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/109600/RUNNYMEDE%20MEMORIAL ''Runnymede Memorial''.] Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 23 Aug 2012.</ref>
The memorial was commissioned and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/109600/runnymede-memorial/ | title=Runnymede Memorial &#124; Cemetery Details }}</ref> The architect was Sir [[Edward Maufe]] with sculpture by [[Vernon Hill (sculptor)|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.<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/109600/RUNNYMEDE%20MEMORIAL ''Runnymede Memorial''.] Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 23 August 2012.</ref>


The roof of the memorial looks over the [[River Thames]] and [[Runnymede]] Meadow, where the [[Magna Carta]] was sealed by [[John of England|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.
From the memorial there are views over the [[River Thames]] and [[Runnymede]] Meadow, where [[Magna Carta]] was sealed by [[John of England|King John]] in 1215. Distant views of [[London]] may be had from the viewpoint in the memorial tower; 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 West.
<gallery>
Image:AirForcesMemorial.JPG|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-2.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-3.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-4.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-5.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-7.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-9.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-10.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:AirForcesMemorial-12.jpg|Air Forces Memorial
Image:Air Forces Memorial door bronze detail.jpg|One of eighteen bronze sculptures on the main doors of the Air Forces Memorial
File:Airforce-entrance.jpg|Air Forces Memorial Runnymede Entrance Gates & Monument Front Aspect
File:Airforcememorial-panelstructure.jpg|Image showing lay out of inscriptions by year nationality and rank
File:Airforcerunnymede-cloister.jpg|Memorial cloister with remembrance stone before the central chapel surmounted by the Astral Crown
File:Airforces-ceiling.jpg|Air Forces Memorial Runnymede England - example coat of arms of the Commonwealth Nations of the commemorated
File:Airforces-portico.jpg|Air Forces Memorial Runnymede England - View of portico from chapel & showing lions passant in door
</gallery>


==Location==
==Location==
The memorial is on Coopers Hill Lane, [[Englefield Green]], next to the former Runnymede campus of [[Brunel University]] and Kingswood Hall of [[Royal Holloway, University of London]] since 1965 when it was converted from a convent.
The memorial is on Coopers Hill Lane, Englefield Green, next to the former Runnymede campus of [[Brunel University]] and Kingswood Hall of [[Royal Holloway, University of London]] since 1965 when it was converted from a convent.


For location map, showing its proximity to other Runnymede memorials, see [[Runnymede]].
For location map, showing its proximity to other Runnymede memorials, see [[Runnymede]].


==Status==
==Status==
It is a [[listed building|Grade II* listed building]] and was completed in 1953.
It is a [[listed building|Grade II* listed building]] and was completed in 1953.<ref>{{NHLE|desc=Commonwealth Air Force Memorial|date=25 September 1998 |num=1376599 |grade=II*}}</ref>


==People memorialised==
==Notable Commemoratees==
Amongst the many thousands of airmen and women whose names are recorded on the Memorial are:
⚫
*Flight Lieutenant [[Howard Peter Blatchford]], Canadian [[Battle of Britain]] veteran pilot
* Flight Sergeant [[Edwin Watson]], Scottish Air Gunner and Professional Footballer known as The Flying Fifer
*Flying Officer [[David Moore Crook]], fighter pilot<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwgc.org/search/casualty_details.aspx?casualty=231535|title=Commonwealth War Graves Commission - Casualty Details|publisher=[[Commonwealth War Graves Commission]]|accessdate=2007-11-21}}</ref>
⚫
* Flight Lieutenant [[Howard Peter Blatchford]], Canadian [[Battle of Britain]] veteran pilot<ref>{{cwgc|id=1529953|name=Blatchford, Howard Peter|access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref>
⚫
*Flight Lieutenant [[Art Donahue|Arthur ('Art') Donahue]], American RAF [[Flying ace]], author
* Flying Officer [[David Moore Crook]], fighter pilot<ref>{{cwgc|id=231535|name=Crook, David Moore|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
*Flight Lieutenant [[John Dundas (RAF officer)|John Dundas]], flying ace<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2322567/DUNDAS,%20JOHN%20CHARLES] CWGC Casualty Record, John Charles Dundas</ref>
⚫
* Flight Lieutenant [[Art Donahue|Arthur ('Art') Donahue]], American RAF [[Flying ace]], author<ref>{{cwgc|id=232337|name=Donahue, Arthur Gerald|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
*Wing Commander [[Paddy Finucane|Brendan (Paddy) Finucane]], flying ace
⚫
* Flight Lieutenant [[John Dundas (RAF officer)|John Dundas]], flying ace<ref>{{cwgc|id=232567|name=Dundas, John Charles|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
*Squadron Leader [[Hilary Hood]], Battle of Britain pilot casualty
* Wing Commander [[Paddy Finucane|Brendan (Paddy) Finucane]], flying ace<ref>{{cwgc|id=1270044|name=Finucane, Brendan Eamonn Fergus|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
*First Officer [[Air Transport Auxiliary|ATA]] [[Amy Johnson]], aviatrix<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1802112/JOHNSON,%20AMY%20V] CWGC Casualty Record, Amy V Johnson.</ref>
* Squadron Leader [[Hilary Hood]], Battle of Britain pilot casualty<ref>{{cwgc|id=1800418|name=Hood, Hilary Richard Lionel|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
*Pilot Officer [[Vernon Keogh|Vernon ('Shorty') Keogh]], American RAF Battle of Britain pilot
⚫
* First Officer [[Air Transport Auxiliary|ATA]] [[Amy Johnson]], aviator<ref>{{cwgc|id=1802112|name=Johnson, Amy V.|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
*Flight Lieutenant [[Eric Lock]], flying ace
*Pilot Officer [[Willie McKnight|William (Willie) McKnight]], Canadian flying ace
* Pilot Officer [[Vernon Keogh|Vernon ('Shorty') Keogh]], American RAF Battle of Britain pilot
⚫
* Assistant Section Officer [[Noor Inayat Khan]], [[George Cross|GC]] recipient, [[Special Operations Executive|SOE]] agent<ref>{{cwgc|id=1800882|name=Inayat-Khan, Noor (Nora)|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
*Wing Commander [[John Dering Nettleton]], [[Victoria Cross|VC]] recipient<ref>[http://www.victoriacross.org.uk/ggatsea.htm] Burial locations of VC holders lost or buried at sea.</ref>
* Sergeant [[Leslie Lack]], pre-war [[Arsenal F.C.]] football player <ref>{{cite web |title=Sergeant Leslie Martin Lack |url=http://www.rafcommands.com/database/wardead/details.php?qnum=88131 |website=rafcommands.com |access-date=15 February 2020}}</ref>
⚫
*Pilot Officer [[Esmond Romilly]], [[Anti-fascism|anti-fascist]] writer<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2940555/ROMILLY,%20ESMOND%20MARK%20DAVID] CWGC Casualty Record, Esmond Mark David Romilly.</ref>
* Flight Lieutenant [[Eric Lock]], flying ace<ref>{{cwgc|id=1078835|name=Lock, Eric Stanley|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
*Pilot Officer [[Derek Teden]], England [[rugby union football|rugby]] international.<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/TEDEN,%20DEREK%20EDMUND] CWGC Casualty Record, Derek Edmund Teden</ref>
* Pilot Officer [[Willie McKnight|William (Willie) McKnight]], Canadian flying ace<ref>{{cwgc|id=1079554|name=McKnight, William Lidstone|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
*Wing Commander [[Alois Vasatko]], Czech flying ace<ref>[http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1809280/VASATKO,%20ALOIS] CWGC Casualty Record, Alois Vasatko.</ref>
⚫
* Wing Commander [[John Dering Nettleton]], [[Victoria Cross|VC]] recipient<ref>{{cwgc|id=1077600|name=Nettleton, John Dering|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
*Assistant Section Officer [[Noor Inayat Khan]], [[George Cross|GC]] recipient, [[Special Operations Executive|SOE]] agent
⚫
* Pilot Officer [[Esmond Romilly]], [[Anti-fascism|anti-fascist]] writer<ref>{{cwgc|id=2940555|name=Romilly, Esmond Mark David|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
* Pilot Officer [[Derek Teden]], England [[rugby union football|rugby]] international<ref>
{{cwgc|id=1808585|name=Teden, Derek Edmund|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
⚫
* Wing Commander [[Alois Vasatko]], Czech flying ace<ref>{{cwgc|id=1809280|name=Vasatko, Alois|access-date=18 May 2015|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
* Squadron Leader [[Geoffrey Warnes]] of [[No. 263 Squadron RAF]]<ref>{{cwgc|id=|name=Warnes, Geoffrey Berrington|access-date=24 August 2018|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>

==See also==
{{commons category}}
*[[Grade II* listed war memorials in England]]


==References==
==References==
Line 72: Line 66:


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Commons category|Air Forces Memorial}}
*[http://www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=109600&mode=1 Commonwealth War Graves Commission - official site]
*[http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery/109600 Commonwealth War Graves Commission - official site]
⚫
*[https://www.wyrdlight.com/stories/airforcerunnymede.htm Detailed description and images of the Memorial]
*{{IoE|470605|Grade II*}}
⚫
*[http://www.wyrdlight.com/stories/airforcerunnymede.htm Detailed description and images of the Memorial]


[[Category:Buildings and structures on the River Thames]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures on the River Thames]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force memorials]]
[[Category:Royal Air Force memorials]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Surrey]]
[[Category:World War II memorials in England]]
[[Category:World War II memorials in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Surrey]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Surrey]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed buildings in Surrey]]
[[Category:Grade II* listed buildings in Surrey]]

Latest revision as of 00:33, 15 January 2024

Air Forces Memorial, Runnymede
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Showing portico entrance, look-out wing and astral crown surmounting the central chapel.
For Commonwealth Air Forces dead of World War II with no known grave
Unveiled17 October 1953 by HM Queen Elizabeth II
Location51°26′16″N 0°33′54″W / 51.4378°N 0.5650°W / 51.4378; -0.5650
near 
Egham Surrey England
Designed byEdward Maufe
CommemoratedOver 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.[1] 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.

Design[edit]

The memorial was commissioned and is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.[2] The architect was 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.[3]

From the memorial there are views over the River Thames and Runnymede Meadow, where Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215. Distant views of London may be had from the viewpoint in the memorial tower; 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 West.

Location[edit]

The memorial is on Coopers Hill Lane, Englefield Green, next to the former Runnymede campus of Brunel University and Kingswood Hall of Royal Holloway, University of London since 1965 when it was converted from a convent.

For location map, showing its proximity to other Runnymede memorials, see Runnymede.

Status[edit]

It is a Grade II* listed building and was completed in 1953.[4]

People memorialised[edit]

Amongst the many thousands of airmen and women whose names are recorded on the Memorial are:

See also[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Air Forces Memorial.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Hucker, Jacqueline. "Monuments of the First and Second World Wars". Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Runnymede Memorial | Cemetery Details".
  3. ^ Runnymede Memorial. Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  4. ^ Historic England (25 September 1998). "Commonwealth Air Force Memorial (Grade II*) (1376599)". National Heritage List for England.
  5. ^ "Casualty Details: Blatchford, Howard Peter". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  6. ^ "Casualty Details: Crook, David Moore". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  7. ^ "Casualty Details: Donahue, Arthur Gerald". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  8. ^ "Casualty Details: Dundas, John Charles". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  9. ^ "Casualty Details: Finucane, Brendan Eamonn Fergus". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  10. ^ "Casualty Details: Hood, Hilary Richard Lionel". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  11. ^ "Casualty Details: Johnson, Amy V." Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  12. ^ "Casualty Details: Inayat-Khan, Noor (Nora)". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  13. ^ "Sergeant Leslie Martin Lack". rafcommands.com. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  14. ^ "Casualty Details: Lock, Eric Stanley". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  15. ^ "Casualty Details: McKnight, William Lidstone". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  16. ^ "Casualty Details: Nettleton, John Dering". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  17. ^ "Casualty Details: Romilly, Esmond Mark David". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  18. ^ "Casualty Details: Teden, Derek Edmund". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  19. ^ "Casualty Details: Vasatko, Alois". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
  20. ^ "Casualty Details: Warnes, Geoffrey Berrington". Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Retrieved 24 August 2018. Edit this at Wikidata

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Air Forces Memorial.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Air_Forces_Memorial&oldid=1195723240"