Memorial

Royal Air Force, Victoria Embankment - WW1 and WW2

R.A.F. Memorial

Source: Copyright Wil Roberts

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Current Location

Mid-way between Westminster Bridge and the Hungerford and Golden Jubilee bridges on the left/Western bank of the river., Victoria Embankment, Charing Cross, City Of Westminster, Greater London, SW1A 2EX, England

OS Grid Reference

TQ 30369 80012

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Memorial Details

Type of Memorial: Pillar / Column
WMR Reference Number: 11560
Description: A stone column in five stages, surmounted by a large globe which is encircled by a gilded band with the signs of the zodiac: on the globe stands a gilt eagle, wings upstretched and facing East, towards the Thames. Beneath this the pedestal is carved with laurel wreaths and garlands. The main commemoration is on the landward, West side and is engraved with the WW1 entry above that for WW2: above the WW1 commemoration, in relief, is the RAF badge and, above this and running around the four sides of the column, the RAF motto in gilt lettering. A second commemoration is engraved on the East, river side. Black, wrought iron gates and railings to either side, each with a gilt-coloured boss in the form of the RAF coat of arms at their centre, prevent pedestrian access to the riverside where there are steps down to a viewing platform and further steps leading to the water's edge.
Inscription: Beneath the cap - PER ADUA AD ASTRA Top of West Face - IN MEMORY OF/ ALL RANKS OF THE/ ROYAL NAVAL AIR /SERVICE, ROYAL/ FLYING CORPS,/ ROYAL AIR FORCE/ AND THOSE/ AIR FORCES FROM/ EVERY PART OF THE/ BRITISH EMPIRE,/ WHO GAVE THEIR/ LIVES IN WINNING/ VICTORY FOR/ THEIR KING/ AND COUNTRY/ 1914-18./ I BARE YOU ON EAGLES/ WINGS AND BROUGHT/ YOU UNTO/ MYSELF Bottom of West Face - THIS INSCRIPTION IS ADDED/ IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE/ MEN AND WOMEN OF THE/ AIR FORCES OF EVERY PART OF/ THE BRITISH COMMONWEALTH AND EMPIRE/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES/ 1939 - 1945 East Side - 1914/ 1918/ IN/ PERPETUAL/ MEMORY/ 1939/ 1945

Commemoration

War: First World War (1914-1918)

War: Second World War (1939-1945)

History

Maker(s): Sir Reginald Blomfield RA, Designer
SIR WILLIAM REID DICK KCVO RA, Sculptor
Parlanti Ltd, Founder / Foundry
Sponsor Type: public
Maintenance History: 2011: refurbished 1946: WW2 inscriptions added.

War MemorialsRegister

Royal Air Force, Victoria Embankment - WW1 and WW2

Current Location

OS Grid Reference

Names listed on this memorial

Contribute to the War Memorials Register

Memorial Details

Commemoration

History

Ceremonies

Royal Air Force, Victoria Embankment - WW1 and WW2

Current Location

OS Grid Reference

Names listed on this memorial

Contribute to the War Memorials Register

Memorial Details

Commemoration

History

Ceremonies

Conservation

Components

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Further Information