Bomber Harris Memorial at St Clement Danes, London
A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
The Bomber Harris Memorial in London honors Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris and the brave crews of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Located at St Clement Danes Church on the Strand, this bronze statue commemorates the sacrifices of over 55,000 airmen who lost their lives in the cause of freedom. Unveiled in 1992 by the Queen Mother, the memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the wartime history and complex legacy of strategic bombing campaigns. It is set within a historic church that serves as a shrine to the Allied air forces.
A brief summary to Bomber Harris Memorial
- 1dh, 265 Strand, London, Temple, WC2R 1DH, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during quieter weekday hours to fully absorb the memorial’s solemn atmosphere.
- Take time to read the inscriptions and plaques to understand the memorial’s historical context.
- Explore the interior of St Clement Danes Church to see mosaics and books of remembrance honoring Allied air forces.
- Combine your visit with other nearby WWII historical sites in the Temple and Strand area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Central or Piccadilly Line to Holborn Station, then walk approximately 10 minutes along the Strand to St Clement Danes Church. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes. Tube fares start at around £2.50 for a single journey; note that walking involves city pavements and some stairs.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the Strand area near St Clement Danes, including routes 15, 23, and 139. Travel times vary from 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Buses accept contactless payment or Oyster cards, with fares around £1.75 per trip.
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Walking
From Covent Garden, a 20-minute walk along Long Acre and the Strand leads to the memorial. The route is on paved city streets with moderate pedestrian traffic and is accessible for most visitors.
Bomber Harris Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bomber Harris Memorial
A Monument to a Controversial WWII Commander
The Bomber Harris Memorial commemorates Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, known as "Bomber Harris," who led the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command from 1942 to 1945. Harris directed the strategic bombing campaign against Germany, which played a significant role in the Allied war effort but also caused widespread destruction and loss of civilian life. The memorial, a bronze statue sculpted by Faith Winter, depicts Harris in uniform, standing solemnly with gloves held behind his back. It was unveiled on 31 May 1992 by the Queen Mother, marking the 50th anniversary of the first 1,000-bomber raid and Harris's centenary year.Setting Within St Clement Danes Church
The memorial is located at St Clement Danes Church on the Strand, a historic site heavily damaged by bombing in WWII and later rebuilt as a shrine to the air forces of the Allied nations. The church itself is a Grade I listed building, serving as a place of remembrance and reflection. Inside, visitors can view mosaics of air force badges from around the world and books of remembrance honoring RAF personnel who died during the war. The church’s solemn atmosphere enhances the memorial’s message of sacrifice and duty.Legacy and Controversy
Sir Arthur Harris remains a controversial figure due to the devastating effects of the bombing campaigns he commanded, including the destruction of cities like Dresden. The memorial acknowledges the immense debt owed to Harris and the more than 55,000 airmen who lost their lives. The statue has faced protests and vandalism, reflecting the ongoing debate about the morality and impact of strategic bombing in WWII. Despite this, it stands as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the men of Bomber Command.Design and Inscriptions
The statue’s plinth bears inscriptions honoring Harris’s leadership and the crews of Bomber Command. The front reads: "Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Arthur Harris BT GCB OBE AFC 1892-1984 Commander-in-Chief Bomber Command Royal Air Force 1942-1945." A side plaque commemorates the bravery of the crews, stating that the nation owes them "an immense debt." The statue’s dignified design invites contemplation of the complex history it represents.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Visitors to the memorial can explore the church’s tranquil grounds and interior, which provide a quiet space for reflection on the sacrifices of WWII airmen. The location in central London’s Temple area situates it amid a rich historical and cultural environment. Nearby plaques and exhibits offer additional context about Bomber Command’s operations and the broader air war. The memorial is accessible year-round and is often visited by those interested in military history and remembrance.Commemoration and Cultural Significance
The Bomber Harris Memorial is part of a broader narrative of remembrance in London, complementing other WWII memorials and sites. It highlights the complex legacy of wartime leadership and the human cost of strategic decisions. As a cultural landmark, it encourages visitors to engage thoughtfully with history, honoring courage while acknowledging controversy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bomber Harris Memorial
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A solemn tribute to RAF Bomber Command’s leader and airmen, set within the historic St Clement Danes Church in London’s Temple district.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
