Bomber Command Memorial
A powerful tribute in Portland stone and bronze to the 55,573 RAF Bomber Command aircrew who lost their lives in WWII, set in the heart of Green Park, London.
Standing in Green Park, London, the Bomber Command Memorial is a powerful tribute to the 55,573 airmen of RAF Bomber Command who lost their lives in the Second World War. Crafted in Portland stone with a bronze sculpture of a bomber crew, the memorial’s open-air pavilion frames the sky above, symbolising the courage and sacrifice of those who flew perilous missions over Europe. Unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, it honours not only the aircrew but also all civilians who perished in wartime bombing. The site is both a place of quiet reflection and a striking piece of modern classical design.
A brief summary to Bomber Command Memorial
- The Green Park, along, Piccadilly, London, W1K 1QZ, GB
- +442075808343
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the memorial in quiet reflection, especially when the light falls directly onto the bronze crew.
- Take time to read all the inscriptions around the pavilion, including Churchill’s words and the RAF motto, to fully appreciate the historical and moral context of the memorial.
- Combine your visit with a walk through Green Park and nearby Hyde Park Corner to see other significant war memorials and monuments in the area.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
From central London, take the Piccadilly line to Hyde Park Corner station; the memorial is a short walk through Green Park, clearly visible from the Piccadilly side near the park’s edge.
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Bus
Several central London bus routes stop near Hyde Park Corner; from there, follow signs into Green Park and look for the Portland stone pavilion along the Piccadilly edge of the park.
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Walking
From Buckingham Palace or Piccadilly Circus, a 10–15 minute walk through St James’s Park or along Piccadilly brings you directly to Green Park and the memorial near Hyde Park Corner.
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Taxi / Ride‑hailing
A taxi or ride‑hailing drop‑off at Hyde Park Corner allows immediate access to the memorial; the pavilion is clearly visible from the main road and park entrance.
Bomber Command Memorial location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Bomber Command Memorial
A Memorial Long Overdue
RAF Bomber Command played a pivotal role in the Allied war effort, flying thousands of dangerous missions over occupied Europe and Germany during the Second World War. Yet for decades, the men who served in Bomber Command received no dedicated national monument, their controversial role in strategic bombing leaving their legacy in the shadows. The Bomber Command Memorial, unveiled in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth II, finally gave these airmen a permanent place of honour in the heart of London. It commemorates the 55,573 aircrew from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and allied nations who lost their lives, as well as all civilians of every nation who died in the bombing campaigns between 1939 and 1945.Design and Symbolism
The memorial is a modern classical pavilion in Portland stone, designed by architect Liam O’Connor and featuring a striking bronze sculpture by Philip Jackson of a seven-man bomber crew. The open roof, with a large skylight, allows light to fall directly onto the figures, and ensures that the crew are always seen silhouetted against the sky. This deliberate framing turns the sky itself into part of the memorial, evoking the vast, often hostile skies over which these men flew. Sections of aluminium from a Handley Page Halifax bomber shot down over Belgium in 1944 are incorporated into the roof, adding a tangible link to the aircraft and crews of the war.Words of Remembrance
The inscriptions at the memorial speak to both the military and moral dimensions of Bomber Command’s role. Winston Churchill’s words – ‘The fighters are our salvation but the bombers alone provide the means of victory’ – are carved on the west end, acknowledging the strategic importance of the bombing campaign. On the east end, the memorial is dedicated to the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives. Around the skylight, the RAF motto ‘Per Ardua ad Astra’ (Through adversity to the stars) is inscribed, while the plinth bears Pericles’ line: ‘Freedom is the sure possession of those alone who have the courage to defend it.’ These words frame the sacrifice not as glorification of war, but as a solemn recognition of courage in the defence of freedom.A Place of Quiet Reflection
Situated in Green Park, near Hyde Park Corner, the memorial occupies a peaceful, tree-lined setting that invites contemplation. Visitors often pause here to read the inscriptions, lay wreaths, or simply stand in silence before the bronze crew. The scale of the sculpture and the open design mean that the memorial feels both intimate and monumental, equally suited to a solitary moment of remembrance or a formal commemoration. The surrounding parkland softens the formality of the stone and bronze, creating a space where history and nature coexist in quiet harmony.Legacy and Controversy
The memorial’s creation was the result of a major public fundraising campaign, supported by veterans, families, and prominent figures including Lord Ashcroft and businessman John Caudwell. Its location in central London, close to other major war memorials, ensures that the story of Bomber Command remains visible in the national consciousness. At the same time, the memorial acknowledges the complex legacy of strategic bombing, explicitly commemorating civilian victims as well as aircrew. This dual remembrance reflects a mature understanding of war’s cost, honouring courage without ignoring the human toll.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Child Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly