Fleet Air Arm Memorial facts for kids
The Fleet Air Arm Memorial is a special monument in London. It's also sometimes called Daedalus. This memorial remembers the brave men and women who served in the Royal Naval Air Service and the Fleet Air Arm. These groups are part of the Royal Navy that fly aircraft. The memorial honors those who gave their lives in wars like the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, the Falklands War, and the Gulf War. More than 6,000 people are remembered here.
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What is the Fleet Air Arm Memorial?
This memorial helps us remember the important work of naval aviators. It celebrates the history of the Royal Naval Air Service, which started in 1914, and the Fleet Air Arm, which began in 1924. These groups have played a big part in protecting the country from the sky and sea.
The Fleet Air Arm is also remembered in other places:
- At the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
- At the old Fleet Air Arm base, HMS Daedalus, in Lee-on-the-Solent.
- At the Church of St Bartholomew, Yeovilton.
The Memorial's Design
The memorial is a tall, thin stone column. On top of it stands a bronze statue of a naval airman. He is wearing a flying suit and helmet. He also has wings attached to his arms. These wings make him look like Daedalus from Ancient Greek mythology. Daedalus was a famous inventor in Greek myths who built wings to fly. The statue also looks like a winged victory or an angel.
At the bottom of the memorial, there is a shiny gold inscription. It shows the name and symbol of the Fleet Air Arm. It also lists the names of battles where these units fought.
Special Messages on the Memorial
The memorial has a special message carved into it. It says: "To the everlasting memory of all the men and women from the United Kingdom the British Commonwealth and the many Allied Nations who have given their lives whilst serving in the Royal Naval Air Service and the Fleet Air Arm."
There is also a quote from the Bible, from Psalm 18:10. It says: "He rode upon a cherub and did fly yea he did fly upon the wings of the wind." This quote adds to the feeling of flight and remembrance.
History and Location
The Fleet Air Arm Memorial was designed by an artist named James Butler. It was officially revealed on June 1, 2000. Charles, Prince of Wales (who is now King Charles III) unveiled it.
The memorial stands in the Victoria Embankment Gardens in London. This garden is located between the River Thames and the main building of the Ministry of Defence. It faces another important monument, the Royal Air Force Memorial.
Other memorials are also nearby, including:
- The Korean War Memorial.
- The Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial.
- The Chindit Memorial.
- The Battle of Britain Monument.
