St Clement Danes, Central Church of the RAF

Published 23-Sep-23 · Updated 23-Sep-23

The Strand in central London is home to many imposing buildings. One of those is St Clement Danes church. The statues of Hugh Dowding and Arthur Harris give a hint of its connections to the Royal Air Force, but it is only when you enter that its role as the Central Church of the Royal Air Force is apparent.

Entering the church you walk across a large RAF eagle, after which rows and rows of RAF squadron badges carved from slate and set into the floor, lead the eye to the altar.

Along the outer walls of the church lie open books of remembrance in cabinets flanked by standards of disbanded units. It is simultaneously imposing and reverential.