RAF already has a memorial

Published: 14 January, 2011

• MARK Newberry (Letters, January 7) asked why some people object to the proposed memorial to Bomber Command in Green Park. 

One of the main reasons is perhaps because they are already commemorated in the Royal Air Force church in St Clement Danes in the Strand and as recently as 2003 an impressive statue to Sir Arthur Harris (“Bomber Harris’’), the wartime Chief of Bomber Command was unveiled outside.

This church was gutted by enemy action in 1941 and when hostilities ceased the Air Council proposed to the Diocese of London that the RAF be allowed to restore and rebuild 

St Clement Danes as its own, as a perpetual shrine and remembrance to all those killed on RAF service.

Thus it is that this beautifully restored Wren church houses Books of Remembrance and commemorates all who died in active service with the RAF. 

It is therefore incomprehensible to some people why Bomber Command should be pushing for greater recognition so long after the end of World War Two during which time more serving members of the RAF have died or been injured. 

The enormous sums of money amassed for the structure in Green Park would be better spent with the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

M GRIFFITHS, W2