The Capel-le-Ferne – Battle of Britain Memorial, also known as the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, is a significant site dedicated to commemorating the heroes of the Battle of Britain, a pivotal conflict during World War II. The memorial is located at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone in Kent, England, overlooking the English Channel. It honors the pilots, aircrew, and personnel who fought in this critical battle in 1940, where the Royal Air Force (RAF) successfully defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe’s aerial assault.
Battle of Britain Memorial
New Dover Road
Capel-le-Ferne
Folkestone CT18 7JJ
+44 1303 249292
Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Free admission
Aircraft collection
| P2970/US-X
P6775/YT-J | Hawker Hurricane (replica)
Supermarine Spitfire (replica) |
The Battle of Britain Memorial is a monument to aircrew who flew in the Battle of Britain. It is sited on the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, Kent.
Key Highlights:
- The Memorial Statue – The Scramble: The central feature of the memorial is the “The Scramble” statue, a bronze sculpture depicting a group of RAF pilots preparing for takeoff. This powerful statue symbolizes the courage and determination of the young men who flew during the Battle of Britain. The pilots’ readiness to defend their country is poignantly captured, and the monument has become an iconic symbol of bravery and patriotism.
- The RAF Memorial: The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust is home to a memorial dedicated to the RAF pilots and aircrew who fought in the Battle of Britain. The memorial wall features engraved names of the 2,936 airmen who participated in the battle, including the “Few”, a group of pilots famously referred to by Winston Churchill in his speech to the House of Commons as “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
- The Battle of Britain Memorial Chapel: The memorial also includes a Chapel that was built to honor the airmen who fought in the Battle of Britain. The chapel contains a special book of remembrance, listing the names of those who died during the battle. It serves as a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
- Exhibitions and Displays: The site features informative displays and exhibitions that provide visitors with a detailed history of the Battle of Britain. These include photographs, documents, and artifacts relating to the air campaign, as well as information about the pilots, squadrons, and aircraft involved in the battle.
- The Roll of Honour: An essential feature of the memorial is the Roll of Honour, which lists the names of all the airmen who served in the Battle of Britain. The wall of remembrance is a key part of the tribute to the pilots, who came from different countries around the world to fight in defense of Britain.
- Interactive and Educational Elements: The site offers interactive displays, educational resources, and events that help visitors, especially younger generations, learn about the history of the Battle of Britain. These include audio-visual exhibits, educational talks, and special events like the annual Battle of Britain Day ceremonies held on 15th September, the date marking the decisive victory of the RAF.
- Panoramic Views: The location of the memorial is significant due to its stunning views across the English Channel. This is the very channel over which the Battle of Britain took place, with many air battles fought in the skies above and around the southern coast of England. The panoramic views make the memorial a poignant and atmospheric location.
Photo Mark Griffiths