Statue of Captain Albert Ball, War memorial in Nottingham Castle Gardens, England
The Statue of Captain Albert Ball is a bronze monument located in Nottingham Castle Gardens depicting the pilot in his flying uniform. A robed female figure stands behind him with her arm pointing upward, while the Portland stone base features detailed relief carvings of an aircraft.
The memorial was unveiled in 1921 to honor a World War I pilot who recorded 44 confirmed aerial victories during combat. The German flying ace Manfred von Richthofen singled him out as an exceptional opponent, which added to his significance in aviation history.
The statue draws from Christian religious imagery in its design, with a robed female figure symbolizing the spirit of flight standing behind the pilot. The Portland stone base includes relief carvings of an aircraft that connect the memorial directly to aviation heritage.
This monument is located within the publicly accessible gardens of Nottingham Castle and is easy to reach on foot. The area is well-marked with clear signage, and parking is available nearby along with other historical sites to explore.
The German flying commander Manfred von Richthofen publicly praised this pilot as the finest British aviator of his era. Recognition from one of the war's most feared opponents speaks to the respect he earned in aerial combat.
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