Fleet Air Arm Memorial, War memorial statue in Victoria Embankment Gardens, England.
The Fleet Air Arm Memorial is a monument in Victoria Embankment Gardens featuring a stone column topped with a bronze figure wearing a flight suit and helmet with extended wings. The memorial stands situated between the River Thames and the Ministry of Defence headquarters in central London.
The memorial honors personnel from the Royal Naval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm who served through major conflicts spanning from World War I to the Gulf War. It was created to commemorate the contributions of these naval aviation forces through a powerful sculptural form.
The bronze figure portrays Daedalus from Greek mythology, blending artistic symbolism with a biblical verse from Psalm 18:10 about flying upon the wings of the wind.
The site is easily accessible in central London and sits within a public garden area with benches and pathways. Visitors can view the memorial during daylight hours without cost, as it occupies a freely accessible public space.
The sculpture was created by James Butler and depicts an unusual representation with wings attached directly to the figure's arms rather than to the back. This distinctive design creates a remarkable profile that sets it apart from other war memorials in the capital.
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