Polish Air Force Memorial

Polish Air Force Memorial in London stands at the junction of Western Avenue (A40) and West End Road in Ruislip, in the borough of Hillingdon, right beside RAF Northolt. It honours the airmen of the Polish Air Force who fought alongside the Allies in the Second World War, and it is one of the most significant Polish sites in Britain.

Why is the memorial here?

Seven Polish-manned fighter squadrons were based at Northolt at different points during the war. More than 18,000 men and women served in the Polish squadrons of the RAF, and over 2,000 of them died. The monument grew out of an initiative by Polish airmen's circles and was unveiled on 2 November 1948. Air Chief Marshal Lord Tedder led the ceremony, and August Zaleski, President of Poland in exile, attended.

What will you see?

The sculptor Mieczysław Lubelski designed the monument. A column of Portland stone and polished granite carries a bronze eagle, the emblem of Polish aviation, on top. The bronze was cast by Morris Singer. The front face shows the names of fourteen Polish squadrons, and the memorial also lists the names of the fallen airmen, more than two thousand in total. The bronze lettering stays legible from a few metres away.

The memorial is on the National Heritage List for England. It was first listed in 2002 and raised to Grade II* in September 2020, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, which places it among the more highly protected war memorials.

How do you get there, and can you go in?

The memorial is outdoors in an open space and free to visit at any hour. It sits beside a busy trunk road, so take care near the traffic and use the crossings. The nearest rail and Tube stations are Northolt and South Ruislip (Central line). For the last stretch, a bus or taxi works well, and a quick check in a journey planner will give you the current route. There is no café or toilet at the site itself.

When is the best time to visit?

Go in daylight, when the sculpture and inscriptions are easiest to read. The anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September and the remembrance period in November bring wreath-laying ceremonies. A visit takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The memorial is open to the public, with no gates or tickets.

Who designed it? The Polish sculptor Mieczysław Lubelski. It was unveiled in 1948.

Is the site suitable for wheelchair users? The area around the monument is open, but its position at a road junction calls for care. Check the approach from your chosen stop before you travel.

Can you visit RAF Northolt itself? No. It is an active military airfield and is not open to tourists. You can see only the memorial at its boundary.