THE UNIT

St Clement Danes Church is the Central Church of the Royal Air Force. Re-consecrated in 1958 as a perpetual shrine of remembrance to those who have died in service in the RAF it is a living church prayed in and visited throughout the year by thousands of people seeking solace and reflection.

Located in the middle of London, St Clement Danes has some characteristics that set it apart from normal parish churches. This includes a grade 1 listed status, a large number of visitors, and professional musicians.

As well as holding the Books of Remembrance the church also contains over a thousand slate squadron and unit badges in the floor. Many Colours and squadron standards are laid up in the building. The glass display cases feature many interesting RAF items that have been donated to the Central Church, as well as the ancient silver treasurers from the old parish.

The church organ, built by Harrison and Harrison, was gifted by the USAF, the lectern by the RAAF, the sanctuary flooring form the people of the Netherlands and the font (in the crypt) from the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

On the pew ends you can find the cartouches of Chiefs of the Air Staff – and if you are lucky a member of staff may demonstrate the telescopic nature of the pews – which extend by an extra 50%.

There are boards containing names of those who have won Victoria and George Crosses –as well as memorial boards commemorate RAF Chaplains, RAF Mountain Rescue volunteers, and air crew involved in search and rescue duties who have died on operations.

The church is supported by RAF Northolt (our parent unit) who provide our direct link to the wider air force family and community.

Connect with St Clement Danes Church

BASED AT

RAF Northolt

WHAT WE DO

We are a group of individuals who share a common goal in seeking to provide an important underpinning to the work and ministry of the Central Church of the Royal Air Force. We also help to bring the church to life through our activities, including an annual concert featuring the choir of St Clement Danes and The Central Band of the RAF or The Band of the RAF Regiment. We have a Friends Service annually as well as the production of two editions of our own magazine Oranges and Lemons. This is full of relevant and interesting articles and a platform for you to contribute and communicate with other Friends. We welcome new members from all walks of life.

Our mission is to encourage growth in the membership of the Friends of St Clement Danes through promotion of what St Clement Danes provides spiritually, socially and culturally.

The Charity's objectives as stated within our constitution are;

  • The furtherance of the religious, commemorative and charitable work of St. Clement Danes Church.
  • Supporting the relationship between St Clement Danes Church, its congregation and the Royal Air Force community.
  • The restoration, upkeep, improvement and adornment of the contents, fixtures & fittings of St. Clement Danes Church

If you would like to help St Clement Danes, the President and Patrons invite you to make a subscription and become part of a worldwide association of Friends.

You will also be warmly welcomed to this historic and beautiful church and have the opportunity to meet other Friends who are dedicated to maintain the fabric and further the religious, commemorative and charitable work of this most beautiful of churches, ‘the Jewel in the Strand’.

You may like to assist with welcoming visitors to the church or help with our many various activities in other ways. If you are unable to visit the church regularly, or even at all, your membership would be very much appreciated and will allow us to further our work.