The Turning of the Page

In contrast to some of London’s grand and well-known rituals, a quiet tradition takes place at St. Clement Danes Church, the official church of the Royal Air Force (RAF). Each day brings a turning of the page in the Books of Remembrance, which include the names of all who have died in active service to the RAF as well as American airmen based in the U.K. who passed during service in WWII. Now totaling eleven books, the Books of Remembrance commemorate the lives of more than 150,000 men and women who died, each name individually entered by a calligrapher.

“The books contain one of the greatest works of calligraphy of the 20th century.”
—Padre David Osborn

I was touched by this beautiful tradition and wanted to learn more, so I reached out to Padre David Osborn, who, since 2010, has served as the full-time RAF Chaplin at St. Clement’s. He graciously answered my questions, describing the origin of the tradition and how it continues today.

No elaborate ritual prefaces or exuberant audience witnesses this daily event; the pages are simply turned by whomever opens the church that morning. Padre Osborn explained that the church staff “open all the books to page one on the first working day of the year and then turn each book one page every day. When we get to the end of a book, we simply go back to page one. (It follows that some pages are on display twice a year.) The most important change is that, if someone wishes to see a particular name, one of the staff will turn the book to that page whilst they are present.” After that particular visitor has departed, the book is turned back to where it was. By turning one page per day, all names are visible at least once each year.

Names of the newly deceased are added each year and a special memorial service is held. The books provide a focus for prayer and a solace for those who have lost loved ones. Many families attend the annual service and visit throughout the year to see the names of their loved ones.   

During my visit to London, I had the opportunity to meet with Padre Osborn. He led me through the church describing some of its features: the beautiful stone flooring; the more than 800 badges from commands and other RAF formations embedded into the floor; regal stained-glass windows; an ornate lectern; the treasured organ; and the telescoping pews with engravings of names and coats of arms. So many unique features, each with its own history and significance that collectively create a sense of honor and quiet reverence.

When asked what he hopes visitors keep with them as they reflect on the Books of Remembrance, Padre Osborn responds that he hopes visitors remember the church as a perpetual memorial for those who have served and that they know memory is treasured and revered here.

And Padre Osborn, what does he keep? Saying he travels light in life, he keeps his Royal Air Force insignias and badges and his preaching scarves.

London offers grand rituals and traditions hundreds of years old. The splendor of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The Ceremony of the Keys at London Tower. With pageantry, fanfare, music, and crowds, these occasions help tell the stories of London’s rich history.

At St. Clement Danes Church, ritual comes with no crowd, no pageantry, no fanfare. The turning of the page in the Books of Remembrance is quiet and simple yet powerful, reverently providing an opportunity to remember those lost in war.

Have you discovered a lesser-known tradition on your travels? Something that moved you and was unexpected?