14/06/2025
What the memorial is
The Special Operations Executive (SOE) Memorial in Kingston upon Thames commemorates the people who served in one of Britain’s most secretive and courageous Second World War organizations. Kingston had wartime connections to the SOE, including training facilities and safe houses. The memorial is an outdoor place of remembrance near the Thames.
History
Formed in July 1940 by order of Winston Churchill, the SOE was tasked with conducting espionage and sabotage and supporting resistance movements in Nazi-occupied Europe. Its mission was to “set Europe ablaze” by disrupting enemy operations and bolstering resistance. Men and women from Britain and Allied nations trained in espionage, sabotage and communications, often operating behind enemy lines at great personal risk.
The Kingston memorial was unveiled on October 4, 2009, by the Duke of Wellington. It is the first public monument in the UK dedicated solely to SOE agents. It commemorates around 13,000 SOE personnel, including over 3,200 women; another account gives the number of women as approximately 3,200. Many agents did not return from their missions (Exploring London).
What to see
The memorial’s focal point is a bronze bust of Violette Szabo, sculpted by Karen Newman. Its defiant expression represents the vigilance and bravery of SOE agents (Atlas Obscura). The bust rests on a simple stone plinth bearing a dedication to SOE personnel. The memorial highlights Szabo’s posthumous George Cross and Croix de Guerre and refers to significant SOE operations, including the sabotage of the heavy water plant in Telemark, Norway.
The memorial stands near the Thames, with views towards London, and invites quiet reflection on Britain’s intelligence and military history.
Although the bust depicts Szabo, the memorial honors all SOE agents, including:
- Violette Szabo Executed at Ravensbrück after missions in France; her legacy is commemorated here and at other sites.
- Noor Inayat Khan A wireless operator executed at Dachau, remembered for her courage under capture.
- Odette Sansom (Odette Hallowes) Survived Gestapo imprisonment and torture and was awarded the George Cross for resilience.
Other SOE memorials
Other memorials in the UK and France commemorate the SOE’s work and sacrifices:
- 64 Baker Street, London The original SOE headquarters is marked by a commemorative plaque in Marylebone. The building is not open to the public, but the plaque can be viewed at any time.
- Albert Embankment, London This public monument was unveiled in 2009 and features a statue of Violette Szabo. It is accessible year-round.
- Westminster Abbey, London A dedicated memorial to SOE agents can be viewed during standard visiting hours.
- Tempsford Memorial, Bedfordshire Near RAF Tempsford, once a key hub for clandestine flights, this outdoor monument honors agents and aircrews involved in SOE operations.
- Valençay SOE Memorial, France Commemorates French Section (F Section) agents who died during missions.
For more information, see London Remembers SOE Memorial.
Practical visiting information
Kingston memorial: hours and admission
- Hours The open-air monument is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day.
- Admission Free; no tickets are required.
Getting to the Kingston memorial
- By train Kingston railway station is a 10-minute walk away. Direct trains run from London Waterloo.
- By bus Multiple bus routes serve the area.
- By car Parking is limited; consult local regulations.
Accessibility
At the Kingston memorial, the pathways are smooth and wheelchair-accessible, and seating is available for rest and contemplation.
Events and guided tours
Local historical societies organize commemorative events and occasional guided tours around anniversaries and Remembrance Sunday. Check the Kingston council events page or Kingston Heritage for updates. Regular tours are not scheduled, though special commemorative tours may take place during anniversaries and local events.
Visiting the Albert Embankment memorial in London
- Address Albert Embankment, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EH.
- Location Opposite Lambeth Palace, near the Thames, with views of the Houses of Parliament (Slow Travel UK).
- What3Words
shall.transmitted.volume - Hours Open 24/7.
- Admission Free; no tickets are required.
- Transport Waterloo and Lambeth North stations are nearby, and multiple bus routes serve Lambeth Palace Road. From Kingston, trains to Waterloo provide a connection.
- Walking and cycling The riverside path is flat and accessible.
- Facilities There are no facilities at the memorial, but cafés, restaurants and restrooms are available nearby.
Tips
For a quieter visit to the Albert Embankment memorial, early morning or late afternoon is suggested. Photography is permitted and encouraged there; the FAQ also notes that photography and filming are allowed for personal use. Visitors are encouraged to be considerate at the memorial.
For audio tours, download the Audiala app. Follow us on social media for updates on local heritage events.
Nearby places
In Kingston upon Thames, nearby places include:
- Kingston Museum Local history and wartime exhibits.
- Coronation Stone Historic Saxon coronation site.
- Riverside walks Scenic walks along the Thames.
Near the Albert Embankment memorial in London are:
- Lambeth Palace Historic residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey Iconic London landmarks.
- Imperial War Museum Extensive Second World War and SOE exhibits (Imperial War Museum).
- South Bank Cultural institutions, restaurants and riverside walks.
Frequently asked questions
Are there guided tours at the SOE memorials?
Regular tours are not scheduled, but special commemorative tours may take place during anniversaries and local events. In Kingston, local historical societies also organize occasional guided tours around anniversaries and Remembrance Sunday.
Is the memorial suitable for children?
Yes. It is appropriate for all ages and educational for families.
Are the memorials accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Both the Kingston and London SOE memorials are accessible.
Can I visit the memorial at any time of year?
Yes. Both are outdoors and open year-round.
Are photography and filming allowed?
Yes, for personal use.
