International Bomber Command Day Marks 90th Anniversary
WWII veterans, senior RAF commanders and cadets gathered to celebrate the sixth International Bomber Command Day at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln on Thursday (23rd July).
This years’ service of remembrance was even more poignant as it also marked the division’s 90th anniversary.
Organised by the IBCC, the annual service of remembrance provides an opportunity for the RAF community and the wider public to remember the sacrifices made by the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the Second World War.
Speaking about the event, Nicky Van Der Drift, Chief Executive of the IBCC, said: “International Bomber Command Day honours the courage, sacrifice and resilience of everyone who served with Bomber Command throughout its history.
“This anniversary provides an opportunity to remember not only those who flew operational sorties, but also the thousands who supported those operations on the ground.
“Many never returned home. We remember them, their families and all those who continue to preserve their legacy.
“The International Bomber Command Centre provides a powerful place for remembrance, recognition, reconciliation and education.”
Air Marshall Allan Marshall added: “Ninety years ago this year, Bomber Command was formed. What followed was one of the most remarkable and costly campaigns in the history of air power. The statistics merit repeating. Almost a million men and women served or supported the Command, drawn from over 60 nations. Of the 125,000 aircrew – over 55,000 never came home.
“I think it’s fair to say that Bomber Command veterans at the end of the Second World War were treated slightly differently to some of the other veterans. That has been changed since and I think everything we can do to recognise their service and their sacrifice is hugely important.”
During the ceremony, 55 wreaths were laid by the RAF, veterans, associations and youth organisations. There were flypasts by a Dakota and three Typhoons as well as poems and readings by guests and IBCC trustees including Chairman of the IBCC Air Chief Marshall Sir Michael Graydon GCB CBE and Losses Archivist Dave Gilbert.
The Bomber County Pipes and Drums lead the standard bearers from the IBBC centre to the Memorial Spire and there were musical performances from the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir and the trumpeter of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Band who played the Last Post.
Representatives from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) also attended with the Torch of Peace, a symbol of remembrance and hope which represents the enduring responsibility to carry forward the memory of all those who died in the World Wars.
Following the service, invited evening guests were treated to a drinks reception, a sunset ceremony and an evening meal sponsored by DEA Ltd.
Bertram Hammond (101), who flew 30 operations as an air gunner with 514 Squadron during WWII, said the ceremony was about remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.
“Today is about the lads who never made it back,” he explained.
“Just under 50% never made it and they must be remembered. They are who I am representing here today, what this service is all about and what this centre is all about – remembering Bomber Command losses.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the men and women who served in the unit, the IBCC has been protecting and preserving documents photographs of the era and recordings of interviews with those involved in a digital archive.
To find out more about the archive or the IBCC in general, please visit internationalbcc.co.uk/
Notes for editors:
The International Bomber Command Centre, which opened on 30th January 2018, provides a world-class facility to serve as a point for recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command.
Since its opening the centre has welcomed over 750,000 visitors from 61 different countries, including over 50,000 schoolchildren through its learning programmes.
The centre has received 40 different awards for interpretation, innovation, ethical, sustainable and responsible tourism, international tourism, heritage and education, including the VisitEngland bronze award holder for Best Large Visitor Attraction and the holder of the King’s Award for Voluntary Services.
The IBCC has involved over 500 volunteers from nine countries who have supported every aspect of the extensive project.
Facebook and LinkedIn: InternationalBomberCommandCentre X, TikTok and Instagram: @IntBCC
About the Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace
The Commonwealth War Graves’ Torch for Peace represents the enduring responsibility to carry forward the memory of all those who died in the World Wars. It has a simple and timeless design and is regularly passed from generation to generation at commemorative and public events, together presenting a timeless symbol for future peace, whilst acknowledging the circumstances and legacy of the past. It was created through a collaboration between the CWGC, engineering consultants SH Tecosim UK and BAE Systems. The CWGC Torch for Peace is a symbol of remembrance and hope – honouring those who died in the World Wars.
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