THE IBCC EXPERIENCE

The IBCC provides a world-class facility acknowledging the efforts, sacrifices and commitment of the men and women, from 62 different nations, who came together in Bomber Command during WWII.

The IBCC also covers the stories of those who suffered as a result of the bombing campaigns and those whose survival was guaranteed by the humanitarian operations of Bomber Command.

During WWII over a million men and women served or supported Bomber Command. They came from 62 nations across the world and were united in their efforts to protect the freedom we enjoy today. The service included Aircrew, Ground Crew, Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, Auxiliary Air Transport, Auxiliary Transport Services, NAAFI and many others.

Bomber Command suffered the highest losses of any unit during WWII but have struggled for recognition.

Every member of Bomber Command aircrew was a volunteer.

The average age at death was only 23.

International Bomber Command

On the day

After a few months of waiting, 10 Branch members congregated at the Hare on the Green in readiness to board their respective transports make their way to the International Bomber Command Centre on the outskirts of Lincoln.  An hour and a half later we all re-grouped at a cloudy, chilly but dry IBCC. After such a long trip, a cuppa was in order whilst we waited for a guided tour of the memorial. Over the next hour we learned about how the memorial came in to being, a few facts and figures (the memorial is 202 ft tall which is the same as the wingspan of a Lancaster bomber), the truly international flavour of those brave souls that made up the bomber crews and the construction of the memorial itself. We also learned about the work that the IBCC is doing to track the history and background of those who served within bomber command. A most interesting and oft poignant tour. 

We then took ourselves off to walk around the memorial taking in some of the near 55000 names cut into the metal plates around the spire, some of us looking for family names.  The silhouette of the bomber crew with Lincoln Cathedral as a backdrop was quite moving and brought into contrast that it wasn’t just one aircraft that was lost, but the 10 crew members. 

Moving inside we took some time to view the exhibition in the visitor centre.  A combination of videos, static and interactive displays outlining the history of Bomber Command, a day in the life of of a bomber station and the roles of a Lancaster bomber crew.  On one wall there was a video playing showing each and every European bombing mission that took place during the conflict. It was amazing to see just how far into Europe crews flew and the concentration of raids on key areas.  

After more coffee and the obligatory wander around the gift shop, our  visit drew to an end and we made our way back to Brampton. 

Aside from the Memorial in London, this is the only memorial and visitor centre that is dedicated to the men and women that served and sacrificed themselves as part of Bomber Command. A poignant reminder of the sacrifice made under what have become quite controversial circumstances. I very well thought out memorial and visitor centre with a great cafe; a highly recommended day out.