How it all began
The Origins of The International Bomber Command Centre
In 2009, the then Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Tony Worth CVO, formed a Trust to realise the dream of building a memorial that commemorated not only the bravery and sacrifice of those who served and supported Bomber Command, but also to officially recognise the significant contribution of Lincolnshire to the outcome of World War II.
From that dream, the IBCC was developed, with a remit to tell the stories of all those involved. The initial staff of three was backed by over 500 volunteers from across the world, all sharing the same vision – Recognition, Remembrance and Reconciliation.
With the help of the University of Lincoln, a unique digital archive was created, preserving the heritage of the time through the digitisation of personal and military documents and the recording of first-hand testimonies. Alongside this was the creation of the most comprehensive, free-to-access database of Bomber Command losses in the world.
Concurrent with this intensive research and documentation, the work to design and build a fitting memorial and visitor centre took place. The Memorial Spire was unveiled in October 2015 and, between then and the opening of the rest of the International Bomber Command Centre in January 2018, more than 20,000 people from 11 different countries visited. Funding came, in the main, from private donations and the support of bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, Biffa Award, FCC Environmental and LIBOR.
Sadly, Tony Worth died after a brief battle with cancer in November 2017, just seven weeks before the opening of the Centre, so never saw his dream realised. In a sense, the IBCC is also a tribute to another extraordinary man.
OUR PATRONS
- Hugh Trenchard, 3rd Viscount Trenchard
- Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE
- ACM The Lord Stuart Peach GBE KCB DL
- Mrs Camilla Carlbom-Flinn
- Mrs Jenny Worth
- Mr Sidney McFarlane MBE
- The Lord Glendonbrook CBE
- AM Allan Marshall OBE
OUR TRUSTEES
- ACM Sir Michael Graydon GCB CBE – Chairman
- Mrs Nicky van der Drift OBE - CEO
- Mr Graeme Beattie
- Mr Dave Gilbert
- Baroness Sarah Hogg
- Mrs Suzanne Raine
- AVM (Ret) Paul Robinson OBE FRAeS
- Mr Stephen Fleming – Company Secretary