IBCC Events - International Bomber Command Centre

International Bomber Command Day

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Nicky van der Drift

Veterans attending the International Bomber Command Day — Some of the veterans and families.

International Bomber Command Day was launched in 2021 to officially mark the vital contribution made by Bomber Command over its 32 year history. The launch coincided with the 85th anniversary of the commissioning of the Command in 1936.

The day includes a public service of commemoration, an evening reception with a Sunset Ceremony and a formal dinner.

The event has grown each year and, in 2024, saw senior representatives from 8 nations, 40 Air Force and Police cadets, 39 wreaths, 16 association standards, 13 ex-Bomber Command Squadrons, veterans, families and associations. Flypasts of Prefects, Typhoons and Chinooks were undertaken by 7, 9, 12, 18(B), 27 and 57 Squadrons.

International Bomber Command Day - colour photo of men in various military uniforms — Representatives from 8 different nations came together to mark the day.

Music was provided by the RAF Central Band and the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir.

International Bomber Command Day - Men in Maroon blazers from the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir — The Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir

This year’s event also covered the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Keynote speakers included Dave Gilbert, IBCC Losses Archivist and Trustee, Roddy MacKenzie, Canadian historian and author, ACM Sir Michael Graydon, IBCC Chairman and ACM Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff.

You can watch a summary film here

Join us for next year’s International Bomber Command Day Service on Thursday 24th July at 13.30.

Two men in uniform saluting as the RAF ensign is lowered — ACM Sir Michael Graydon and ACM Sir Rich Knighton at the end of the Sunset Ceremony

Air Force Cadets saluting standard bearers

The IBCC Events programme raises money to support our charity’s work with Learning and Outreach. To find out more about the range of events please click here.

Standing With Giants

Posted on October 10, 2022 by Nicky van der Drift

The Standing With Giants art installation, commemorating the Falkland’s Conflict, created by artist, Dan Barton, has been unveiled at the IBCC.

During the past two years, Standing with Giants have worked hard to produce two installations which represent those who fell whilst liberating the Falkland Islands – for the 40th anniversary on June 14th 2022. One installation has been displayed on the Falkland Islands whilst the other has been displayed at Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire. This is now on display at International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln. The display represents 258 silhouetted life-size figures of Seafarers, Royal Marines, Army, and Airmen and 3 civilians who lost their lives during the 1982 conflict with Argentina.

Dan, and two of the team – his son Luke, and Lucy, an Air Cadet, took an 18 hour flight from Brize Norton to the islands to help install the tribute and meet all of the Falkland Island volunteers who have generously given their time to get involved and make the long awaited plans become a reality.

The silhouettes are framed by poppy wreaths marking the installation’s purpose – recognition and remembrance.

They will be hosted at the Centre until the end of January and are free to visit as part of the IBCC offer.

The Artist’s Story

Dan Barton is the man behind the project – like many, he has an interesting back-story – one that we’d like to share with you here.

Born in Bristol, in 1969, Dan grew up in an artistic environment; his parents bought him his first proper tool kit when he was just eight years old. He was always encouraged to make, question, and explore his creativity. Often chastised at school for daydreaming, it became apparent he was having serious difficulties with his academic studies.

He hid it well, but no-one knew how much this little boy was struggling – from loneliness, social anxiety, and paranoia – all caused by what we now know as debilitating dyslexia. Eventually this took its toll and three days before his sixteenth birthday he was admitted to hospital, and transferred to a specialist unit for children with mental health issues.

Dan lost his freedom, but in doing so gained something very unexpected, an insight into a whole different world and a realisation that no matter how bad his problems were they paled into insignificance when compared to many of the other young people around him.

After returning home he completed his schooling with a reduced timetable of studies, he enrolled on a cabinet making course at a college in Bristol – finally he could study in an environment in which he excelled and the exceptional bureau that he produced as his final project at 19 years old was noticed by the then Junior Minister for Education, who took him under his wing and encouraged him to develop his skills.

Dan, and his wife, Janette, started their own business in their early twenties, and with over 30 years’ experience of running their own business, Dan now has a solid understanding of budgets, logistics, problem solving and deadlines.

As a devoted Dad to two boys, Dan still finds time for community minded charitable projects – from sleeping in cardboard boxes to raising funds for the homeless, to creating several giant wicker men and burning them for charity, he has always found time to put his knowledge and skills to benefit the community.

To find out more about Standing With Giants please click here

Manna Floral Mosaic

Posted on April 21, 2020 by Nicky van der Drift

On this day in 2015, the IBCC unveiled it’s Op Manna Floral Mosaic, which had been designed by one of the world’s leading floral designers, Jan Guldemond, with the support of the Government of the Royal Netherlands and JUB Holland.

The Mosaic had been planted in a specially created bed on the East Lawn of Lincoln Cathedral. The planting had taken place the previous September and the final bulbs were laid by the Defence Attaches from 7 countries, the Dean of Lincoln Cathedral, the IBCC Trustees, children from Lincoln Minster School, Hans Onderwater, the world’s leading expert on Operation Manna and Op Manna veterans Dick Tinsley and Len Dorricot.

The bulbs were protected by a series of information boards telling the story of Op Manna and the IBCC

The flower bed in early March

The morning of the unveiling broke to clear blue skies and a little breeze. The air was chilly as we set up for the event, but by 11.00 we were bathed in glorious and warming sunshine.

Ready for the off!

By 12.00 the scene was set and the guests started to arrive for a delicious luncheon in the nearby Lincoln Hotel. From there guests moved to the lawn and congregated in the events marquee, where Tony Worth CVO, Chairman and father of the project, welcomed everyone to the event. He was followed by a moving speech from Her Excellency the Ambassador of The Royal Netherlands, Laetitia van den Assum, who talked about the gratitude felt by the Dutch people fr the actions of those who had served and supported during the Operation. Speeches from Major General Dennis Luyt, Director of Operational Readiness for the Royal Netherlands, Air Vice Marshall Rich Knighton, Assistant Chief of Air Staff and Lt Col Ronald van der Put, Deputy Defence Attaché for the Royal Netherlands followed.

Guests assembled in the shelter of the marquee

A bird’s eye view of the Mosaic, taken from the Cathedral Tower by Steve Smailes

Lt Col Ronald van de Put and Frank Tolley with the presentation piece which was signed by all guests

A picture, which was given by the Dutch Government was presented to Operation Manna veteran, Frank Tolley, by a recipient of the food aid, Coby van Riel. Coby’s life had been saved by Operation Manna. She had already lost one uncle and her grandparents through starvation. The picture was signed by every guest at the event. It was an emotional moment.

The guests then entered the Cathedral, with a Guard of Honour provided by the Queen’s Colour Squadron, for a service led by The Very Reverend Philip Buckler, Dean of Lincoln Cathedral. Guests watched a film specially commissioned by Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire by Lincoln’s Electric Egg. Finally the Bishop of Lincoln gave a blessing.

The following guests were in attendance:

Op Manna Recipients

Mr Dirk (Derek) Bosch

Mrs Thea Coleman

Mrs Coby van Riel

Mr Robin Teeuw

Veterans

Mr Maurice Brook, Navigator 625 Sqn

Mr George Bulman, Navigator, 55 Sqn

Mr Dave Fellowes, Air Gunner, 460 Sqn

Mr Bernie Harris, Flight Sergeant Rear Gunner, 101 Sqn

Mr Jeff Hildreth, Warrant Officer, 200 and 170 Sqns

Mr Frank Hogan, Flight Lieutenant, 622 Sqn

Mr Aneurin (Taff) Owen, Flight Sergeant, Wireless Operator, 12 and 153 Sqns,*

Mr Maurice Snowball, Flight Sergeant, Flight Engineer, 550 Sqn

Mr Reg Spencer, Warrant Officer Wireless Operator, 514 and 617 Sqns

Mr Richard (Dick) Tinsley, Co-pilot, 216 Sqn, carried out 7 Op Manna drops

Mr Frank Tolley, Warrant Officer Bomb Aimer and Navigator, 625 Sqn. Completed 28 operations

Mr Harry Parkin, Flight Officer Pilot, 44 (Rho) Sqn

Mr Les Pearson, Flight Sergeant Bomb Aimer, 153 Sqn

Mr Wilf Hatton, Warrant Officer, 576 Sqn

Mr Jack Cook, Wireless Operator, 100 and 104 Sqns

Mr Ken Calton, Warrant Officer, Flight Engineer, 7, 156, 12 and 635 Sqns

Mr Ted Kay, Warrant Officer, 514 Sqn, based at RAF Waterbeach

Sqn Ldr Cllr Geoffrey Whittle DFM, Navigator, 101 Sqn

Mr Dennis Thompson, Warrant Officer, 170 Sqn

Military and International

Ms Laetitia van den Assum – Ambassador to the Royal Netherlands

Mr Henk de Jong – Agricultural Attaché, Royal Netherlands

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald van de Put – Deputy Defence Attaché, Royal Netherlands

Mr Steve Kettlewell – Consul for the Royal Netherlands

Major General Dennis Luyt – Director of Operational Readiness, Royal Netherlands

AVM Rich Knighton, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff **

Brigadier Bill Sowry – Head of Australian Defence Staff

Brigadier General Matthew Overton – Canadian Defence Advisor

Colonel Ryzard Tomczak, Polish Defence Attaché

Brigadier General Dieter Bareihs – USA Defence Attaché

Brigadier Anthony Hayward – Head of the New Zealand Defence Staff

Brigadier General Martin Hein – German Defence Attaché

Air Commodore Chris Luck MBE ADC RAF– Commandant – RAF College Cranwell

Wing Commander Mike Harrop – Officer Commanding – RAF Scampton

More information on Operation Manna can be found here

The Project Launch

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Nicky van der Drift

The Project Launch

On May 30th 2013, on the anniversary of the first 1,000 Bomber raid, the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial project launched under the wings of Just Jane at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby. Over 300 guests from across Lincolnshire and beyond heard the background to the project, a speech from 103 Sqn Flight Engineer veteran, Syd Marshall. Syd described what it was like to fly for hours in the dark, apprehensive and nervous. He talked about the bond between the crew and how that kept them going through everything. He described seeing a Lancaster fall down in flames having been hit by a bomb from another Lancaster above.

Not one noise could be heard from the guests, throughout his speech.

Syd said: “I am delighted that there will, at last, be somewhere to tell people all about Bomber Command and let them find out more about those people that served, many of them losing their lives in the process.

“We have been forgotten for such a long time that to have the facility to tell our story is hugely important.”

Syd Marshall and his daughter

Other speakers included Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire and founder of the project, Tony Worth and Trustee, ACM Sir Stuart Peach.

One of the guests, Anthony Boardman, had won his tickets to the event via a competition run on the project’s Facebook page. He had travelled all the way from Woodbridge in Cheshire!

Entertainment was provided by the RAF Waddington Voluntary Band

The catering on the night was done by students from Boston College, who did a fabulous job and gained points towards their qualifications.

Also attending was Sqn Ldr Leslie Valentine CdeG (pictured) and Sqn Ldr Cyril Peters DFC

The video created for the launch can be found here

Coverage of the event by Ed Wellman at Siren FM can be heard here

To read more about Sqn Ldr Leslie Valentine click here

A Very Chilly Day

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Nicky van der Drift

A Very Chilly Day

The 12^th April 2018 saw the long awaited official opening of the centre. Months of tireless work by the team and many of our volunteers had gone into planning the two events held for the day. However, all the planning in the world could not have foreseen the weather that day. The day was cold, damp and misty, so misty in fact that, for much of the day the Spire wore a shroud. Very atmospheric but not ideal for an outdoor event with nearly 4,000 guests.

British Bulldog spirit won through and an appeal for blankets earlier in the week meant we were at least able to try and keep the worst of the cold at bay for our 300 strong veteran corps. The planned multi-aircraft flypast could not take place as the cloud ceiling was a mere 300ft, so our host for the day, John Sergeant, had to improvise and talk about what we might have seen.

The event, saw over 300 veterans from across the globe gathering together to mark this significant milestone – which formed part of the official RAF100 anniversary, recognising 100 years of the RAF. These veterans officially opened the centre, each one cutting a length or red ribbon to place their own piece in a specially commissioned commemorative folder.

Margaret Hourigan and Sqn Ldr George “Johnny” Johnson Credit Steve Smailes

The veterans attending echoed the project’s theme of ‘Orchestra of Voices’ with representatives from Air Crew, Ground Crew, WAAF, Air Transport Auxiliary, Resistance workers and recipients of the humanitarian food aid mission, Operation Manna.

Nicky van der Drift, IBCC Chief Executive said: “The veterans and their memories, coupled with their struggle for recognition, have always been at the heart of this project. From the outset we have had fantastic support from all sectors of the veteran community and this was our chance to thank them publicly and formally. “

The ceremony saw representatives from Governments across the Commonwealth and Europe marking the essential contribution of other nations in defending our freedom.

Speeches from Sir Peter Luff, Chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fun, and Lord Howe, Minister for Defence in the Lords, couple with a blessing from the Rt Reverend The Lord Bishop of Lincoln set the tone for the day.

The Rt Hon The Earl Howe Credit Steve Smailes

Sir Peter Luff, Heritage Lottery Fund Credit IBCC/ Alex Pesaro

The veterans were well looked after with a team made up of over 100 IBCC staff and volunteers and 140 serving RAF personnel who volunteered to help at the event. This support by the current generation of those who previously served strongly marked the ethos of the RAF in its 100th year.

IBCC volunteers Credit IBCC/ Alex Pesaro

The event saw a wide range of musical and dramatic performances from groups around the country :

John Sergeant
Carol Vorderman
Invictus Games Choirs
City of Lincoln Male Voice Choir
Lincoln Orpheus Male Voice Choir
Louth Male Voice Choir
Caistor Male Voice Choir
Military Wives Choir
Lincoln Rock Choir
Players in the IBCC Orchestra
University of Lincoln Drama Group
City of Lincoln Drama Group
The Band of the RAF College Cranwell
RAF Waddington Voluntary Band
The RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums
Heather Marie Little
Paisley Atlanta
John McAllister

To watch the film of the event click here

To see more images from the event please click here

Among the 300 veterans invited to the ceremony was Geoffrey Towers, who served in the 158 Squadron. He described the centre as “marvellous”.

“We should never ever forget those young men who died.

“I’m the last of the crew now, they’ve all gone. I was the baby of the crew really. We were like a band of brothers – we lived together, we flew together, our lives depended upon one another. It was a marvellous relationship, never again in my lifetime like, I had such wonderful comrades.”

Mrs Coby Van Reil, from the Netherlands, was just a child during the war. She said crews from Bomber Command saved her life.

Mrs Van Reil said in the final days of the war, bombing had ceased and instead food parcels were being dropped over her home city of The Hague.

The effort, called Operation Manna, meant the starving population, who had been cut off by the conflict, could eat and survive until more help arrived.

“I’m still so very thankful and it always makes me still emotional because if they hadn’t come, maybe I wouldn’t have been here,” she said.

“So I’m forever, ever, very, very thankful.”

Sweethearts in the Service

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Nicky van der Drift

Sweethearts in the Service

Last weekend at our Crafternoon, in honour of Valentines Day, we explored Sweethearts in the Service and made Sweetheart brooches.

Sweetheart brooches first became popular in World War I. Men who left home to serve their country would leave their loved ones a badge with their regiment or service crest on it. The badges were given to mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and brothers. Anyone whom they loved and were leaving behind. The badge let them know that they would be in their hearts whilst they were serving.

The Craft

Today, at our Crafternoon, we made Sweetheart brooches inspired by the ones boys in the RAF left their loved ones in World War 2. There was some pretty amazing creations and some fantastic use of glitter. Some of our creative crafters gave their brooches to their parents and some of them kept them for themselves.

Couldn’t attend today? Why not try the creating your own sweetheart brooch at home? All you need is:

Glue
Scissors
Shiny card
Glitter
Different coloured paper
Anything else you have in the house!
We printed RAF insignia to stick on too!
Safety pin
Sellotape

First, you need to decide what shape the base of your badge will be, we had circles, squares and hexagons! We also cut out and decorated extra ‘wings’ to add to our base – the wings show that the wearer’s sweet heart was in the RAF.

How you decorate your badge is completely up to you, often they would be encrusted with gems and have ‘RAF’ in the middle. When you have finished and all the glitter is dry, attach a pin to the back with a little bit of Sellotape and give it to your Sweetheart to wear with pride!

We would love to see what you have created, why not take a picture and send it over to our Learning Officer, Jess on learning@internationalbcc.co.uk

The IBCC have free Family Fun Day’s and Crafternoons throughout the year, to find out when our next one is and discover our other events click here.

If you can support the project’s education and community programmes further through a donation please click here