International Bomber Command Day

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.

Flight Lieutenant Ernest Onions DFC

Flight Lieutenant Ernest Onions DFC – 1915-1972 A BRAVE SHROPSHIRE AIRMAN Ernest Onions was born on 19 December 1915 at The Ferry, a farm in Shrawardine, Shropshire. He was the ninth child and fifth son of William and Susan Onions. He attended Oxon CE School and Oxon CE Church. Ernest left school aged fourteen and […]