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.
Music was provided by the RAF Central Band and 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.
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.