The IBCC Experience

Everyone who visits the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) has the opportunity to learn about the story of Bomber Command and to remember the lives of those who fought to preserve the freedom we enjoy today. 

This world-class facility serves as a place of recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for all, regardless of age, nationality or prior knowledge. It acknowledges the efforts, sacrifices and commitment of the 125,000 volunteer aircrew who flew with Bomber Command during World War II, and the more than one million men and women from 62 nations who supported them on the ground.

During the devastating conflict between 1939-45, more than 55,000 men from Bomber Command died in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe or in training. The loss of every single person, whether on the ground or in the air, is commemorated at the IBCC. Of the 125,000 aircrew who served, 72 percent were killed, seriously injured or taken prisoner of war. Many were in their late teens and the average age at death was just 23.

An aerial shot of the Spire and Chadwick Centre at the IBCC in colour

THE IBCC AIMS

    • To remember the thousands of men and women from across the world who were part of Bomber Command’s efforts to protect our freedoms.
    • To educate the generations of today and those who follow, about the individuals who served with Bomber Command and the sacrifices they made to preserve our freedom
    • To allow individuals across the world to discover more about Bomber Command and those who served it, through their experiences as told by letters, diaries and memories
    • To tell the stories of those affected by the bombing campaigns across Europe
    • The Walls of Names at the IBCC carry the names of almost 58,000 men and women who lost their lives whilst serving Bomber Command.
    • The IBCC is the only place in the world where you can bear witness to all the sacrifices of this unit. This figure is higher than the number of people serving in today’s RAF and Royal Navy combined.
    • Since inception the IBCC has been working with veterans, recording their stories and preserving their documents and photos. Their support during the creation of the project has been astounding.

VISITOR COMMENTS

The IBCC is an amazing project that in my mind will do more to keep our Bomber Command Veterans’ flame alive for future generations than anything else I’ve seen. 

I really enjoyed the opportunity of visiting it. It’s a splendid tribute to the brave air crews of Bomber Command

Thank you to your Tour Guide, and his helpers, for such a memorable afternoon at the IBCC Spire and Memorial Walls. I found my uncle’s name and was able to place a poppy there. I will be visiting again next summer with my two brothers.

Excellent visit. Without any member of the whole team employees and volunteers it would not have been the same. You are the very essence of the word TEAM – This is the “complete deal” visitor experience – (2nd visit – you are all amazing – Thank you.)

Exhibition: lots of variety of interaction. Other Notes: Thoroughly enjoyed our tour and visit. Thank you! An excellent place to visit. Very relaxed and friendly. Well organised. Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Site very well thought out and accessible. All prices very reasonable, which is great in the current climate.

Next: The Spire