Memorial Wall at the International Bomber Command Centre. Credit Tim Doyle

LOSSES DATABASE

The IBCC Losses Database records the details of 58,511 Bomber Command deaths throughout its existence (1936-1968), including pre-war and post-war losses. It has recently been expanded to cover all aspects of the Second Tactical Air Force and the bombing losses sustained in the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African theatres, taking the total losses now recorded to 66,836.

It provides one of the most comprehensive records of these losses in the world, including an ever-increasing amount of biographical information and photographs.

The work to create this database, which now contains over 6.2 million pieces of data, has taken our team of volunteers more than 12 years. Led by our Losses Archivist, and volunteer, Dave Gilbert, the team has cross referenced data from innumerable sources including national and international Rolls of Honour, Operations Record Books, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Squadron Association records, and PoW records.

The database will help you discover the story behind each loss, including poignant aspects such as their epitaphs and details of the family they left behind.

The work on the database continues apace, with the aim of providing the most complete source of information in existence on all aspects of their short lives, free to use, for all, forever.

Our mantra is to paint a picture of the man (or woman) and not just the service member. Of course, more can always be written about each one of them, so if you have any information which we can include, please click on ‘Suggest an Edit’ on their loss page and tell us more. Their schooling, work before enlisting, sports hobbies and interests all help, as does a photograph or two. Thank you for helping us to tell their stories.

SEARCH LOSSES DATABASE

SEARCHING THE DATABASE

When searching our database, first select the fields you would like to include using the ADD SEARCH FIELD button. You can choose as many or as few as you wish although, like all search engines, it’s best to put in less information to begin with and only include more fields if you need to narrow down your search.

With minimal exceptions, Bomber Command flew only out of UK stations. If your search doesn’t produce the results you were expecting it could be that your relative served in one of the other Commands that also flew bombers:

Second Tactical Air Force (2TAF)
RAF Middle East Command
Mediterranean Air Command
Coastal Command
Transport Command
Air Command South East Asia

A search for the squadron number on the internet should clarify in which Command your relative served.

We will be expanding the scope of the database over time to include other bomber losses, so please keep an eye on the ‘What’s New’ section.

We are always looking for photographs and further information on each of the losses to help bring their stories to life. Please help us to honour their sacrifice by submitting additional information and photos by clicking on the SUGGEST AN EDIT/ SUBMIT MORE INFO or SUBMIT A PHOTO buttons.

SEARCH LOSSES DATABASE

What’s New

Keep up to date with new information we’ve recently added:

Pre-War Losses
Post-War Losses
Gravestone Inscriptions (Epitaphs)
UK Memorials including locations and images
European Memorials are being introduced country by country

Special Thanks

Here we thank the people who have recently gone the extra mile to help expand the database:

The Epitaphs Project Volunteers
Anne Doward
Jagan Pillarisetti of RAF Commands
Wessel Scheer from Nunspeet, Netherlands
Mark Haycock
Paul Markham
Mark Hanson

Appeals for help:

We’re always looking for new information to add. Here are the specific areas we’re looking for help with at the moment. If you can help, please drop us a line at losses@internationalbcc.co.uk

We’re looking for local History Groups and Societies to help us increase the biographical information we hold on each of the losses who hailed from your local area. To find out how you can help click here

IBCC MEMORIALS PROJECT: Credits

The various phases of this project have been achieved with the kind co-operation of many, many volunteers who have contributed their time and effort over many years. All the named individuals below have kindly allowed their images to be reproduced with their permission.

NB: This project is planned to remain live, allowing for new material to be sourced and added. As a result, the various phase credits will be updated accordingly as required.

Tony Hibberd – IBCC Memorials Archivist

PHASE 1: (All known memorials in the UK to Bomber Command front line units & personnel)

PHASE 2: (Canadian natural memorials to Bomber Command personnel)

Gordon Crossley (Canadian Armed Forces Heritage Officer)| Norman Malayney (Legion House Museum)

PHASE 3: (All known memorials in the UK to Bomber Command second line units & personnel)

PHASE 4: (All known miscellaneous Bomber Command memorials in the UK)

PHASE 5: (All known overseas Bomber Command memorials – various nations)

AUSTRIA

David Cole | Kevin Ruane | Stefan Zwingli

BELGIUM

CZECH REPUBLIC

Sharon Christensen

DENMARK

POLAND

Martin Blythe | Klaus Steffensen | Steven Volckaerts

SWEDEN

Lars Alkvist | Rosandra Nilsson | Roland Pedersen | Bengt Persson | Greater Copenhagen Nordostra Skane

SWITZERLAND

Michael Cotton Clark | Stefan Zwingli

Other nations to be added over the coming months

SEARCHING THE DATABASE

What’s New

Special Thanks

Appeals for help:

Next: Veterans’ Stories

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