International Bomber Command Day Marks 90th Anniversary
WWII veterans, senior RAF commanders and cadets gathered to celebrate the sixth International Bomber Command Day at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln on Thursday (23rd July).
This years' service of remembrance was even more poignant as it also marked the division’s 90th anniversary.
Organised by the IBCC, the annual service of remembrance provides an opportunity for the RAF community and the wider public to remember the sacrifices made by the 58,000 men and women who lost their lives during the Second World War.
Speaking about the event, Nicky Van Der Drift, Chief Executive of the IBCC, said:
“International Bomber Command Day honours the courage, sacrifice and resilience of everyone who served with Bomber Command throughout its history.
“This anniversary provides an opportunity to remember not only those who flew operational sorties, but also the thousands who supported those operations on the ground.
“Many never returned home. We remember them, their families and all those who continue to preserve their legacy.
“The International Bomber Command Centre provides a powerful place for remembrance, recognition, reconciliation and education.”
Air Marshall Allan Marshall added: “Ninety years ago this year, Bomber Command was formed. What followed was one of the most remarkable and costly campaigns in the history of air power. The statistics merit repeating. Almost a million men and women served or supported the Command, drawn from over 60 nations. Of the 125,000 aircrew - over 55,000 never came home.
“I think it’s fair to say that Bomber Command veterans at the end of the Second World War were treated slightly differently to some of the other veterans. That has been changed since and I think everything we can do to recognise their service and their sacrifice is hugely important.”
During the ceremony, 55 wreaths were laid by the RAF, veterans, associations and youth organisations. There were flypasts by a Dakota and three Typhoons as well as poems and readings by guests and IBCC trustees including Chairman of the IBCC Air Chief Marshall Sir Michael Graydon GCB CBE and Losses Archivist Dave Gilbert.
