RAF Veterans to Mark Bomber Command 90th Anniversary

Hundreds of guests, including WWII veterans and senior RAF commanders, will gather at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln later this month to commemorate the sixth International Bomber Command Day.

The celebration on Thursday 23rd July is particularly significant this year as it will also mark 90 years since Bomber Command’s creation in 1936.

During the service of remembrance 51 wreaths will be laid to pay tribute to the extraordinary achievements of the thousands of young men and women who served in the division during the 32 years it was in operation, around the world.

ACM Sir Mike Graydon, IBCC Chairman, explained: “In a relatively few years, the International Bomber Command Centre has become a multi-awarded national treasure recognised not just in the United Kingdom but in many countries around the world.

“International Bomber Command Day enables the IBCC in Lincoln to celebrate its achievements and the Command’s 90th anniversary with Command veterans, and remember the sacrifice made by so many of them to ensure our freedom today.”

On the day there will be Dakota and Typhoon flypasts, poems, readings and music from Bomber County Pipes and Drums, an RAF trumpeter and the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir.

Air and police cadets will line the avenue as the band leads the standards parade from the IBCC to the spire, where the service will take place.

WWII veterans Eddie Humes, 104, and Bert Hammond, 101, will be attending along with the station commanders from RAF Waddington, Coningsby, Digby and Wittering and representatives from all the 13 squadrons from Bomber Command that still exist.

Representatives from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) will also be bringing their Torch of Peace as part of their For Evermore Tour which commemorates the 80^th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

In the evening invited guests will attend a drinks reception, which will include a Spitfire flypast, sunset ceremony and an evening meal sponsored by DEA Ltd.

Nicky Van Der Drift, Chief Executive of the IBCC, said: “Every day the IBCC commemorates those who served or supported Bomber Command and remembers the consequences and shared suffering of total war.

“This annual event marks that in a very public way and enables current international military personnel, veterans and families to come together to mark that service and sacrifice.”

Friends and family members as well as IBCC supporters are invited to attend the service of remembrance at 1pm on 23^rd July. Anyone who would like to lay a wreath should email susan@internationalbcc.co.uk or call 01522 514755.

To find out more about International Bomber Command Day and other upcoming IBCC events, please visit internationalbcc.co.uk/visit/events