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Norman Wright and photographer Clive Nicholls visit the International Bomber Command Centre to see an astonishing display marking 80 years since VE Day 

When you look across the field of ceramic poppies down to the city of Lincoln and the magnificent cathedral that was such a welcome sight to returning Second World War bomber aircrew it’s hard not to imagine the roar of the Lancaster’s engines overhead, the aircraft often damaged and limping home. 

If those bomber boys could look down now and see the International Bomber Command centre they would surely be quietly pleased that at last their heroic bravery to fly into the heart of danger nightl after night has been recognised following years of being conveniently forgotten. Recognised handsomely, too. 

Few of the bomber boys who came home still survive, now either in their late nineties or in their second century. 55,573 did not make it back to our shores or died from wounds and injuries. 

Bright splashes of colour stand out against the rust-coloured panels containing the names of all the Bomber Command aircrew who lost their lives whilst serving, predominantly in the Second World War. The red poppies placed against individual names are a poignant reminder that even eighty years after the end of the Second World War their heroic sacrifice is not forgotten. 

55,573 were killed out of a total of 125,000 aircrew, a 44.4% death rate. A further 8,403 men were wounded in action, and 9,838 became prisoners of war. 

Hopefully it is a comfort to those relatives and to us all that they are remembered. The many school parties learning about Bomber Command’s story is one of the centre’s key ways of making sure memories do not fade. 

The newest attraction is the field of 20,000 ceramic poppies, arranged in the silhouette of a Lancaster Bomber, installed for the 80th anniversary of VE day on May 8 and remaining until August 31. 

The striking installation, created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius who now lives in Lincolnshire, will serve as a summer-long tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War. 

The poppies, each one unique, will be available for sale with proceeds going towards the IBCC, Wooden Spoon Rugby Charity and British West India Regiments Heritage Trust. 

IBCC CEO Nicky van der Drift said: “During WWII, more than a million men and women served in or supported Bomber Command, and Lincolnshire housed over a third of all the RAF Bomber Command stations. 

“In the UK, the red poppy is the national symbol of remembrance. Despite the devastation and horrific loss of life in war-torn Europe, poppies flourished and grew on battlefields and this spectacular display in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber is a fitting tribute to their sacrifice. 

“It serves as a point of remembrance, a reminder of the cost of war and an education piece for all ages, which is at the heart of everything we do here.” 

Since opening in 2018 the Centre has welcomed over 590,000 visitors from 56 different countries, including over 35,000 schoolchildren through the learning programmes.  

The Centre has received 40 different awards for interpretation, innovation, ethical, sustainable and responsible tourism, international tourism, heritage and education, including the VisitEngland bronze award holder for Best large Visitor Attraction and the holder of the King’s Award for Voluntary Services. 

The IBCC has involved over 500 volunteers from nine countries who have supported every aspect of the extensive project. 

Awards aside, take it from myself and Clive this is one of the most impressive, moving and effective memorial centres in the world. Over our 30 plus years with Choice Magazine and now this website we have covered memorials all over the globe. It is well worth a visit. 

Sited on the plateau above Lincoln and close to RAF Waddington, home of the Red Arrows, itself one of the Second World War bomber stations, the centre has excellent parking, brilliant volunteer visitor helpers and fine café to back up the displays and memorials. 

Get visiting details from the website www.internationalBCC.co.uk you can also order a ceramic poppy from the instillation, available in September, for £39.99 from the website. 

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