‘we must never forget that all the time, night after night, month after month, our bomber squadrons travel far into Germany, find their targets, often under the heaviest fire, often with serious loss, with deliberate, careful discrimination, and inflict shattering blows upon the whole of the technical and war-making structure of the Nazi power’
Sir Winston Churchill (British Prime Minister 1940 – 1945, 1951- 1955)
The International Bomber Command Centre, located close to the centre of Lincoln, is a poignant memorial to all those brave men and women who served our country in order to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. Make sure you visit this exceptional venue the next time you are in Lincolnshire.
I have friends and family members who have served in the Royal Air Force, British Army and Royal Navy. The Memorial Garden at the centre is a fitting tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of our air personnel. The Memorial Spire is the UK’s tallest war memorial standing at 102 feet tall – the same length as the wingspan of the Lancaster Bomber. There is a definite presence of the fallen when walking in the garden, and their names are inscribed in this fitting memorial.
Lincolnshire has enjoyed a long and celebrated history with the Royal Air Force. My uncle – who served in the RAF – was stationed here prior to his tour of duty in Cyprus. The imposing edifice of Lincoln Cathedral served as a navigational beacon for RAF pilots during World War II, and it is fitting that this beautiful landmark can be viewed from the Memorial Spire of the International Bomber Command Centre.
The exhibition at the centre is highly informative, and serves as an exceptional educational resource for younger generations. We are taken on an unforgettable journey into wartime Europe, and the extreme dangers faced by the RAF air crews during this period are potently revealed. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have grown up in a time of peace; which was secured for my generation by the bravery and sacrifice of those who lived during the horrors of World War II.
The Lancaster Bomber is perhaps best known for the daring raid by 617 Squadron on the German dams in May 1943. The famous ‘Bouncing Bomb’ developed by Sir Barnes Neville Wallis has become part of British folklore, and inflicted a severe blow to the Nazi war machine. The Lancaster Bomber and the bravery of the ‘Dambusters’ pilots have also been immortalised in film, literature and popular culture.
Another extraordinary story about the Lancaster Bomber is the legendary account of Nicolas Alkemade whose aircraft came under attack over Germany in 1944. He fell 18,000 feet from his plane without a parachute and lived to tell the tale! Read about this fascinating wartime anecdote here: The Story of Nicolas Alkemade.
The International Bomber Command Centre boasts a fantastic gift shop which offers an extensive array of memorabilia. The restaurant is exceptional and provides high quality snacks and meals throughout the day. Indeed, the centre is an excellent choice of location for parties, corporate events, presentations and educational excursions.
I was tremendously privileged to perform magic for SERCO during their Christmas party at the centre in December 2022. It is always fantastic to visit, and I heartily recommend that you support International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln and ensure that the memory of our brave air force personnel endures.
International Bomber Command Centre’s website is: International Bomber Command Centre
David Fox is a professional magician, entertainer and artist based in the UK.
David’s website is: David Fox Magic
David Fox Magic 