Royal Air Force News Friday, August 21, 2026 P21
IBCD Feature
Bomber Command 90 tribute REMEMBRANCE: 55 wreaths were laid during the service (also below)
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Today is about the lads who never made it back”
FLYPAST: Hurricane WORLD WAR II veterans, senior RAF commanders and cadets gathered to celebrate the sixth International Bomber Command Day at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln last month. This year’s service of remembrance also marked the division’s 90th anniversary. Organised by the IBCC, the annual service 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 WWII. 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 IBCC provides a powerful place for remembrance, recognition, reconciliation and education.” AM Allan Marshall a d d e d : “Ninety years ago this year, B o m b e r Command was formed. W h a t 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 more than 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 WWII 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 RAF
personnel, 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 ACM Sir Michael Graydon (inset left) and Losses Archivist Dave Gilbert. The Bomber County Pipes and Drums led the standard bearers from the IBBC centre to the Memorial Spire and there were musical performances from the Mansfield and District Male Voice Choir and the trumpeter of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Band, who played the Last Post. Representatives from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) also attended with the Torch of Peace, a symbol of remembrance and hope which represents the enduring responsibility to carry forward the memory of all those who died in the world wars.
Bertram Hammond, 101
Bertram Hammond, aged 101, who flew 30 operations as an air gunner with 514 Squadron during WWII, said the ceremony was about remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today. “Today is about the lads who never made it back,” he explained. “Just under 50 per cent never made it and they must be remembered. They are who I am representing here today, what this service is all about and what this centre is all about – remembering Bomber Command losses.” After the service, invited evening guests attended a drinks reception, a sunset ceremony and an evening meal sponsored by DEA Ltd. ● Go to: internationalbcc.co.uk for more about the IBCC and its digital archive.