The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln is set to open next summer to recognise and remember the RAF’s Bomber Command and tell the stories of those who served, supported and suffered as part of the World War Two bombing campaigns.
In total, 125,000 aircrew served in Bomber Command during World War 2 with 70 per cent of aircrew either taken prisoner, injured or killed during the war.
The IBCC will record and relate the stories of those involved or impacted by Bomber Command through exhibitions, memorials and a multimedia suite.
Exhibition and installation spaces for permanent and touring displays, interpretation, artworks and related information will form part of The Chadwick Centre at the IBCC.
Exhibitions will highlight the bravery of those who participated in Bomber Command operations and will also include the story of its impact on civilian populations.
To honour all 60 nations represented within the Bomber Command an ‘Orchestra of Voices’ will create an international story using oral histories and videographies. There will also be interviews with veterans, both air and ground crew, and support staff from around the world.
The Chadwick Centre will also feature a reference library, a multimedia suite, a restaurant and a shop for groups visiting.
An International Peace Garden and a Memorial Spire and Wall of Names will also make up part of the IBCC. The first phase of the Memorial Spire and Wall of Names project was completed in September 2015 and saw the names of 26,296 men who lost their lives whilst serving as part One and Five Groups laser cut through Corten steel panels and fixed to curved steel walls arranged around the Memorial Spire.
Lincoln was chosen as the site for the IBCC as it is seen as a central point for all 27 bases that earned Lincolnshire the title of ‘Bomber County’.
For more information visit www.internationalbcc.co.uk.
Photo credit: ©MOD.
