International Bomber Command Centre

11/06/2026

We have been contacted by an IBCC friend in The Netherlands who needs your help.

Martin says "I was born and raised in Valkenburg, near the former airfield. Valkenburg airfield was still under construction at the beginning of the Second World War. The Germans completed it in 1940. During the war, it was bombed several times by the British and Americans. In 1945, it was one of the locations where food was dropped by the Americans and British. Due to austerity measures, the air base was closed in 2006. During archaeological research, three of these racks were found. One is on display in a sort of museum at the former air base. There is some uncertainty about how it is possible that these racks were found in the ground at Valkenburg. With your expertise, could you perhaps tell me a bit more about the name and function of what is visible on the photo? And does the name Leslie Hanson ring a bell? Some people suggest that the racks were lost during food relief operations! But I have doubts about it."

Can you help?

24/05/2026

✈️ Today’s Inspire event at the International Bomber Command Centre welcomed over 600 bikes as part of Bomber Command 90 — commemorating 90 years since Bomber Command was formed — with bikers attending from across the UK and beyond 🏍️

An unforgettable atmosphere and an incredible day from start to finish.

Follow our page and check out our website for upcoming events.

14/05/2026

103-year-old Robbie talks about her experience on rations. It was a completely different world compared to our consumerist ways.

Take a minute to listen to Queenie Hall, an icon of her generation and all that succeed her.

What did you learn from this video?

11/05/2026

We have been informed of the passing of Jamaican RAF Driver, Ralph Ottey yesterday, aged 102.

He was with us last summer to see the Lancaster Poppy Display.

Ralph was interviewed for the IBCC Digital Archive and you can listen to it here:
https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/27255

Blue skies, Ralph.

08/05/2026

Due to popular demand, our Animals of War Trail is extended until the Summer Holidays! 🐾

Find all 8 animals and learn their stories by scanning the QR codes as you go.

Keep your eyes peeled in July for the next Free Family Trail 👀

08/05/2026

What a man and what a story. He desrves a proper send off.

Bodmin Funeral Appeal for RAF Pathfinder Who Flew 80 Sorties Aged 104 A Bodmin crematorium will host the funeral of a man who flew through some of the most dangerous skies of the Second World War. The problem is, almost no one knows he is going to be

06/05/2026

There are still some tickets available for these cracking events to celebrate the official unveiling of the On Freedom's Wings next weekend.

🥳🥳🥳 5 WEEKS TO GO UNTIL THE OPENING CEREMONY & CELEBRATION WEEKEND. 🥳🥳🥳
15th -17th MAY 2026
We have limited tickets available for each event & over half have now been sold so please book your tickets now using the links below to avoid disappointment.
Over the next few weeks we will be showcasing some of the AMAZING lots that will be on offer at our Auction which will be held both online & live during our BOMBER BALL 🥂. This is a black tie event not to be missed!
What this space for more hints of what to expect over the whole weekend. We are looking forward to seeing you all there.
Here are the ticket links:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/the-bomber-ball

https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/opening-ceremony

https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/celebration-day-on-freedoms-wings

Congratulations to our official photographer Claire Hartley for having this stunning photo published by the BBC!