Lincoln’s International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is launching a major research project to investigate the losses incurred by RAF bomber crews in the far east during World War Two. The initiative forms part of the centre’s continuous mission to acknowledge and document all lives lost across different bombing commands throughout the war. Bomber Command’s units, although not initially deployed directly to the far east, were positioned as part of a division named Tiger Force, designed to back the Allied progress against Japan. However, the unit was never deployed due to the atomic bombings and Japan subsequently surrendering in 1945.
The IBCC are selling thousands of ceramic poppies, ingeniously designed to resemble a Lancaster Bomber, as part of their research funding efforts. These poppies stand as a symbol of remembrance and are being sold to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day this year. Proceeds from these sales will support not only the work of the IBCC but also various charitable organisations, such as the Wooden Spoon children’s rugby charity, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust, and the RAF Benevolent Fund.
IBCC’s chief executive, Nicky van der Drift, highlighted the centre’s commitment to growing their Losses Database, soon to include records from the far eastern theatre of war. The database is a crucial resource for military historians, visitors to the centre, and those with an interest in family history.
A poppy installation, from Lincolnshire-based Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, forms part of the fundraising scheme to build additional memorial walls at the centre. The aim is to extend the number of individuals remembered from 50,000 to over 80,000.
Public support plays a crucial role, Van der Drift stressed, stating: “Purchasing a commemorative ceramic poppy is a way the public can help our cause and ensure these courageous men and women’s memories continue to be recognised and respected.”
The story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
