This is an event we fervently hope to return to each year. At our third visit for the 7th annual International Bomber Command Day I was reminded of the stated values of our choir shown in our logo, Decorum, Dignity and Discipline. Whilst not exactly like those of the IBCC; Recognition, Remembrance and Reconciliation, there seems to me to be an affinity in both sets of values.
We, who pay homage to the naked bravery and sacrifice of the RAF Bomber Command feel proud to do so. It is such a poignant pleasure to see Bomber Command veterans and families paying tribute to their lost colleagues whilst us, of the subsequent generations i.e. the high-ranking R.A.F representatives, the international commonwealth representatives and colour bearers through to our civilian choir, the pipe band, the officials of the IBCC to the ATC cadets do our best to remember them with Decorum, Dignity and Discipline. It is a sight to behold.
The IBCC website describes the event as…….On Thursday the 23rd July, the International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln, will be hosting the seventh International Bomber Command Day. This day pays a fitting tribute to the extraordinary achievements of so many young men and women over the 32 years it was in operation, around the world. This year we will also be marking the 90th anniversary of the RAF Bomber Command’s creation in 1936. At the start of World War II in September 1939, it had only 280 twin-engined aircraft, 23 operational squadrons and just 15,000 personnel. As the war progressed, however, the addition of heavy aircraft, including the Avro Lancaster, combined with increased scope and manpower, led to it taking a pivotal role in some of the longest and most expensive campaigns of the war. By September 1944, around a quarter of a million men and women were putting over 1,600 aircraft in the air every night, in an effort to bring the war to an end. Wow, what commitment, what passion, what skill, what tenacity in such young men. The IBCC does wonderful work to recognise these characteristics, remember those who served and hope to bring about reconciliation to peoples round the world who were so affected by such the terrors and horrors of WWII.
It makes our day when we discover a connection in our choir. Today, a new chorister, Christopher Handley, (see photo) making his debut appearance in our choir found, on the walls of remembrance, the name of his great uncle Douglas who was a private in the Blackwatch regiment and was the younger brother of Geoff Bingham a former and very active choir member from 1960 to 1972 and also Terrry Bingham, a member between 1986 and 2004. Isn’t that a wonderful example of continuance and perpetuation of strong core values. A true line of sight. Chris said “Thank you for having me along for my first public appearance with the choir it was an absolute pleasure to be with you all today”.
I would like to mention one special tribute and that was when the choir sang the ideally appropriate songs “Softly As I Leave You” and “Tell My Father” in a hushed and respectful manner whilst the names of those laying wreaths were announced. It provided an ethereal atmosphere heavy with respect and remembrance. Quite superb!
It was exciting to see the fly past of the Dakota and, at the end, the precision formation flying of three RAF Typhoons. It makes you proud, doesn’t it? We shall be there next year on 22nd July 2027.