The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln is beginning research into Royal Air Force losses in the far east during the Second World War.
Although Bomber Command itself did not operate in the region, its aircraft and crews were reassigned to Tiger Force, a unit planned to support the Allied campaign against Japan. The force was not deployed following Japan’s surrender in 1945.
To support the project, the centre is selling thousands of ceramic poppies arranged in the form of a Lancaster Bomber, marking both VE Day and VJ Day. The installation was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, now based in Lincolnshire.
Funds raised will contribute to the completion of the IBCC’s Losses Database, which aims to record every life lost across all bombing commands during the war, including operations in the Mediterranean and far east. The proceeds will also help extend the memorial walls at the site, increasing the number of names commemorated from 50,000 to more than 80,000.
Money from poppy sales will be shared between the IBCC, the RAF Benevolent Fund, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and Wooden Spoon, a children’s rugby charity.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Robert L Parker
