Lincoln MP hosts Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial gala dinner

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney hosted the Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial & Interpretation Centre Gala Dinner in the House of Commons this week.

His event on November 11 aimed to raise the profile and funds for the memorial planned for Canwick Hill in Lincoln.

The event was attended by senior military staff from various countries, including Viscount Trenchard, the Patron of the Memorial, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff who presided and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Sir Andrew Pulford.

Other visitors included the Canadian High Commissioner and representatives from India and the Netherlands.

Karl McCartney speaking at the gala.

A number of MPs also joined the reception to support the campaign such as Defence Minister Anna Soubry MP, former Defence Minister Sir Gerald Howarth MP, Shadow Defence Ministers Kevan Jones MP and Alison Seabeck MP, Stephen Phillips QC MP, Martin Vickers MP, (Col) Bob Stewart MP, Graham Evans MP and former RAF man Steven Baker MP.

The Spire of Names memorial chosen for the site on Canwick Hill in Lincoln.

Karl McCartney said: “It was an honour to sponsor and host Lincolnshire Bomber Command Memorial & Interpretation Centre Gala Dinner in Parliament on November 11 and I am grateful to all those who attended this memorable and inspiring event.

“It is important that we continue to recognise the bravery displayed by many of those who fought for our freedom in World War Two.

“Lincolnshire has a proud military history as a county and indeed is known widely as ‘Bomber County’.

“Having worked closely with Battle of Britain veterans before and since I was elected, as well as those who served in Bomber Command in the air and on the ground, I know how much the recognition of individuals and their collective roles in the Second World War means to them as survivors and to their families, and to those whose relatives died in the conflicts, or have done since.”