September 11, 2015 2.07 pm This story is over 101 months old

Lincoln Bomber Command spire unveiling to mark biggest gathering of veterans in 20 years

Historic event: A special unveiling of the International Bomber Command Centre memorial spire on Canwick Hill will form the biggest gathering of veterans for 20 years.

A special unveiling of the International Bomber Command Centre memorial spire on Canwick Hill will form the biggest gathering of veterans for 20 years, with over 300 honoured guests attending from across the world.

The news follows a campaign by organisers to bring together veterans for the celebration.

In total 468 responded and over 300 will be attending a ceremony on October 2 — representing at least 18 countries.

The formal unveiling will be carried out by Earl Howe who is Minster of State in the Lords in the Ministry of Defence.

The commentary for the event will be carried out by TV presenter and IBCC supporter Dan Snow.

Nicky Barr, Director of the International Bomber Command Centre, said: “On October 2 we will be joined by 300 veterans. The youngest is 91, and the oldest is 102.

“They are flying in from all over the world and it will be the biggest single gathering of Bomber Command veterans in 20 years, and sadly the last big gathering.”

The spire can now be seen towering over the city. Photo: The Lincolnite

The spire can now be seen towering over the city. Photo: The Lincolnite

The 102ft spire, which is the centrepiece to a £10 million project including a £2.5 million learning centre, was set in place earlier this year.

Together with surrounding walls listing the names of fallen crew, The Chadwick Centre and a Memorial Park, the project sets about telling the story of Lincolnshire as the central point from which Bomber Command crews from from during WW2.

Some 55,573 Bomber Command aircrew were killed in operations during the war, and the names of almost 30,000 from Lincolnshire will be remembered in steel surrounding the spire.