During the Second World War, over one million people from 62 nations served as part of Bomber Command - the unit responsible for all RAF bombing activities. Of the 125,000 that served as aircrew, almost 58,000 lost their lives. 

The controversial nature of their operations, including the bombing of German civilians, meant their stories remained largely untold - until now. 

Supported by National Lottery funding of £3.3million, the International Bomber Command Centre is the first dedicated site to remember all those who lost their lives or were affected by the bombings. 

A state-of-the-art exhibition

The Chadwick Centre uses state-of-the-art technology to bring alive the experiences of the airmen and ground crews who served, and the families who lost loved ones, in Allied nations and in Germany. 

[quote]The International Bomber Command Centre is the first dedicated site to remember all those who lost their lives or were affected by the bombings.[/quote]

Absorbing interactive displays show the scale of bombings across Europe from 1939 tp 1945 and even give visitors the chance to experience what it was like to take part in a bombing raid. 

Named after the designer of the Lancaster bomber, the centre includes a new education centre, a contemplative quiet space, café and shop. 

Saving veterans' memories

Working with the University of Lincoln, the project has preserved over 180,000 documents and recorded over 800 first-hand testimonies from veterans, who are now in their late eighties and nineties. 

The archive is the most comprehensive Bomber Command archive ever assembled, including many personal documents not previously available to the public. 

You can explore the archive on the IBCC website. 

National Lottery investment in Lincolnshire

The IBCC centre will be officially opened in April as part of hte national RAF100 commemorations. 

It is hoped the centre will become a hub from which to explore Lincolnshire's rich aviation heritage. 

A number of other National Lottery funded projects are currently underway in 'Bomber Country', including Boston Townscape Heritage, and Lincoln Cathedral Connected.