Article written by 

Susanne Pescott

10 Sqn Assoc Member and daughter of Flt Lt ‘Homer’ Lawson - 10 Sqn Navigator 1944

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I have been working as a volunteer for the International Bomber Command Centre for the past 2 years, interviewing veterans across the North West of England to capture their stories for the digital archives which will be available for everyone to hear, thereby ensuring that these stories are retained and treasured for ever.  It is hoped that once fully complete, the Centre will give the true recognition that our ‘Bomber Boys’ so thoroughly deserve.

Plan view of the IBCC

I have had the privilege to interview crew members from all aircraft types that were involved and have heard some amazing stories but I always have a soft spot for any 10 Squadron veterans, as it brings to life my Dad’s time during those WW2 years which, like so many others, he later never spoke about.

The Centre is now open but the interviews are all still being transcribed before finally being uploaded for everyone to listen to. There are over 800 interviews from volunteers all over the world.

Jan 2018 Visit to IBCC

On a cold but sunny day late in January 2018, a pre-opening event for WW2 veterans was held at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.

I went along with Sgt Jeff Brown, an ‘Operation Manna’ veteran, to meet up with our own 10 Squadron air gunner Warrant Officer Robert 'Mac' McClements and his wife Iris, who herself was a 4 Group ROC plotter.

Around 50 veterans had been invited to 'test' the facilities and give feedback before the official opening later this Spring. After a walk through the timeline displays and videos it was time for lunch and a catch up with fellow veterans. Whilst chatting I found that there were another two 10 Sqn veterans also attending:

Flight Lieutenant George Dunn DFC who did 2 trips as 2nd pilot from Melbourne on 3 and 4 April 1943 before being posted to 76 Sqn.

Hugh Lorimer OBE who served in 1944 and flew on some of the same operations as Mac and also my father. Hugh later went on to be a wing commander in the RAF and completed over 37 years service.

It was great to see them all together catching up on the old times and particularly pleasing for me to get some of our "Halifax Boys" involved in a predominantly Lancaster-dominated Lincolnshire event!

It was then time to pay respects to fellow bomber crew members with a walk to the Memorial Spire, Britain's tallest war memorial, unveiled in October 2015.

The Spire

Below are two photos of the day. Hopefully they will all be together again at the official IBCC opening on 12 April this year when I hope we can get even more 10 Squadron veterans together.

Aircrew and families reunited at the IBCC Lincoln - January 2018

'Mac' McClements and George Dunn catch up on the past 70 yrs