Over 600 bikes converged on the International Bomber Command Centre at Lincoln for the second annual ‘InSpire Ride’ – a day dedicated to the commemoration and remembrance of those who gave their lives as aircrew during the bombing campaign of the Second World War.

 

Two mass ride-ins were organised; a northern group from the Humber Bridge and a southern one starting at Woody’s Bar in Ancaster, both arriving at the IBCC in glorious sunshine after a short tour of the Lincolnshire lanes. People’s comments sum up the day:

 

‘I love things like this … the camaraderie is great in a big group and you learn a lot too. More people should do it!’

 

‘It’s also very moving. When you see all the names on the walls it can be quite emotional.’

 

One of nine Veterans attending was 94-year-old Aneurin ‘Taff’ Owen, a Wireless Operator on Lancasters with 153 Squadron at Scampton:

 

‘It’s wonderful to see so many motorcycles. Bikers often get a bad name, but these are really wonderful people – it’s an excellent turn out’.

 

Nicky van Der Drift, IBCC Chief Executive shared her thoughts:

 

‘The story of Bomber Command is incredible and hasn’t been told fully since the war. The IBCC cost £16m to build, was opened in 2018 and relies on fundraising to keep going. We’re at an age where we are losing Veterans rapidly and it was so important to get this built – they’re so moved by the fact that people have come out in such great numbers to hear their story.’

 

Shared by member Ed Tomblinson, from Eastern Daily Press

 

 

This article is from the Autumn / Winter 2019 issue of Confound and Destroy