A life-sized sculpture of a Lancaster bomber has been unveiled in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire, serving as a tribute to the RAF bomber crews of World War Two, with recent drone footage capturing its aerial perspective. The artwork, tilted to simulate flight, honors the sacrifices made by airmen from the region known as “Bomber County.”
Measuring 85 feet in length with a wingspan of 102 feet, the steel structure was installed using cranes over the weekend of September 7-8, 2025. It is positioned to appear as if returning to the former RAF Swinderby base, creating a dramatic visual for passersby on the nearby A46 highway. The installation was the culmination of an eight-year project by the Bomber County Gateway Trust, a charity dedicated to this memorial.
The sculpture specifically commemorates a Lancaster bomber that crashed in the area in September 1942, resulting in the loss of four crew members. Design elements, such as two propellers appearing to spin and two stationary, reflect the actual conditions of the crash, adding historical depth to the tribute. This attention to detail aims to educate and remind viewers of the realities of war.
Funded through extensive community fundraising, the project involved transporting the sculpture in sections from Timmins Engineering and Construction in Caenby Corner, under police escort due to its size. Charlie White, chairman of the trust and a local farmer, described the emotional impact of seeing the sculpture erected, emphasizing its significance for remembrance.
White highlighted that over 55,000 personnel from Bomber Command did not return home, and this memorial is a small part of ensuring their sacrifice is not forgotten. The trust continues to raise funds for further site development, including making the area safe and accessible for visitors to view the sculpture up close.
Visible from the road, the installation serves as a constant reminder of Lincolnshire’s wartime heritage and the bravery of those who served. It also fosters community engagement and educational opportunities about World War Two history, connecting past events with present generations.
Future plans include adding informational displays and improving visitor facilities to enhance the educational experience. This project not only pays homage to the past but also strengthens local identity and historical awareness, ensuring that the legacy of Bomber Command endures.