Life-sized model of iconic bomber lifts off to honor WWII heroes

By Adam Dutton

A life-sized model of an iconic Lancaster bomber to honor World War Two heroes has finally taken off after a seven-year campaign.

The huge steel structure was assembled today (Mon) on a patch of land next to the A46 in Norton Disney, Lincs.

The unveiling marks the end of a seven-year campaign to erect the statue in honor of RAF crews who served in World War Two.

The Bomber County Gateway Trust launched an appeal in 2018 to raise $100,000 to build the model aircraft.

Chairman Charlie White was joined by 40 volunteers as two cranes hoisted the huge wings, which each measuring 14.5m (47.6ft), into place.

He said: “It is fantastic to see the sculpture go up after nearly eight years of work. I can't believe it.”

Plans for the 30m (98.4ft) high sculpture – called On Freedom’s Wings - were unveiled to mark the RAF’s centenary in 2018.

The model’s tilted appearance gives the impression the Lancaster is in flight, heading home to the former RAF Swinderby nearby.

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Fundraiser Mike Lloyd said: "It's an amazing piece of engineering.

"I really can't believe seeing it up there. It's absolutely fantastic."

Volunteer Andy Taylor said: “It’s Lincolnshire’s answer to the Angel of the North.

“It’s a wonderful tribute to those who risked their lives in such an iconic aircraft.”

The site will be landscaped before visitors will be able to sit beneath the replica bomber.

Some 7,377 Lancasters had carried out more than 150,000 missions by the end of the World War Two - including the supremely audacious Dambuster Raids of 1943.

They had also dropped more than 600,000 tons of bombs on the enemy, a feat unequalled by any other plane.

The men who flew them had the most perilous posting of the war - Bomber Command – and 3,249 aircraft and their crews would be lost in action.

Overall, of the 6,000 Lancasters which were made available for duty in the war, 3,400 were lost.

Tragically, about 55,000 out of the 125,000 aircrew who served in Bomber Command were killed, while 10,000 became prisoners of war.