10 SQUADRON 'RIBBON OF REMEMBRANCE' STONE – IBCC LINCOLN
OUR STONE'S NOW IN PLACE
The 10 Squadron Ribbon Stone was laid during the first week of April 2022 in the IBCC Lincoln, Path Of Remembrance leading from the Chadwick Centre to the IBCC Spire.
The cost of the stone was raised by a crowd-funding appeal and the money was raised by both Squadron personnel and Association members. Those who contributed should feel proud that thanks to their kind donations, the memory of all who have ever served on No 10 Squadron will never be forgotten.
See: Plan Your Visit - International Bomber Command Centre (internationalbcc.co.uk)
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For those keen to see the Stone, the IBCC is situated on the south side of Lincoln in the area of Canwick. The Centre is on the B 1188 Sleaford road, going south-east from Lincoln towards Branston.
International Bomber Command Centre,
Canwick Avenue
LINCOLN LN4 2HQ
Tel: 01522 514755
Open: Tue - Sun 09:30 – 16:00 Closed Mondays except Bank Holidays. Last entry to the exhibition 15:00
THE 10 SQUADRON RIBBON STONE AT THE IBCC
A lovely sunny day in Lincoln at the International Bomber Command Centre allowed a group of us the first viewing of our 10 Squadron Memorial Stone in the IBCC ‘Ribbon Pathway’ on Sunday 2 October 2022.
Crowd-funded by generous contributions of our members, the stone was laid earlier in the year in April but circumstances have prevented its viewing until now.
We take this opportunity to repeat our very grateful thanks to those whose pockets are somewhat lighter as a result of their generosity. Our stone now lies among many others who will never be forgotten and it commemorates all who have ever served on No 10 Squadron, since its formation in the Royal Flying Corps on 1 January 1915.
A small group of Association members was honoured to be accompanied at the viewing by the present Officer Commanding No 10 Squadron, Wg Cdr Tim Rushworth.
After meeting in the Cranwick Centre café for coffee, our group viewed our stone, located on the right side of the pathway and, having had photos taken, we marvelled at the panels showing all the names of those lost in Bomber Command operations during World War II. More than 55,000 names are listed on the rust-coloured, treated, steel panels surrounding the central ‘Spire’ focal point, whose height is that of the wingspan of a WW2 Lancaster bomber aircraft.
A delicious roast lunch, served by the Centre’s friendly staff was enjoyed by our group who then, after visiting the shop and exhibition, went homeward after a most enjoyable day having met old and new friends who all had the common link to No10 Squadron.
Click on this link to read more and see photos of the 10 Sqn IBCC Stone
A 2022 donation to the 10 Squadron memorabilia collection at its HQ at RAF Brize Norton has revealed a small mysterious object which readers may be able to help in identifying.
Go the the final page of the link here to see what was in the secret compartment in Florence’s Box.
Let us know what you think it might be. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Memorable Anniversaries at the End of October?
The very first Canberra B2 aircraft built by the Short Brothers and Harland Ltd company in Belfast, first flew 70 years ago in 1952. It had the registration number WH 853, but whilst this aircraft first flew on 20 October 1952 it wasn't actually delivered to the RAF and subsequently to 10 Squadron in its operational role, until over a year later as a Christmas present on 23 December 1953.
1. WH 853 later became famous because it was the lead aircraft in the first raid on Egypt during the short October 1956 Suez Crisis. Its captain was Sqn Ldr George Sproates (1921-1972) who was the Officer Commanding 10 Squadron from April 1955 to January 1957. The Anniversary of the first 1956 Suez Raid is on 31st October.
To read more about the Suez raid and WH 853's final fate click here: Suez & Canberra WH 853
2. The Suez Crisis somewhat overshadowed the events taking place in Hungary that same week in October 1956 when Russian forces in tanks defied attempts by the people of Budapest to achieve greater freedom from their Russian communist masters. It seems that in 2022 that nothing has changed much.
3. Just six years later, in October 1962, the world again held it breath but, dare it be said, it was even more serious this time ..........
At midnight on 23 October 1962 President John F. Kennedy of the USA imposed a blockade of Cuba to prevent Russian ships transporting nuclear missiles to the Caribbean island. Their presence was considered to be a definite threat to the security of the United States and the Western World.
On 27th October the RAF’s Bomber Command was brought up to Readiness State ‘Alert 3’ Level and a 10 Squadron Victor B1 nuclear bomber, based at RAF Honington, Suffolk, on the very front line of the nation’s defence, was put at 15 minutes readiness. This continued until 29th October when a second aircraft was also put at 15 minutes readiness whilst the remaining Squadron aircraft were held at 2,3,4,5 and 12 hours notice.
Fortunately, the Russians backed down and their ships turned away from Cuba. The world breathed a large sigh of grateful relief. Bomber Command's Alert State was finally lowered again on 5th November as fears of a possible nuclear war diminished: thanks to its avoidance in part being a contribution of the deterrent provided by 10 Squadron’s Victor crews.
