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In The Shadow of Sacrifice: A Personal Reflection at “On Freedoms Wings"
By David Fargher
(Author of the Newark on Trent History and Buildings Series)​

This is a lengthy and detailed article, but one that carries great importance. It’s packed with historical context, technical insight, personal reflection, and tribute — all centered around a remarkable memorial that honours the sacrifice of thousands. Whether you're here for the engineering, the history, or the human stories, I encourage you to read through and share. Every detail matters, and every name remembered helps complete the mission,

Please share this to all who you can to help them obtain the remaining donations in order to complete the project (insurances., landscaping etc). the link is in the post, and I've added it in the comments for ease.

The Visit

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"Breathtaking".

Its the only word I would use approaching this memorial.

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Standing there, I couldn't help but think of my own grandfather, Flight Lieutenant John Islwyn Jones, who flew Wellington bombers during the war, and was shot down but survived (one of his quotes was “if you must come down in the sea…..Choose a Wellington”). And also of his Brother, Daniel Jones (RAF Gunner) Who was shot down and lost at sea. It's a humbling reminder of the bravery and dedication of the young men who took to the skies, and it makes a memorial like this feel deeply personal.

This monument is so much more than a sculpture; it is the result of years of tireless work and dedication. It's a vital memorial for Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, but its importance extends far beyond. It honors the 70,000 brave aircrews from over 60 nationalities who lost their lives in service, with Bomber Command accounting for a staggering 55,573 of those casualties. Seeing it today, I was reminded of how crucial it is to remember their sacrifice, and this is what this article covers, please read on

 

**Let's just start this off with a very, VERY serious note**

 

I (Dave Fargher) know that this sculpture is in Lincolnshire (not Nottinghamshire) and we're not trying to take the focus away from that (we've got robin hood anyway).

 

We're just highlighting an important monument on the border of our counties, FOR our counties. (This monument sits around 200 m across the border for those interested )

 

Plus, forest are better than the imps anyway, so that should take the focus away from the border debate that I've seen occurring :)

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The Project

A powerful new landmark is rising on the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, just outside Newark-on-Trent. Towering above the A46, the sculpture titled “On Freedom’s Wings” is a full-sized steel representation of an Avro Lancaster Bomber, paying tribute to the region’s deep-rooted connection to RAF Bomber Command and the brave aircrews of World War II.

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This ambitious project is the vision of the Bomber County Gateway Trust, a registered charity formed with the sole purpose of designing, constructing, and installing this iconic memorial. The sculpture is not only a striking piece of public art but also a solemn and enduring tribute to the thousands of airmen who flew from Lincolnshire’s airfields during the war.

Funding is still needed for completion and can be donated here

***Visiting Info at bottom***

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A Fitting Location: Norton Disney and the Lincolnshire Gateway
 

The sculpture is being installed near Norton Disney, just north of Brough and close to Collingham, on the east of the A46 — a major route into Lincolnshire. This location was carefully chosen for its symbolic and historical significance. It lies just 3km from RAF Swinderby, one of the many wartime airfields that once dotted the Lincolnshire landscape, and is close to the crash site of Lancaster R5689 (VN-N), the aircraft that inspired the sculpture.

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The Aircraft: Lancaster R5689 (VN-N)

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The sculpture is based on Lancaster R5689, a bomber from 50 Squadron that took off from RAF Swinderby on the evening of 19 September 1942. The aircraft was on a “Gardening” mission — RAF code for mine-laying — over the Baltic Sea. Tragically, on its return, both port engines failed during the final approach. The aircraft crashed into Thurlby Wood at 01:30, just three miles from its base. Four of the seven crew members were killed.

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This particular Lancaster was one of the most photographed of the war, and its story provides a poignant local connection to the sculpture. By choosing this aircraft, the Trust ensures the memorial is not just symbolic, but deeply rooted in the area’s wartime history

 

Type: Avro Lancaster Mk I

Squadron: No. 50 Squadron RAF

Base: RAF Swinderby

Call Sign: VN-N

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The Sculpture: Design and Scale

The sculpture is a full-scale replica of a Lancaster Mk1 bomber, measuring 26 metres in length with a 31-metre wingspan. as its in excess of 90 ton, It will be mounted on steel supports, elevating it 15 metres above the ground, giving the illusion of a bomber in flight — a ghostly silhouette soaring homeward.
 

Constructed from mild steel, the frame will be partially clad in steel sheeting. Over time, the surface will develop a natural rusted patina, echoing the weathered look of the original aircraft. The design is deliberately minimalist, allowing the form and scale to speak for themselves, much like the Angel of the North, which it will surpass in height.

The groundwork, steel and concrete was in the region of 1300 ton.

 

On 15th May 2018 the Trust held a Ground Breaking Ceremony on the site.

Eight veterans of Bomber Command including  Squadron Leader George Leonard “Johnny” Johnson, MBE, DFM, Britain’s last surviving Dambuster, each cut the turf to mark the start of construction of this iconic Landmark structure.

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Importantly, the site will remain unlit and without power, preserving the natural darkness of the surrounding environment and respecting the local ecosystem near Hill Holt Wood.

 

RAF and Bomber Command Casualties in WWII

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The sculpture stands not only as a tribute to one crew, but to the tens of thousands who served — and died — in the skies over Europe.

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During WWII, the Royal Air Force suffered over 70,000 fatalities, with Bomber Command accounting for the majority. Of the 125,000 aircrew who served in Bomber Command, over 55,000 were killed — a staggering 44% casualty rate. These losses were among the highest of any Allied force.

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The average age of a Bomber Command casualty was just 22 years old. Missions were flown at night, in freezing conditions, under constant threat from flak and enemy fighters. Many aircraft were lost without trace. The courage of these crews, flying into danger night after night, is almost unimaginable today.

 

Despite the controversy surrounding the strategic bombing campaign, the bravery and sacrifice of Bomber Command airmen is now widely recognised. The unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London in 2012 marked a turning point in public remembrance.

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The Crew: Remembering the Seven
 

A Lancaster bomber typically flew with a seven-man crew, each with a vital role:

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• Pilot (Skipper) – The leader and sole pilot, responsible for flying and evasive manoeuvres.

• Flight Engineer – Managed engines, hydraulics, and technical systems.

• Navigator – Guided the aircraft through darkness and enemy territory.

• Bomb Aimer / Front Gunner – Directed bombing runs and manned the front turret.

• Wireless Operator – Maintained communication with base and other aircraft.

• Mid-Upper Gunner – Provided aerial defence from above.

• Rear Gunner (“Tail End Charlie”) – The most vulnerable position, defending from rear attacks.
   

These roles were filled by young men, many barely out of their teens, facing a 5% loss rate per mission. Completing a 30-mission tour was rare and perilous. Each crew member was required to write a will before their first flight

 

Details of the Crew members of R5689 who lost their lives September 1942

 

George William Marshall Harrison
Service number : 400517
Rank : Flying Officer
Unit : No. 50 Squadron (RAF)
Service : Royal Australian Air Force
Date of Death : 19 September 1942
Buried at St Germain Churchyard, Thurlby, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

 

Sidney Charles Garrett (22 yrs)
Service number : 651255
Rank : Flight Engineer
Unit : No. 50 Squadron (RAF)
Service : Royal Air Force
Date of Death : 19 September 1942
Buried at Bournemouth East Cemetery, Dorset, United Kingdom

 

Sgt Harry Male (30 yrs)
Service number : 953414
Rank :
Unit : No. 50 Squadron (RAF)
Service : Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Date of Death : 19 September 1942
Buried at Halesowen Cemetery, United Kingdom

 

Sgt James Reginald Gibbons RCAF (age 24)

Service number : R/91886
Rank : Air Gunner
Unit : No. 50 Squadron (RAF)
Service : Royal Canadian Air Force
Date of Death : 19 September 1942
Buried at Newark Upon Trent Cemetery, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom

 

Injured

Sgt. E.J. Morley (RAAF)

Sgt. J.W. Dalby (RAAF)

Sgt. J. Fraser (RCAF)

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The Trust and Community Involvement

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The Bomber County Gateway Trust was established to bring this vision to life. Since its inception, the Trust has worked tirelessly to raise funds, secure permissions, and engage the community. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 15 May 2018, marking the beginning of a long but determined journey

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One of the most dedicated supporters has been Laurence Goff, former Mayor of Newark, who has raised over £20,000 through personal fundraising efforts, including a tandem skydive. His passion and commitment have been instrumental in driving awareness and support for the project.

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 RAF Swinderby: The Home Base

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RAF Swinderby, the airfield closest to the sculpture, was opened shortly after the outbreak of WWII. Initially home to Polish squadrons flying Wellingtons, it later became the base for No. 50 Squadron, which flew Hampdens and later Lancasters. The base’s motto, “Haec porta moenia viri” — “Here are the gates, the men are the walls” — is a fitting sentiment for a memorial that now stands at Lincolnshire’s gateway

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A Landmark of Memory and Meaning

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“On Freedom’s Wings” is more than a sculpture. It is a beacon of remembrance, a symbol of sacrifice, and a celebration of heritage. Seen by over 35,000 drivers daily, it will serve as a constant reminder of the courage, loss, and legacy of Bomber Command.

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As the Lancaster takes flight once more — this time in steel and spirit — it carries with it the stories of those who never returned, and the gratitude of generations who live in freedom because of their sacrifice.

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For more information, to donate, or to follow the project’s progress, visit the Bomber County Gateway Trust website



 

****OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY DATE & NOVEMBER VISITING DAYS****
 

The Bomber County Gateway Trust is delighted to announce that “On Freedom’s Wings” will be officially opened on the weekend on the 15-17th May 2026. This will be marked with an Opening Ceremony & celebrations.

 

This historic date will mark the past, the present & the future & bring together all those who have helped make this wonderful sculpture possible.

 

More details on attending the event will be made available in the new year.

 

In the meantime constuction continues. We hope to have a more formal car parking system in place for visiting, early in the new year but in the mean time the dates we are open for visiting through to the end of November are as follows:

 

Sunday 26th October

Sunday 2nd Nov

Sunday 9th Nov

Saturday 15th Nov

Sunday 23rd Nov

Saturday 29th Nov

 

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WHEN PLANNING YOUR VISIT

 

*** The gates open at 10am & close at 3pm***

 

Location of the Main Entrance:

Folly Lane, Norton Disney Lincolnshire

https://w3w.co/mocking.scatters.salutes

 

The google location marks the site of the bomber not the entrance to the site.

 

There are no other entrances.

 

* ENTRANCE IS FREE but all donations are very welcome for the ongoing work required & future maintain of the bomber sculpture. Donations can be made on the day at the site or online at www.bombergatewaytrust.co.uk

* Parking is on a gravel surface & the overflow is on grass.

* The walk up to the site is approx 500m on a gravel track (please see information below regarding accessibility) unfortunately no vehicles are allowed up the track while the site is open. This is to ensure the safety of those walking.

* Please NO DOGS, we are delighted to welcome dog lovers & owners but please leave your pets behind for this trip. The land owners don’t let thier own dogs out on this land & this rule is there to protect not only their land, livelihood & stock but also other visitors to the site who may not enjoy being in close proximity to unknown dogs. Please understand & respect this. This is not going to change & the only exception is to registered guide & assistance dogs.

*There aren’t any loos or refreshments available at the site

*Drones may not be launched from anywhere on the site or the surrounding land which is all privately owned.

 

* VIEWING POINTS When the site is closed these are the best places to see the sculpture from. It is the official one, is on the lane known as Newark Road. The area is well signed.

 

location:

https://w3w.co/evaporate.captions.informal

There is also a large lay-by on the Northbound side of the A46 opposite the Bomber. This is an easy place to stop & take a photo.

location:

https://w3w.co/stylists.rooks.dubbing

PLEASE use the above viewing points & don’t go down the private quarry & farm access road. Due to ongoing trespassing on the private road & the field next to the bomber, Police monitored CCTV has been installed & unauthorised vehicles & visitors recorded. There are large signs that cannot be missed, warning that it is private & there is no access to the bomber. THANK YOU

 

*ACCESSIBILITY

Please note the site is not yet finished. The track while reasonably level & previously compacted has now had thousands of visitors walking over it & heavy construction vehicles using it. This has resulted in the gravel loosening & has made it increasingly difficult for standard wheel chairs to traverse.

 

Unfortunately we are unable to offer lifts from the car park on general open days due to insurance restrictions, but we are putting on a day for blue badge holders only, when we will have a solution in place. The exact date is tbc but will be in early Nov. Please message us directly to be added to the list for notification of further details for our Blue Badge day.

 How you can help:

Donate today – every contribution counts (link below or in comments)
Spread the word – let’s get this tribute open!
 

 Donate here:
JustGiving – Bomber County Gateway
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bombercountygateway?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL