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In The Shadow of Sacrifice: A Personal Reflection at “On Freedoms Wings"
By David Fargher

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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 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.

 

**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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PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO ACCESS THE SITE YET, PLEASE remember that the land on which the plane sits is privately owned & is working farm land with crops & livestock. There is absolutely NO access from the works access concrete road off the A46 this is a PRIVATE road for quarry & farm traffic only.

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I will update the Newark Guide Facebook page (HERE)when info is ready, please follow to ensure you're kept up to date.
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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

“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.

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



 

***IMPORTANT UPDATE ABOUT VISITING FREEDOMS WINGS****

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Although the site was opened briefly to allow those gathered to enjoy it, it is still a construction site. It will be properly open for visitors during the Autumn but for now there are many bits that still need to be completed & the site made safe for visitors.

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PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO ACCESS THE SITE

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There will be a car park & entry system off FOLLY LANE & details will be put on FB & the website.

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We are so excited to be able to welcome everyone very soon but PLEASE remember that the land on which the plane sits is privately owned & is working farm land with crops & livestock. There is absolutely NO access from the works access concrete road off the A46 this is a PRIVATE road for quarry & farm traffic only.

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We are so thrilled with the overwhelming response this amazing sculpture has received.

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We appreciate that there are many questions which people want to ask. We will be updating the website shortly with lots of information about the design, the history & engineering behind the design & how the sculpture has evolved. Please bear with us while this happens as our priority has been to get the plane in the air.

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For those who visit Newark on Trent, be sure to click on the homepage button at the top to find out more about what Newark has to offer, from buildings, to its varied history, events, visiting info etc​

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