Bomber Command Memorial (Merged)

[Al R]

Yup, I can accept that line of thinking, and thank god, any decision wouldn't be mine anyway. There are far worthier people who are deserving of a greater say than me.

Going back to the principle though, and not wanting to focus on any one particular area at the moment, what is the general feeling? Is it something we can do, should do, or want to do?

[snapper41]

Anyone know of an MP with Bomber Command links (father, grandfather)? Wedgie-Benn is ex-RAF - may be an avenue?

[forget]

The National Memorial Arboretum does seem to be a 'catch all' which, I suppose, was the intention.

Their web says - The memorials fall into several categories: Military, Civil Services, Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance Service, Charities, Local organisations, Overseas organisations.

My vote, following the good thinking behind the Fighter Command Memorial and keeping it remote from others - it should be Lincolnshire. But anywhere will do!

[wokkameister]

Not a bomber man myself, but it gets my vote. What do you need?

WM

[Al R]

Have a look at this then.

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/renders...34nvvzmk353661

It'll take 30 seconds or so, its not trackable, it is totally anonymous and I don't think you need the password to do it. PM me if you do (I'm not IT savvy). It might help to get a clear idea of initial thoughts.

[forget]

Here you are AI R, all you need to know

http://www.warmemorials.org/Website/...%2007%2027.pdf

[skippedonce]

Hyde Park Corner

'There is a huge, largely unpopulated, wall on the roundabout on the exit towards Victoria, there ia a NZ memorial etc.'

I think you'll find that the other side of the 'wall' is in fact the Australian War Memorial.

[Al R]

Thanks forget,

Just spoken with them.

Hope that the sun is shining on the Posh today.

[Airborne Aircrew]

Actually, the decision as to the placement of the memorial depends, most importantly on the guarantee of the use of the land in perpetuity. Generally, that kind of guarantee is usually only easily obtained from some form of governmental entity.

I'd suggest that you leave the placement of the memorial to a bidding process where the different councils, (as A|R pointed out - they'd be happy to have a draw into their area), have to:-

1. Make the case for their substantial connection to Bomber Command, (thus Cornwall probably won't apply... ).
2. make the case as to where, specifically, they would place the memorial and what appropriate accessibility assets, (highways, rail etc.), are in place to make it accessible.
3. demonstrate existing amenities in the locality are sufficient, (or can be adapted), to manage a reasonable influx of people.
4. present proposals for any additional amenities that they feel are needed or appropriate that they could provide.
5. indicate which, (local(?)), businesses are prepared to sponsor the project to help provide for the maintenance of the memorial.

Basically... send them an RFP then have a committee that looks over the proposals and grades them. Top grade wins(?)...

My two penn'th...

[wokkameister]

Yadda Yadda Yadda!

Why not put it at Duxford and raise the money ourselves? Given the aviation link, maybe Richard Branson may like to help? There are enough Journo's here to raise the profile!
I recently returned from Normandy (Grandfather went on holiday there 06/06/44) and it was nice that everything was close together. Yes, Lincolnshire was spiritual home to the Bombers, but Duxford should be there forever, and people could actually visit the museum and see why these guys deserved a memorial.
In this day and age, if you want something doing militarywise, you cannot rely on any level of government, local or central.

This, I think, is one for us. I'll help. Think of it as a leaving present.

WM

(not saying Lincolnshire won't be there forever, but, raising sea levels blah....)

[Al R]

Isn't a memorial more a spiritual thing anyway, rather than something located purely for (and don't take this the wrong way) convenience and erm, dry feet?

London would attract more people, but its connection isn't as great as the Fens of Cambs or lincs, where like it or not, thats where these boys went to work, and where many of their families still live.

PS: What job do you want?!

(This is all very Famous Five isn't it..?!)

[Al R]

Cheers AA.

I've never done anything like this before. You're asking in effect, what can you do for us, why should we come to you with this memorial.

[Wader2]

Originally Posted by skippedonce

'There is a huge, largely unpopulated, wall on the roundabout on the exit towards Victoria, there ia a NZ memorial etc.'

I think you'll find that the other side of the 'wall' is in fact the Australian War Memorial.

Thanks for that. I didn't have time to explore. The side inside the circle had very few campaign and unit badges as I recall.

Opposite was a set of iron girders set at an angle which I I believe the New Zealand mameorial.

[Wader2]

Originally Posted by Al R

The one for the fighter boys, on the south coast is stunning, because it isn't where you might expect it to be. It has a meaning and a connection there.

Know exactly what you mean. We have several in Lincolnshire. The ones at Waltham, Easy Kirkby and perhaps least obvious Metheringham all spring to mind.

As for not expecting a memorial, there is one not far from Skegness as I recall. We were driving down this country road and came to a cross roads. The car ahead crossed and then stopped. We then spotted a granite memorial with my first sqn's crest on it. There was no airfield nearby so we too stopped and followed the passengers of the other car to see what it was.

First they were ug on it as they had been tanking up in Skeg; they were much embarrased by Me, Mrs Wader and sprog Waders joining them.

Secondly the memorial was a crash site. As you say, all the more arresting for being unexpected.

[snapper41]

This 'location' argument could run and run! Re. Wokkameister's point - why not put it at Duxford; I refer you to my previous argument that Duxford has no connection with Bomber Command, plus people would have to pay to get in to see it. Sure, it's an aviation musuem, so using that logic, it could go to Hendon (it's got the Bomber Command Hall, after all), or Cosford, or etc etc etc.

As for the Lincs argument - again, I refer to my previous; don't forget Yorkshire, and, by the end of the War, 8 Gp (PFF) was the largest in Bomber Command and was based in Cambs. Plus, as Wader2 points out, Lincs seems to have plenty of memorials already.

The point about coming across a memorial unexpectedly seems odd; surely the whole point is to publicise and promote remembrance? How do you do that if you don't put it where everyone knows where it is??

Don't wish to sound negative; all points are valid. I'd be interested in helping where I can.

[forget]

Plus, as Wader2 points out, Lincs seems to have plenty of memorials already.

Can't argue with that. From 'Air Force Memorials of Licolnshire', Mike Ingham. (Still belongs there though.)

[Al R]

I agree Snapper. Its just one facet isn't it?

I suppose that there must be much consensus within for instance, RAFA and the Legion.

[snapper41]

Originally Posted by Al R

I suppose that there must be much consensus within for instance, RAFA and the Legion.

And, most importantly IMHO, the Bomber Command Association; where would the old boys want to site it? I see that it is their Secretary who started the petition on the Number 10 website (see the other thread on the memorial topic).

[Al R]

That Snapper, is a very good point and something that I should have looked at more closely.

[snapper41]

Oops - I was wrong; the petition wasn't started by the Bomber Command Association secretary. But I stand by my point!

Contact details are here:

http://www.rafbombercommand.com/mast...sociation.html