Unveiling & Dedication of the Bomber Command Memorial, Green Park, London – 28 June 2012
On 28 June 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II formally unveiled the magnificent monument to those who fought with Bomber Command during WWII. This was long-overdue recognition for the 55,573 airmen who did not live to the see the ultimate victory over Nazi tyranny. A Victory that Bomber Command was pivotal in bringing about.
A number of 57 Squadron and 630 Squadron Bomber Command veterans and other Association Members, along with Members of the current 57 Squadron, attended the events in Green Park. On a glorious summer’s day, the bravery, dedication and self-sacrifice of all who served with Bomber Command was finally acknowledged by a grateful Nation.
For those who could not attend, the pictures which follow will give you a sense of what was truly a historic and memorable day.
Group Captain David Houghton
Location of Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London
Bomber Command Memorial, view from Hyde Park Corner
The Queen's Colour for the RAF and current Standards of surviving RAF WWII Bomber Command Squadrond (including 57 Squadron) are 'Marched On'
Air Comodore Malcolm White, Chairman of the Bomber Command Association, welcomes HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH THe Duke of Endinburugh, HRH THe PRince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall as they arrive at the memorial
Her Majesty pictured after unveiling the Bomber Command Memorial. The roof above the 7 bronze scupltures is made from aluminium recovered from a Halifax aircraft shot down over Belgium in 1944
A closer look at the central element of the Bomber Command Memorial. Some of the airmen depicted look up to the sky they have just returned from, others back towards their aircraft while some look towards the ground they have returned safely to
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB ADC RAF delivers the key-note address
HM Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Endinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales, pictured during the Dedication Service
Five RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft flypast the Bomber Command Memorial in salute
The Last Post sounds
Veterans and those Serving now salute as the Last Post sounds
The RAF BBMF Lancaster marks the unveiling of the BOmber Command Memorial with a flypast and the dropping of popping petals
