Lancaster Bomber Statue Built
Lincolnshire holds a special place in the history of RAF Bomber Command and the Second World War. Its flat, open landscape made it especially well-suited to airfields, and during the war, no other region in the UK had as many bomber stations. These included permanent bases, satellite strips, and temporary grass fields. The area became a hub for the RAF’s heavy bomber operations, and the people of Lincolnshire developed strong ties to the effort, with many local families involved directly or indirectly in the war.
To recognise and commemorate that legacy, a group of volunteers and supporters formed the Bomber County Gateway Trust. Their goal was to create a striking landmark that would serve as a tribute to those who served and a visible welcome to Lincolnshire—long known as “Bomber County.” The vision was to construct a life-size sculpture of an Avro Lancaster bomber, one of the most iconic aircraft used by the RAF in World War II, and to place it near a major road where thousands of people would see it every day.
The chosen location, just off the A46 at Norton Disney between Lincoln and Newark, is steeped in aviation history. It lies close to several former RAF stations, including RAF Swinderby. The site also offers excellent visibility, with around 35,000 vehicles passing daily, making it a fitting place for a landmark that connects history with the present.
The sculpture, titled “On Freedom’s Wings,” represents a full-scale Lancaster Mk I in flight. When viewed from certain angles, it gives the impression of the aircraft climbing and banking, as though heading home to one of the nearby wartime airfields. Its wingspan stretches approximately 31 metres, and the fuselage is mounted on a support structure that raises it around 30 metres above the ground. The design also includes authentic detailing, including markings based on a specific Lancaster—VN-N—that crashed near RAF Swinderby in 1944.
The project took years of planning, design, and fundraising. Planning permission was granted in 2018, but construction was delayed by numerous challenges including rising material costs and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a total estimated cost of around £1 million, much of the funding came from public donations, local fundraising events, and in-kind support from engineering and construction firms. The build itself involved thousands of volunteer hours and significant contributions from businesses supplying steel and specialist labour.
In September 2025, the steel framework of the sculpture was lifted into place, finally becoming a permanent part of the Lincolnshire landscape. Though some work remains to complete the site—such as cladding, landscaping, and visitor facilities—the Lancaster now towers above the A46, a powerful image of memory, flight, and return. The aircraft’s position and scale allow it to dominate the skyline, ensuring it cannot be missed by those travelling into the county.
The sculpture is not just a memorial; it is intended as a gateway and symbol. It acknowledges the vast role Lincolnshire played during the war, serving as the launch point for so many missions and as the home for countless airmen. It’s a reminder of those who never returned, but also of the communities that supported them. The sight of the Lancaster, suspended as if in flight, offers a moment of reflection and connection for everyone who sees it.
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Locals have expressed pride in seeing such a tribute in their county, and many feel a personal connection, either through family history or the memory of the war. While the project has not been without its critics—particularly regarding funding and planning—there is broad support for its symbolism and purpose.
Now standing high above the fields of Lincolnshire, “On Freedom’s Wings” is likely to become a lasting landmark. It marks the entry into Bomber Country not only for motorists and visitors but for future generations, who may now ask the questions that keep the memories alive. Through community effort, determination, and shared history, Lincolnshire has created something lasting—something that flies, even while standing still.
