Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association

Professional Description

The Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association is a Registered Charity that holds a unique position as the support Group for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Area of work

• Nationwide and International

Description

The Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association is a Registered Charity that holds a unique position as the support Group for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Association was formed from the Lincolnshire Lancaster Committee, which was a small group of people who came together when the Lancaster was moved from RAF Waddington to RAF Coltishall in 1973. The original aims of the Committee were to ensure that the Bomber would return to Lincolnshire and that a Lancaster would remain in the county for ever as a memorial to the many aircrew who lost their lives whilst based here during World War II.

At that time 'S for Sugar' R5868 which had stood as RAF Scampton's gate guardian, had been relocated to the Bomber Command Museum which was under construction at Hendon. PA474 had been taken to RAF Coltishall from RAF Waddington, leaving Lincolnshire and the East Midlands without a Lancaster. The Committee requested that when PA474 was due to retire that she should be brought back to Lincolnshire. The projected flying life span in the 1970's was not expected to last more than 5 years! Today there is talk that the flying life of the Lancaster could be another 50 years! A request was also made that the Lincoln City Coat of Arms be placed on the nose of the Bomber to identify the link between the county and the area.

The Committee was successful, not only was PA474 returned to the county, but its operating unit (BBMF) was transferred to RAF Coningsby. The Lancaster was officially adopted by The City of Lincoln a few years later.

Following a request from the RAF to help produce the hardware that made the fitting of the mid-upper turret possible, it was decided to change the name of the Committee and invite public membership. Registered Charity status was achieved, and today the Association with nearly 6000 members worldwide, continues to give invaluable support to the Flight.

Today the Association owns two of Avro's most famous airframes, both standing in the open at Newark Air Museum, a Shackleton WR977 and a Vulcan XM594, both from the pen of Avro's design genius Roy Chadwick CBE, who was of course responsible for the Lancaster.

We welcome new members who wish to help maintain this key part of our aviation heritage. Joining Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association brings a number of benefits. For just £17 a year (£25 for overseas members) you will receive two copies of our popular journal 'Memorial Flight', exclusive member offers and the opportunity to attend our exclusive Annual Members Day at RAF Coningsby. Your LLA membership card also gives you free access to the BBMF Visitor Centre* and hangar** at RAF Coningsby so you can get up close and personal with The Flight.  

Over the past years we are proud to have supported the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight many times.