Stuart Arnold pauses for reflection at the new International Bomber Command Centre and also enjoys a two-night stay in historic Lincoln

AMONG the huge sacrifices made during the Second World War, one group of individuals were largely ignored for years. They were the men and women from countless different nations who formed Bomber Command.

Accused of war crimes by some critics due to the heavy bombardment of German cities such as Cologne, Dresden and Hamburg, which cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that attitudes began to soften towards them.

Bomber Command had the highest casualty rate of any British unit, around 60 per cent, with 57,871 lives being lost both in the air and the ground. At the new International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) – which aims to recognise and remember those who served, supported or suffered the European bombing campaigns – the names of the dead who served are engraved on memorial walls.

It makes for sobering reflection – I counted at least ten men who shared my own surname. The other aspect to the memorial is a 31-foot-high spire with the same wingspan of a Lancaster bomber. It lies directly in the line of sight of Lincoln Cathedral, once the world’s tallest building, and a pointer for Lincolnshire-based bomber crews when they were flying in to land.

I’m shown around by director Nicky Barr, who tells me how an unveiling ceremony took place, attended by 312 former ‘bomber boys’ from all over the world. The youngest veteran the centre has worked with is 93, the oldest 104, although inevitably remaining numbers are dwindling.

This is no fusty old museum – it feels modern and there are plenty of interactive elements. You can become a member of an operational aircrew and discover what it was like to be on bombing raid. There are also digital archives you can view for free containing more than 190,000 historic items such as personal documents and photos.

Just a few miles up the road from the IBCC is the elegant Washingborough Hall, which dates back to the early 1700s and is run by Edward and Lucy Herring. We stayed in the luxurious Ingleby suite, named after the family which once owned the house. Rooms are individually designed and our en-suite bathroom featured a double walk-in shower and free-standing bath.

Dinner consisted of stuffed breast of guinea fowl, pancetta and mozzarella-stuffed leg with mixed grains and spinach puree, while my partner Helen plumped for the poached rotolo of wild mushrooms with pecorino, brazed leeks and tarragon. Dessert was an indulgent bread and butter pudding, while Helen had the chocolate and raspberry fondant pudding with an iced nougatine parfait and marinated cherries. Compliments to the chef indeed.

Breakfasts were also excellent, the home-made marmalade being one highlight. Staff were friendly and welcoming too. Should you wish to explore the immediate surrounds, there are a couple of pubs within walking distance – the Ferry Boat in particular is well worth a look in.

Many visitors to Lincoln will head to its historic castle. We were given a tour of the castle grounds by our knowledgeable guide, Dorothy. In these days of female empowerment it was particularly interesting to hear the story of ‘the woman who saved England’. Lady Nicola de la Haye was the castellan of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln in 1217. While much of England had been taken by the combined French and rebel English forces, Nicola and her garrison remained loyal to King Henry III, successfully defending the strategically vital fortification and influencing the course of English history. Had the outcome been different, we’d all have been speaking French now.

The castle’s former Victorian prison is open and you can explore its three floors and numerous cells, while at various times of the day actors bring to life bloodthirsty tales of crime and punishment.

Apparently, Lincolnshire produces almost 20 per cent of the UK’s food and there is a thriving ‘foodie’ scene as well as a number of top quality restaurants in Lincoln itself. We ate at Browns pie shop, around the corner from the castle on Steep Hill and run by chef Danny Gill, a Great British Menu finalist. He took over from his parents last year and describes the restaurant as a “humble, good value place”. I’d echo that. With choices such as chicken and leek pie and pork belly, there’s a homely feel, and two near-three course, very filling meals with drinks came to £60.

Browns has a resident ghost called ‘Humphrey’, who is sometimes seen by staff and has been known to chat to the owner’s daughter. We didn't see him, but assumed he was friendly and also a fan of the food, having made the place his home.

  • In April the RAF is celebrating 100 years and to mark the occasion you can spend two nights at Washingborough Hall and receive return transfers to the International Bomber Command Centre. The package includes a three-course dinner on both nights and a full English breakfast each morning. Cost is £100 per person per night and is based on two people sharing. To book call 01522-790340, quoting ‘Washy 100’ or visit http://www.washingboroughhall.com
  • For more information about the International Bomber Command Centre visit http://internationalbcc.co.uk or call 01778-421420.