Lancaster bomber mirrors replica sculpture during flypast

The UK’s only airworthy Lancaster bomber marked the installation of a life-size replica sculpture by mirroring its tilted mid-flight position during a flypast.

The On Freedom’s Wings structure was installed at the weekend in Norton Disney, Lincolnshire, in tribute to the RAF bomber crews that flew from the county during World War Two.

It is tilted to give the impression that the aircraft is in flight, heading home to the nearby former RAF Swinderby base.

The picture was captured by plane enthusiast Claire Hartley, who said: “I was so nervous, thinking I’ve got one chance here, but I’m really pleased with what I got.”

Ms Hartley, who regularly photographs aircraft from the RAF Coningsby-based Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), as well as the Lincolnshire-based Red Arrows, said the experience ranked alongside her other favourites, and planned to return to capture the structure at different times of the year.

“There are so many photo opportunities and the story behind it is amazing,” she added.

The BBMF said celebrating the achievement of the team at the Bomber County Gateway Trust, which first announced plans for the sculpture to mark the centenary of the RAF in 2018, was “really special”.

“The hard work, dedication and determination that has gone into the project over the last eight years is truly incredible, and the end result is a spectacular tribute to those men and women of Bomber Command and the sacrifices that were made,” a spokesperson said.

The sculpture is located close to the A46 between Lincoln and Newark.