A deeply moving visit to the International Bomber Command Centre saw WWII veteran Robbie Hall pay tribute to her past, accompanied by volunteers from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
The International Bomber Command Centre is a world-class facility dedicated to recognition, remembrance and reconciliation. Home to the most comprehensive record of Bomber Command in the world, it ensures future generations can learn about the vital role played by those who served in protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.
Robbie was driven to the International Bomber Command Centre by Taxi Charity volunteers Kaye and Alan, where she was joined by fellow volunteer Kaz McDonald, who accompanies her on trips. Together, the group enjoyed a guided tour of the Centre, learning more about the history and legacy of Bomber Command.
Robbie, who served with Bomber Command during WWII, had particularly wanted to visit the Centre’s memorial where the name of her fiancé, RAF Flight Sergeant Frank Arthur Vincent, is inscribed. Frank was killed on 25 August 1944 when his Lancaster bomber suffered a catastrophic mid-air explosion over Germany.
As part of the visit, Robbie took a quiet moment to lay a poppy beneath his name, one of many meaningful moments during a day that combined reflection, remembrance and shared history.
103-year-old WWII veteran Robbie Hall said:
“I had a very memorable day. Tinged with a little sadness. Nevertheless, I would not have missed it for the world. To be able to see Frank’s name mentioned with his comrades and to lay a poppy was very important to me.”
Another special moment came when Robbie met fellow veterans Eddie Hume aged 104, of 514 Squadron, and Bert Hammond aged 101, also of 514 Squadron. Despite serving in the same squadron during the war, the two men didn’t meet in the war and met for the first time at an IBCC event several years ago.
Nicky van der Drift OBE, CEO, International Bomber Command Centre said:
“It was incredible to be able to host Eddie, Bert and Robbie at the IBCC. Their memories of their wartime service are an inspiring legacy for current and future generations. I am so grateful to the Taxi Charity for bringing Robbie to the Centre and for all the work they do to serve and honour our veterans every day”
This memorable visit highlights the ongoing work of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans in supporting veterans to revisit significant places, reconnect with their history, and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship – www.taxicharity.org
