Avro Lancaster R5489
2.4 miles away
Lincolnshire
Bomber County Gateway Lancaster Memorial
Bomber County Gateway, Lincoln, Lincolnshire
Partial Record
The Memorial
This full-size lancaster representation at road junction was dedicated on Modern. Full-size Lancaster representation maintained by the Bomber Gateway Trust.
Type
Full-size Lancaster representation at road junction
Dedication Date
Modern
Inscription
Could you help us fill in the inscription?
LocationEstimated Location
Bomber County Gateway, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire
what3words: ///wanderers.expropriate.spiders
What Happened
Lancaster R5689 (VN-N) was lost on 18 September 1942, one of the countless aircraft that failed to return during Bomber Command's sustained campaign over occupied Europe. Five crew members were killed. No survivors are recorded. The aircraft is commemorated by a full-sized steel replica Lancaster, titled *On Freedom's Wings*, installed at the Bomber County Gateway near Lincoln — a county that served as the operational heartland of Bomber Command throughout the war. The memorial stands as a permanent tribute to the crews of R5689 and the wider force whose sacrifice went formally unrecognised for decades.
Community Connection
Every memorial has a story — why it was built, who campaigned for it, and what it means to the local community. If you know the story behind this memorial, we would love to hear it.
Share this memorial's storyRemembrance
Do you know of any commemorative events or annual services held at this memorial? We would love to hear from local communities who remember.
Share remembrance informationAircraft & Operation Details
Aircraft Type
Full-size Lancaster replica (steel frame) commemorating Lancaster
Serial Number
R5689 (VN-N)
Squadron
General Bomber Command memorial
Date of Loss
1942-09-18
Crew
5 killed on the referenced aircraft
Memorial Care
local history group
Organisation
Bomber Gateway Trust
Website
Full-size Lancaster representation maintained by the Bomber Gateway Trust.
Local Contacts
These local organisations are connected to this memorial and may be able to help with information or visits.
City of Lincoln Royal British Legionbritish legion
Local remembrance and memorial support
Further Reading
Bomber Gateway TrustRetrieved 2026-03-23
The Bomber Gateway Trust created 'On Freedom's Wings', a full-scale steel-frame representation of an Avro Lancaster Mk1 bomber measuring 26 metres in length with a 31-metre wingspan. The sculpture commemorates Lancaster R5689 VN-N, described as the most photographed Lancaster of the war, which crashed on 18 September 1942 returning from a Baltic Sea mission with the loss of five crew.
What you'll find: Detailed sculpture description, historical context, and photographs of 'On Freedom's Wings', a Lancaster Mk1 replica commemorating R5689 VN-N.
Sculpture installed September 202526m length, 31m wingspanTaller than Angel of the NorthR5689 described as most photographed Lancaster of the war
RAF OfficialRetrieved 2026-03-23(link may no longer be available)
The RAF's official website describes the On Freedom's Wings sculpture as a landmark honouring the service and sacrifice of Bomber Command personnel, located near Norton Disney close to the A46.
What you'll find: Detailed tribute to Bomber Command personnel, featuring sculpture descriptions and location information.
Endorsed by RAF Battle of Britain Memorial FlightLocated near Norton Disney, close to RAF Swinderby
Nearby Memorials
Sources
Bomber Gateway Trust (retrieved 2026-03-23)
RAF Official (link may no longer be available)
Bomber Gateway Trust (bombergatewaytrust.co.uk) (website)
Credits & Acknowledgements
Record compiled by
Keith Binley
Last updated 2026-03-21
Do you have additional information, photographs, or corrections for this record? We welcome contributions from researchers, families, and local communities.
Suggest a correction or additionCan You Help Complete This Record?
This record for Bomber County Gateway Lancaster Memorial is partially complete. We’re looking for additional details such as crew information, photographs, narrative history, or source references.
Email admin@bombermemorial.co.uk or contribute directly via our GitHub repository