*Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association 

 The Lincolnshire's Lancaster Association is a Registered Charity that holds a unique position as the official 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.