As the roar of jet engines filled the sky over Lincoln, history was being made. For the first time ever, an all-female RAF flypast, the largest of its kind, soared over the city, honouring the legacy of women in war.
Marking the grand unveiling of the Women in War exhibition at the International Bomber Command Centre, this powerful aerial tribute featured an A400M from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, joined by a Prefect T1 and a Eurofighter Typhoon. Each aircraft was piloted exclusively by female aircrew, a striking reminder of the progress women have made in military aviation.
A Tribute in Steel and Sky
The event wasn’t just about aircraft; it was about the women who paved the way. The Women in War exhibition showcases ten life-sized steel silhouettes, created by Witney-based artist collective Standing with Giants. These haunting figures capture the strength and sacrifice of women during wartime, standing as silent sentinels to their contributions.
If the name Standing with Giants sounds familiar, it’s because they were behind the breathtaking display of 1,475 figures in Normandy last year, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Now, their work takes on a new mission—highlighting the often-overlooked role of women in conflict.
“We’re Honouring Those Who Came Before Us”
At the heart of this historic moment was Squadron Leader Stewart, the captain of the A400M. No stranger to making headlines, she previously led an all-female crew over Wembley Stadium before England’s Lionesses triumphed in the 2022 European Championship Final.
“Today was really important to me because it gave us a chance to honour the work that women have done before us,” she reflected. “To commemorate and celebrate the pioneering work of women in defence is so important.”
She described the atmosphere on board as electric, with every crew member feeling the weight of history as they took to the skies. “We were all so proud to put on a good show,” she added.
From the Sky to the Ground
Following the flypast, the crews of the A400M and Prefect T1 touched down at nearby RAF Waddington, where they met with guests and took in the exhibition firsthand. The significance of the moment was not lost on those in attendance, a celebration of courage, resilience, and the ever-growing role of women in the armed forces.
As the silhouettes stand firm and the echoes of jet engines fade, one thing is certain: the sky is no longer the limit for women in the RAF.
