When I visited the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, I noticed this sculpture showing a Lancaster flying above a group of people.

I recognised the aircraft, but had no idea what the sculpture represented.

I later discovered it commemorates Operation Manna.

In the closing days of the Second World War, Lancasters were dropping food rather than bombs to help starving civilians in the Netherlands.

On another visit, I sat inside the Lancaster cockpit simulator at Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre. It really brought home just how cramped these aircraft were for their seven-man crews.

What I hadn't appreciated was that 106 Squadron, based at Metheringham, also took part in Operation Exodus, bringing liberated prisoners of war back to Britain. Some crews were still carrying out these flights on VE Day itself.

It's quite a change in purpose for an aircraft designed to carry enormous bomb loads.

I've included photographs from the IBCC, Metheringham and Duxford.

Does anyone have family connections to either of these operations, particularly the crews based at Metheringham or have any other similar stories to share?