Having been privileged to have visited the BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight) at RAF Conningsby, I have once more felt the need to comment upon Bomber Command and the wrongful lack of recognition of the courage and commitment of those who were members of it.
I know Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are fast approaching and very shortly we will (again) be subjected to the bleatings of some about 'telling the truth' and the (yawn) annual vilification of Bomber Command. That recognised I also need to recognise that anyone who climbs into an aircraft knowing that the average number of missions flown before death, injury or capture is seven had hutzpah and a fair degree of selfless commitment and courage and this needs to be recognised.
Using today's standards and conventions I would also question proportionality and the other hallmarks that LOAC (Laws of Armed Conflict) and the various Genevas require. But (always a 'but' isn't there?) that was then and if we want to condemn our side then we should share the love and regard those who bombed London, Coventry and a good many other major cities too.
If you get the chance, go visit the BBMF and if you want to see another reminder of the courage of others, have a look at East Kirkby and the Lancaster they taxi at their Bomber Command station.
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