Treasure the Dambuster generation
AMID the entirely appropriate commemoration of the Dambuster heroes, one stark fact has not been adequately amplified.
On that night 70 years ago, 617 squadron sent out 133 brave, but in many cases, raw fliers. Indeed many had only just completed training. Only 56 were to return, which meant it was a mission with a fatality rate of more than 40 per cent.
Can you imagine the reaction of modern-day Britain to that number of deaths in a military operation?
One Dambuster survivor said last week the loss of life was acceptable because the people of this great country got a huge lift in morale from its success.
Treasure this generation: we shall not see their like again.