We must never forget our debt of gratitude

Sir, – It was with some disappointment that I read in The Courier last Thursday how weather conditions had scuppered the proposed flight of Britain’s only surviving AVRO Lancaster for the Battle of Britain memorial flight.

The plan had, of course, been to honour the Dambusters raid on May 16 1943.

I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the men who served with such distinction during wartime.

One whose RAF career readily comes to mind is former group captain Hamish Mahaddie who was so associated with the establishment of the famous pathfinders who helped identify and mark intended targets with their flares.

I well remember Mr Mahaddie recalling the wonderful sight of brilliant moonlit clouds below his Lancaster as he returned to safer skies following a mission.

It seemed to represent a scene of peace and serenity so at contrast with the human tragedy of war.

Meeting such people was always an inspiring experience and I sincerely hope they will always be remembered.

People like Mr Mahaddie and Johnnie Johnson were real characters and left a huge impression on all who were fortunate enough to meet them.

The current generations are fortunate indeed in that they will never know wars like these people, for whom it was a huge feature of their life.

We continue to owe those who went before us such a huge debt of gratitude.

Thomas Brown. 18 Garry Place, Bankfoot.

Picture: PA. Britain’s last surviving Dambuster, Squadron Leader George ‘Johnny’ Johnson, poses for a photograph during an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Dambusters raid.