I joined RAF at same age as Jungle ‘boys’
AS I approach retirement, I well remember leaving school as a young man in 1969 to join the RAF and start my career as a radar/communications technician, hoping to do my bit for the defence of my country. I found it unbelievable to see the tearful, supposed apology by Lily Allen to the 13-year-old Afghan lad in Calais, who — to his credit, and probably bemused at what she was saying — actually thanked Britain for fighting the Taliban to protect his way of life. Following this, we saw pictures of so-called ‘child’ refugees walking away from the Jungle camp to a new life in Britain. These young men looked about the same age I was when I joined the RAF. It seems to me that most of the young men in the Calais camp are avoiding national service in their respective countries or don’t wish to help re-build the homelands they’ve left behind. Some, by their actions, appear to be on the run from the law at home. Maybe that’s why no other European country, including the first one they came to, actually wants them. There are many honest refugees escaping war, but not all of them need to come to Britain. To Lily Allen and her ilk, I would like to point out that our military hasn’t always been happy to do the bidding of politicians, but our soldiers have no choice in carrying out their duty: always to help those countries in need, bringing relief and protection. Many have given their lives and limbs in those causes. Not one of them will ever receive the amount of compensation offered to a Hollywood star who broke his leg on a film set. This country also sends more money per head than any other in charitable giving and tax-paid aid to those who need help. During World War II, Winston Churchill made his famous speech about fighting in the air and on the beaches. I can’t see that happening now. This is where the mobile phone and internet era has got us.
DAVE ALLEN, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. No oNE can have failed to notice that the ‘child’ refugees are nearly all teenage boys and young men. Does no one shed a tear for the unseen and unheard young women and girls? Why is it thought safe to leave them behind, but too dangerous for boys and young men to return?
JOHN WEBB, Coventry, Warks.