Bouncing back

SIR – In an otherwise excellent compendium of worthy British war films, Simon Heffer (Hinterland, May 9) makes a fundamental error in his description of the The Dam Busters as “routine”.

It is precisely the element of normalcy that is compelling; one gets the impression, reinforced by the scenes where they finish their tours, that this is just another raid – until the targets are revealed.

It is understated drama which seems to convey the attitude of those in uniform during the conflict – and is the best British war film, by far.