Cold War service

SIR – I wish to endorse Group Captain Alan Ferguson’s call for recognition of service during the Cold War (Letters, November 13).

From 1960 onwards, following the downing of Francis Gary Powers’s U-2 spy plane, the Royal Air Force was required to put aircrew at considerable risk. Aircraft designed to operate at a high level were rapidly shifted to extreme low-level operation. Predominantly these were strategic nuclear V bombers and tactical nuclear and reconnaissance Canberras. The aircraft themselves were less safe as a result of increased structural fatigue during low-level operations.

Many crew members (navigators, signallers and engineers) were thus without ejection seats while following fjords and valleys across a foggy northern Europe. A significant number died during training sorties.

The time has surely come to recognise the contribution of those who served during the Cold War.

Dr Tony Parker

Ringmer, East Sussex

SIR – I totally agree with Group Captain Alan Ferguson about honouring those who served in the Cold War.

Whenever I hear the words “for those who died in conflict”, I think of the many friends who lost their lives during this time of so-called peace. Their sacrifices were just as great and their losses just as tragic as their predecessors’.

Although I was involved in fast low-level jet operations, I have no real interest in receiving a medal, but I believe strongly that remembrance services should be changed in order to give due recognition to those who died serving their country in peace time as well as in times of conflict.

Peter Brown

Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire