It is only called homophobia - I doubt that the perpetrators fear their victims - usually it is several against one - and they do regard it as punishment, or even protecting the kiddies from a pervert. From what I have heard gang rape of homosexuals is - or was - not uncommon, before beating them - they do not fear any act of male domination.

During the war all sorts were called up, trained, and sent to do their bit. I can't see how being homosexual, or having an affair, would prevent anyone from being selected for pilot training and passing the course. It was, however, very difficult to keep secrets in the squadron enviroment. The clerks would read the return addresses printed on envelopes, as did those handing out the mail. When going on leave the address where you were to be staying was required, so you could be recalled - and Heaven help you if you gave a false address.

Crowded together in Nissen huts with no privacy, tired and under stress, it must have been easy to let something slip, or be overheard talking in your sleep.

People really did regard such things as wrong, immoral, unforgivable, against God and good order, and the sort of thing that ought to be erradicated for the good of society in general.