Les,

It'll be my pleasure and privilege to read that. Thank you. I used to fly regularly with an Italian lad (pilot) and his grand dad used to be pilot on the SM79. Brave guys too.

Ross,

Lovely song, trouble is, I get quite emotional when I sing these. What melody do you use for that? Or is it a 'bespoke' one you've created?

I went to Mailly le Camp a couple of years ago in France, to commemorate a raid on a Panzer division. There were only about 10 veterans there now, but it was moving nevertheless. The French peoples' attitude was particularly warming.

I think I understand what you mean. I'm 60 this year and my wars (RAF aircrew) have always been minor in comparison. My dad was aircrew initially, then a Forward Air Controller all through North Africa and Italy - in fact, he was a D-Day Dodger!