Mark Steers

I am of the generation that had parents in the war. My farther in law was Royal Navy and a fighter pilot on the small escort carriers for the Russian Convoys. His squadrons land base was shared with USAAF bombers. Having been fighting for 18 months they were massively relieved and grateful for their presence and threw a party for them. I remember my Farther in Law (then 22) telling me that it was at the welcome party that he learned that their first bomber raid was going to be in daylight WITHOUT fighter escort. He said he thought they were joking and “ribbing the Brits”. When he saw them taking off 2 days later in broad daylight he couldn’t believe it. They wouldn’t listen to the British and the rest as they say is history. Unbelievable bravery and needless sacrifice. This series in my view does not do justice to these amazing young men. It feels dumbed down and trivialized the capability and trauma these young men went through. That said, it is better this series exists than doesn’t.