Sir, Wg Cdr (Rtd) Jim Wright (RAF war hero article, July 9), should be commended for his unstinting crusade for a dedicated full campaign medal for all Second World War Bomber Command (BC) air and essential ground staff veterans.

This, despite Sir John Holmes’ independent medal review recommending a clasp as more appropriate, because BC aircrew had already received either the Aircrew Europe Star or the France and Germany Star; another medal constituted “double-medalling”.

Jim is from a generation of men aged 17-23 who lost their youth as boys rapidly grew into men fighting for King and Country.

BC missions took place over five years to halt Hitler’s advance; seeing crews exposed to hours of relentless danger midst ground and air attacks, enduring hazards of darkness, icing, lightning, storms and aircraft structural catastrophe.

Such description might seem unimaginable today but for BC veterans their experiences live on.

History suggests the majority who entered BC did not survive; of the 120,000 who served, 55,573 were killed, including over 10,000 Canadians. For context, on a single night, BC allegedly suffered more losses than Fighter Command during the ten months of the Battle of Britain.

Jim’s endeavours since 2005 have gained support from UK and Canadian MPs across the political spectrum (including a former UK Defence Secretary), the Canadian Senate and other Commonwealth cohorts.

One can only muse why exceptional support has fallen short of success. A clasp is recognition but second best for duties nobly accomplished through bravery and excessive human sacrifice.

Morals and politics apart, war is war; BC veterans had no choice but to do as they were ordered. Hitler lost.

There is no room for complacency only immense gratitude; and nothing less than a full campaign medal should be entertained for BC veterans.

Squadron Leader Steve Dreier RAF (Rtd)

Gibson Close

Abingdon