Risk?

[Kimbles20]

Whats the biggest risk you have ever taken?

[BBWCHATT]

Mr. Spencer - I am an old lady who lives in the USA - I know that it is military men like you who have overcome their fears and risked their lives -who make it possible for the rest of us to take our "biggest risks", which pale in comparison to what all of you did and continue to do. May I please join the others in saying thank you to all of you?

BBWCHATT
The old lady in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

[Hugh Spencer]

Hi Tara and Mustafa,
I agree a medal is no good at all but what would go with it would be a physical recognition that the government and country did appreciate that, whereas the Battle of Britain ensured that there couldn't be an invasion in 1940, Bomber Command ensured that the Nazis could not build up resources thereafter to attempt an invasion a second time. Churchill must have said to Sir Arthur Harris," I said hit them hard but not that hard!" Politicians act to preserve their careers, even if it means turning their backs on friends.

[MustafaTickl]

Yes, you're right of course, Hugh. There were a great many factors bearing on the matter at the time, not least the very vociferous "no more wars group" which was the beginning of the move towards this European Union, and those that thought that the 1919 Versailles Treaty was too harsh and had spawned resentment in the German people and did not want to do it again by glorifying the flattening of Germany. Medals in 2007 are a silly idea - the majority in my group held the view that if it was our turn to die we would like to go "with one in each hand", hence the picture of my old Algerian girl friend. Now, if Blair would arrange that for us ... !!!

[Barney's pal]

being pushed into taking driving lessons. Since I passed my test I've hit more things than Mohammed Ali. I think I'm gonna give up driving for good!!!