Today, 61 years after the end of World War II, a memorial was dedicated in Lincoln Cathedal to the aircrew of RAF Bomber Command who lost their lives in that war.The reason for the delay is because politicians, having ordered these aircrew to risk their lives bombing Germany, got cold feet when they became aware of the results. And risk their lives they did - 51% of all Bomber Command aircrew were killed on operations, 9% were killed in crashes in England, 3% were serious injured in crashes, 13% survived being shot down, and only 24% survived the war unharmed.Whatever the morality of the bombing campaign, these aircrew did what they were ordered and many paid the price. They deserve better than the treatment they were given.

I am extremely grateful for those who came before us. They had the courage and steel to give the ultimate gift to ensure freedom.