Bomber boys - bbc one

[Bewolf]

Originally Posted by RCAF_FB_Orville

@Bewolf

Guys, what you do not get here is that you are not talking to people that participated in or supported that war. On the opposite, this one and all generations since the war actually tried everything possible to make good on it. So giving us quotes and plans from germans from generations before the war does not stick.

I disagree, and it is very pertinent to the discussion. Here is why. Harris was an RFC fighter ace with 5 victories, and had also witnessed the results of the Zeppelin and Gotha bombings of British civilians in WWI with his own eyes.

Having witnessed the lack of German compunction or concern about killing and maiming 1000's British civilians with bombs and incendiaries from the air circa 1915 onwards, I believe this would have had a profound effect upon his outlook regarding Germany, and was probably a contributory factor to the ruthlessness he later evidenced whilst in command in WWII.

The reason I posted the info was to illustrate how these aerial attacks on civilians had a profound effect upon the British psyche, remaining in memory.....and influencing public opinion and indeed official policy in WWII. An overwhelming sense of 'Deja Vu'. Perhaps fostering a determination not to let the same thing happen again....and that next time the enemy will suffer more. Its the 'tit for tat' phenomena evidenced in all conflicts, of all nations and people, which typically escalates.

In conclusion, area bombing was in my opinion undoubtedly 'wrong' on a moral basis, and most certainly nothing to celebrate....but this is easy to say now without personal involvement, and with hindsight. However, had my entire extended family and children been wiped out in the Blitz, I daresay I might be after some form of 'payback', and perhaps even celebrate the enemy suffering as I did, or maybe wanting them to suffer even more.

I can also see the viewpoints of the Bomber pilots in the documentary who expressed little to no remorse, too.....and their reasons for this. I can also understand the British peoples anger, and thoughts of retribution. Its the Human condition and there has never been any real abatement. The age old story of violence begetting violence....which ultimately does nobody any good.

A wise Mahatma once said that 'An eye for an eye.....Will make us all blind'.

He was right.

Cheers.

Great fan of Gandhi here. And actually, of your later stance in your posting.
But your post is kinda contractionary, because by honoring people like Harries you are exactly stirring the pot that make ppl have that "eye for an eye" attitude on all sides involved.

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by RCAF_FB_Orville

I do not particularly 'agree' with the celebration of Harris at all, and do not do so myself.

Originally Posted by Bewolf

by honoring people like Harris you are exactly stirring the pot that make ppl have that "eye for an eye" attitude on all sides involved.

(sorry Orville, I know you don't need my help. )

[bongodriver]

it's crazy.......do people really think we Brits go around chanting songs about this guy? and have 'National Harris day' or something.......nope, just a tiny statue tucked away in a corner (I don't even remember where)

They made Nelson Mandela a president....and he was a Terrorist (freedom fighter to the right on! brigade)....either way he killed innocent people pursuing his cause.

[ATAG_Dutch]

And next thing you know, we'll be told that we have to give the Channel Islands back to France, owing to their obvious geographical proximity.

[bongodriver]

and then well have to hand GB over too because of our proximity........oh wait..