IN a week highlighted by tragedy on the front pages of the Free Press and Midweek Free Press it was nice to read two sensible and inspiring letters from J Simmonds (Free Press, June 15) and Mrs Mary White (Free Press, June 22).

I totally agree with both their attitudes on the European Union.

Like Mr Simmonds, I went through the horrors of operations over Germany and the occupied territories night after night between 1943-45.

I was a bomb aimer on Lancasters and saw at first hand other aircraft in the bomber stream disintegrating only a few hundred yards in front or to the sides, knowing in most cases seven young comrades had been 'blown to pieces' or incinerated only sons, some married only weeks and most not even celebrated their 21st birthday.

Then if you were 'lucky' on returning to base seeing rear gunners having their small remains put in a 'bag' and then the rear turret hosed out from the crash tender for the next occupant.

So if the individuals seen on TV and in the papers dressed up with Union Jack 'Toppers' and flags draped around their waists decrying the EU probably their only 'horror' or 'delight' seeing a mangled fox, want to see Europe fragmented and isolated again, common place in the first part of last century with the awesome loss of life and destruction of WWI and WWII. They are certainly 'aiming' in the right direction.

By the way, after the Free Press front page my next stop is always your letter page.

Bill Waite

Booker Hill Road

High Wycombe