Sir - Your correspondents John and Barbara Bunyan lament the failure of their campaign to set up "a living museum" for Bomber Command and its members' "enormous work and sacrifice".

A few years ago, the decision to erect a statue to 'Bomber Harris' in Whitehall met with a good deal of opposition. He was the man in charge and keen to maintain and expand the "blanket bombing" on Germany.

My father-in-law was a bomb loader during the war and bitterly aware that he was aiding and abetting that carnage. He and his wife had enjoyed cycling holidays in Germany before the war. They had not seen the horrors of Nazism at that time. They had seen the beautiful countryside, towns and villages and had met ordinary men, women and children.

He had no wish to participate in their destruction and grieved that his patriotic duty meant he had to carry out such barbaric orders.

Nor was dropping bombs indiscriminately on large populations an intelligent way to conduct a war.

Just like the Blitz on London, it roused rage and hatred of 'the enemy' in the survivors viewing the appalling suffering caused. It made them determined to fight back - not to capitulate. I agree with the Bunyans that that aspect of the war should be remembered. But it should not be glorified. Any memorial should make us determined that such crimes against humanity should not be allowed to happen again, anywhere. Some hope!

Irene Gill, Oxford