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Re: When is an enemy no longer an enemy, and who decides?

Posted by Mike Henniger on Fri Apr 12, 2002 12:15:29 PM

In reply top Re: When is an enemy no longer an enemy, and who decides? posted by Damien Burke on Fri Apr 12, 2002 08:56:04 AM

I doubt the animosity ever completely goes away for the veterans. Not to be cold about it, but animosity likely disappears when the generation disappears, or at least lessens. For governments it is likely a matter of economics, and related opportunities.

Interesting comment about the fighter pilots. I met a genetleman at my Grandfather funeral that had been a good friend of my Grandfather. This man had spent time as a pilot instructor in the BCATP. He did get a small amount of time in Europe. He told me about his experience of flying a PR Spitfire (no guns) and being jumped by a 109. His first reaction was to waggle his wings to let the 109 know that he was not armed and could not defended himself. In short the 109 pilot respected the "code" and let him go, but not before they noted each others markings. A number of years later my Grandfather's friend was commanding a squadron of Sabre's in Europe, and by shear chance met a former Luftwaffe pilot, and started swapping stories. It turns out this former Luftwaffe piolet was the same one that "let him go" years before. They became good friends. Years later when the Luftwaffe piolet passed away, my Grandfather's friend made the trip to Germany for his funeral. So, you can see that enemys aren't necessarily enemy's for ever.

Regards,

Mike


: Not an easy question! I've met British WWII veterans who s
: till have serious hatred of the Germans (though none of th
: ose vets were pilots, oddly enough). My father, who was su
: nk in the Falklands, has tons of respect for the Argentine
: pilots - but still thinks very little of the 'Argies'. Pe
: rsonally I don't think much of them either - but then near
: ly losing your father kinda colours your views on these ma
: tters. So the Argies will cease being 'the enemy' to me wh
: en I'm no longer around. I suspect it's the same with a lo
: t of people; the enemy just IS.

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