If JDK wants to read my view of Marseille, he will have to await publication of the book – should we find the crash site, that is. Of course we are able to look for it simply because we can, without having to justify why to anyone, let us not forget. It is a pity, however, that General Galland is no longer with us, for he described Marseille as ‘the virtuoso of all fighter pilots’. Did JDK challenge the great General on his statement; somehow I doubt it. JDK may rest assured, however, that whatever I write in my books is supported by firm evidence and analysis, as will any reference, in due course, to Marseille.

Regarding hero worshipping JEJ, not so – clearly you have not read either my ‘Johnnie Jophnson: Spitfire Top Gun’ Parts One or Two. In the latter’s foreword, Chris Johnson, Johnnie’s son, commends my approach for also including the negatives. Lady Bader has said similar regarding my published work in respect of DB, and as a former police detective of 22 years experience I am pretty conversant, it is fair to say, with presenting facts impartially. My view is that, like writing circumstances for Court, all of the evience must be presented for the Court, or in this case the reader, to make up his or her own mind. Anyone remotely familiar with my published work would agree that this is how my work is presented. On a personal level, as a friend I loved Johnnie and knew him well; I miss him still. But he knew that whatever I wrote about him would be warts and all, which is as it should be.

I can’t agree which what I consider to be a rude remark about keeping things on topic. This is a thread with a specific title ‘Operation African Star’; it is not ‘Was Marseille or Snoopy the best fighter pilot’ (frankly I don’t really care who was when it comes down to it!). If you wish to debate that then I think that there should be a new thread. You are right, I have my own web site – and do you know what? I decided against having a forum on it because I wanted to avoid exactly this. As I have said on the Bader thread, I have not involved myself in forums before, and only visited this one because I was personally involved with the Bader thread. The behaviour of many, however, leaves a great deal to be desired, and frankly who needs the hassle? I have avoided forums for this reason, and will resume my previous stance all round. Too much research to do, too many projects ongoing, no time to waste.

It seems to me that some people need to review why they use forums. Surely they are a place for the exchanging of information and ideas, not the provocative argument that certain members clearly revel in (and I can predict with certainty which member will follow up first with a smart response to this post!).

Should anyone be interested in an update re Operation African Star, look on my web site in about a month’s time. http://www.DilipSarkarMBE.co.uk. I can be emailed at [email]info@dilipsarkarmbe.co.uk[/email].

Over and out.

Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS

You have made some good points Dilip, however, you are on a public forum so you have to take the good with the bad. You have used this forum for your own ‘provactive argument’ though, as well as self publicity. The choice is yours to come or go but don’t moan when you are attacked.

Best Wishes.
Robert.