I WAS interested and glad to see the tragic 1944 bomber crash was remembered (February 7). The eight who died paid the awesome cost that has to be paid, in wartime, for our peace.

On February 18, thanks to the bravery of our RAF in the Amiens Prison raid in 1944, many will be remembering operation Jericho to break open the walls of the prison so many might escape, especially those due to be executed the next day.

Amongst those killed were two young Yorkshiremen, Alan J Broadley, 24, from Leyburn, near Richmond, and Charles Pickard, 27, from Sheffield.

They had successfully bombarded open the walls and saw one of our planes in difficulties, tried to assist, were attacked by two German fighters. When their Mosquito was hit it was too low for their parachutes to open. Alan Broadley Flt/Lt was awarded the DSO, DFC, DFM and Group Captain Pickard the DSM and DFC. Spare them a thought, and thanks for our peace, which we accept sometimes too lightly.

Elizabeth Speed,

Forest Grove,

Stockton Lane, York.

Updated: 11:45 Friday, February 16, 2001