ONE of the most moving but little-known episodes of the Second World War was Operation Exodus when, in the early summer of 1945, the RAF flew home tens of thousands of liberated British prisoners of war from northern Europe.
Many had been incarcerated for five years in German PoW camps until they were freed by the Allies.
As the planes flew over the English Channel and the white cliffs of Dover came into view, the spirits of this bedraggled but heroic army soared. Some cheered, others whistled. A few brave souls sat still with tears rolling down their cheeks.
They were almost back in their native land where they would be treated with the warmth and respect that their sacrifices had earned. But in fragmented modern Britain, returning heroes are guaranteed no such welcome. Read more...