I agree with Stephen Nunn (Standard, November 5) that we should not lose the control tower or indeed the other remains of the airfield at Bradwell.

There had been an airstrip at Bradwell for refuelling aircraft using the firing ranges on the Dengie Range. With the war progressing, there was a need for further aerodromes and so Bradwell was extended into a full RAF Station which opened late 1941 and the first operational squadron (418) moved in on April 15, 1942. The following day they flew their first mission from Bradwell.

By the end of June, 418 had carried out 104 missions, mainly patrol and bombing missions to the near continent - six aircraft were lost, with most of the crews killed. Two of the crew were taken prisoner.

Another aircraft crashed on take off from West Malling and exploded the bombs they were carrying with a total loss of crew.

Apart from the losses, think of the mental stress which these young men carried with them for the rest of their lives.

This is an example over about ten weeks at RAF Bradwell Bay. Many more examples can be found over the next few years of the war.

Yet ‘they’ are prepared to wipe away what should be remembered and most of all respected.

It is desecration of war graves and mindless vandalism.

Eric Simonelli

Millbeach Caravan Site, Goldhanger Road, Heybridge