Britain changed the course of history

IT seems that Leslie Smith is keen to promote the cause of Russia's contribution to winning the Second World War (Letters, February 18). I do not dispute the enormous losses the Soviet Union suffered, but, to have some recognition of proportionality, he is writing with the knowledge of hindsight and having available all the statistics since produced. As I lived through the whole war, I can claim to know how conditions were at the time. In 1940, Hitler prepared to invade Britain. He was thwarted, not by the English Channel, but by the courage of the RAF in the Battle of Britain.

Hitler's invasion of Russia in June 1941 was a surprise, and I remember my mother saying with relief that he had eased the pressure on us and had made a mistake. Japan's attack on America at Pearl Harbor in December 1941 also came as a shock, and I recall my sense that we were no longer alone, after the long anxious experience before then. With Russia and America now involved, the tide turned against the Axis, but the outcome was by no means assured. Many battles and much grief still lay ahead. No-one can predict the future with certainty, and that was as true throughout the war as it is now. What I do know is that Britain's decision, inspired by Churchill, to fight on after Dunkirk changed the course of history and laid the foundation for final victory.