[David P. Williams]

Mr de Zeng,

Quite a statement, which if you knew me is way off the mark!

I am NOT a dealer or collector and to make such a presumption 'irks' me as you put it. Perhaps I have slighted you in another life?

I do not come here to 'leach' your free time or others. If you look at some of my 300+ posts you'll see I contribute when I can as well as ask the better informed on the forum to help me in my own research.

My main field of interest are the Nachtjagd and RAF Bomber Command. I do not, nor have I ever, professed to be an expert in everything Luftwaffe. It was such a huge organisation I am sure there is no-one out there that knows everything, and sometimes everyone needs a little pointer in the right direction. This is, I'm sure, the purpose of this forum.

Your presumption of me being a dealer/collector, as well as tone, have surprised me. I do not have any items of Luftwaffe memorabilia except for photographs.

The pilot in question was Hauptmann Martin Becker, who I interviewed on several occasions before he passed away in 2006. The question of why he was with this unit did not arise until after he died. He was with the unit for several months, he was not injured, disciplined or 'washed out' In fact he had outstanding reports and assessments.

Please feel free to call upon me at any time you require any reciprocal assistance in the future - no charge of course!

Thank you for your help.