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[edwest2]

To the OP,


If you are looking for a more complete picture of the psychological effects, you should consider official government propaganda and civilians as well. Some of these pilots had wives and girlfriends and then there were families. I have seen numerous "letters" being offered for sale. Of course, these pilots were fighting for their country but they had other things on their minds: the pressure of what to say to loved ones. Official censorship meant that certain events could not be described, certain places mentioned and only vague details could be provided. The enemy, or the resistance, getting their hands on a mail bag would be bad if they were not screened beforehand for 'useful' information. The enemy could get his hands on local newspapers that would announce the deaths of military personnel to see how well they were doing.


Best,
Ed