Victoria Cross

[alex_revell]

Just read the review of my book Victoria Cross. I must correct the reviewer's statement that, on the Bishop question, I am 'a devout nonbeliever' This is not true. I merely presented the facts as known and left it to the reader to make up their own minds.
Alex Revell

[Droops]

I must disagree with you sir. Though I have not read the book in question, I'm currently reading through your excellent book on 56th squadron. At one point (around December 1917 or thereabouts), in discussing McCudden and his victories, you make a reference to a 'colonial "Ace"' who you choose to contrast with McCudden. You note that McCudden's victories were confirmed for the most part, unlike this other person.

Its obvious that this reference is to Bishop. While your statement may be true, the fact that you saw fit to include it in a book where such a reference was otherwise not needed demonstrates, in my humble opinion, a 'bias' against this 'colonial ace' that you mentioned.

My point is not to argue for or against Bishop, but merely to point out that your statements on Bishop, in my opinion, go beyond a dispassionate rendering of the facts.

VBR

John Drury

Gadzooks ! This sounds like a gauntlett hurled to the ground !! A glove to the face !!! A veritable electronic and historical raspberry !!! What came we next expect ? Pistols for two, coffee for one ?!

[alex_revell]

Dear John. It's always dangerous to comment on a book you haven't read. Regarding my comments on McCudden's score in High In the Empty Blue. They are just that - a dispassionate statement of the facts. I made no comment that I can remember, merely stated the facts as known. I do the same in the VC book. If you get round to reading the latter you will see my position from my foreword.
Yours
Alex