ELSIE Collinge, who made flaps for Halifax bombers during the war (Letters, September 23), may be amused by the following true story - though as an RAF wireless operator I was definitely not amused.

Our brand-new aircraft, a Halifax B Mark 2, was delivered to 76 Squadron, Middleton St George, and was a wash-out from the start.

It struggled to climb to any respectable altitude when bombed-up.

And more disconcerting, it showed the same reluctance to touch down, being a 'floater' - sliding along at a few feet above the runway until being forced down by cutting the engines.

Twice we ran out of runway and had to go round again. Our skipper, who was not noted for perfect landings anyway, was becoming suicidal.

Experts called in from Samlesbury stood there in their long brown coats scratching their heads for days.

The problem was solved by a lowly Leading Aircraftsman from the repair and inspection hangar, who noticed that the flaps had been fitted upside down at the factory.

I exonerate Ms Collinge of any blame, but please, Elsie, next time you make flaps for the 'Hallies' it would be appreciated if you could mark them 'Top' and 'Bottom!'

GEORGE LEE (Mr), Rook Street, Nelson.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.