7 JUNE 1940, Page 3

And we have now in our midst living witnesses of

the great struggle—fellow members who have been in the thick of it, and have returned for an hour or two to our benches. And some have not returned. Arnold Wilson is reported missing. He used to appear among us in the afternoon after a night spent high over enemy territory. We have known him as a man of encyclopaedic knowledge and vast experience in remote parts of the world. With three row: of medals on his chest he had achieved a distinguished career. Then at the age of 55 he set out methodically to make a new one, starting with no advantages, as a man amongst men. As a rear gunner he was under the orders of a sergeant pilot, and it was the greatest pride of his life to have won from that severe critic the laconic commendation, " He knows his stuff." We recognise him in that. He always knew his stuff. And if he does not return it is a consolation to remember that the last months of his life were spent in a service in which he was supremely happy. * * * *