L.M.F
Sir: P.D. James, in her thoughts on coun- selling (Diary, 15 August), refers to the sec- ond world war.
Serving as a very young WAAF officer from 1941 to 1945, I recall there being rather scant sympathy for those who were overcome by nervous strain, especially amongst air-crew.
Those who looked as if they were head- ing for a nervous breakdown would be described as having 'the twitch'; the few who reached the ends of their tethers were posted from their squadrons. When one enquired about such postings the reply, usually with a significant look, would be `L.M.F.' (lack of moral fibre). It was a painful explanation which called for no fur- ther comment, other than `oh dear'.
And, come to think of it, what happened to moral fibre?
Ann G. McMullan
14 Valiant House, Vicarage Crescent, London SW11
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