Congratulations, to the RAF for starting the decline of Dartmouth regatta.

Never in the history of conflict has so much been owed to so few in the demise of our regatta.

Hundreds, possibly thousands, of visitors have descended on Dartmouth, jewel of the south west and backdrop of so many aviation displays, making many a holidaymaker’s visits to the South Hams memorable.

What happens? Some officious background staff decides we must make a statement for underfunding and dictates a single flypast is all that can be completed, as supposedly movement on the river will cause a catastrophe.

What will the RAF do when in active service, ask the enemy not to move on any rivers as it may result in collateral casualties?

The cancellation of the Typhoon display was an example where the general public was used in the bitter war of Government versus forces funding stalemate and, as usual, the tax paying public are the losers.

Trevor Pretty

Thurlestone Gardens

Dartmouth