(Premium) Episode 13 Combat Stress, Psychiatric Casualties, & 'Lack of Moral Fibre' - Dr Dan Ellin & Mary Brazier

Never Mind The Dambusters

**Episode on public release 28 August 2024
‘Even heroes have a breakdown point. Honour and moral fibre are variables. Like pain, the threshold is different in each of us.’
- Phillip Gray, Bomber Pilot.
This week, Jane discusses the issue of psychiatric casualties in Bomber Command, with Dr. Dan Ellin (University of Lincoln and International Bomber Command Centre) and Mary Brazier (mental health professional). They explore the treatment of mental health issues during World War II and the differences between psychology and psychiatry. They also discuss the RAF's lack of moral fibre policy and the stigma surrounding psychiatric casualties. The conversation touches on the comparison between the RAF and other services, such as the US Army Air Force, and the different approaches to mental health care. Jane, Mary and Dan explore the use of anaesthesia and the importance of sleep and rest in forward psychiatric units during World War II.
The team delves into the lack of moral fibre policy (and the many myths surrounding it) and how post-war understanding was influenced by changing medical beliefs and veterans' hopes for recognition. The fear of being labelled lacking in moral fibre was a real threat for aircrews and was equated with cowardice. The impact of the policy may have been exaggerated, but it was an effective deterrent. The conversation also touches on the social constructs of mental health and the challenges of language and terminology.
Further reading:
Dr Dan Ellin https://t.co/v9q3hTwfgK
Jane Gulliford Lowes https://www.justcuriousjane.com/lack-of-moral-fibre-part-2-origins/
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