Mr T, trust me on this, you most certainly do NOT come across as offensive of combative, but as curious and questioning.

And that is very valuable for a multitude of reasons. It identifies holes, contradictions and gaps, sparks ideas and makes connections.

Good example: I did a bit of research into air-to-air refuelling, and was surprised at what I found.  Cobham made it a profitable commercial reality in 1938. I have been workng on and off a small story arc relating to air-ro-air refuelling, which really has not gone anywhere much as I could see no driver to make it more than a small-niche caoability. 

That was until you pointed out the flight path above from northern Israel to  Ploesti just above! That points to there being a possible need for mass 'top-off' refuelling capability after a raid launch. Now they might not achieve it for a host of reasons, but they could well identify the requirement for it, and in capability development terms that's what really counts.

So please keep it up.

Questioning is also 'in the spirit', as this really is not an AH at all in many ways although it has become more 'AH like' over time. It's a sort of loosely connected private research project, with the 'invisible' research behind the scenes being the payoff for each individual, and some of us also have a bit of fun writing storylines within the project, and it is purely for the fun of it.

I am a research rat and have been for many years. I love research and the subsequent analysis for the sheer joy of it, and for the discoveries I make. The PhD thesis I want to finalise this coming year is actually the result of this hobby. (The Strategic Implications and Protection of Anglo-Australian Trade 1887-1942)

Michael's a classic illustration, years ago I noted a suggestion I have made many times over the years when training many young officers: 'Pick a campaign or even a battle, it does not matter how big or small it is. Study it, really study it over time, make yourself the world's expert on that event, look at every nuance, every scrap of information, never stop researching it. You will find a level of insight into how and why people made the decisions they did, when they did, which can be obtained no other way. That detailed level of insight is infinitely valuable to you as an Officer. It's also a lot of fun, and develops both mental discipline and acuity.'

One of the real delights of APOD has been watching this happen. Michael does exactly this in relation to Hong Kong in 1941-42. Oh, the stories he has written are great, but behind them is the really formidable depth and body of research he has done and continues to do. Should Michael so choose later in life, I am convinced that he could write a far better history of the Fall of Hong Kong than currently exists (because the depth of his research is so much deeper and more detailed - more insightful). 

So please keep it up, certainly no-one's offended in any way! And all contributions are more than welcome. 

I gather that you are another crazed Canadian (done a lot of work with the RCN over the years and still maintain friends there). What course are you doing, if I may ask?

Cheers: mark