Brian Lane was a commendable leader by all accounts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Lane_(RAF_officer)
His autobiography is well-worth a read and serving member's opinions - including ground crew - endorse his popularity. Apparently Leonard Cheshire was equally well-respected.
Maybe upbringing and circumstances colour one's future but obviously those times aren't in line with ours, 70 years later. Another time, another place...