Double Zero,
The fact is during WW2 there were many very young commanders who did jobs way beyond their years. The "picture boys" may not have been all they were cracked up to be but there were a lot that were. Nowadays a couple of seasons in UK charter for talented pilots are all that are needed to be competent Captains. Unfortunately young guys who become decent Captains tend to be subject to jealousy from the older guys who struggled to make it. I can remember "idiotic" comments about a 28 yr old Capt at Virgin who became a TRE at 31 who was excellent at what he did. I do remember having to drink alone with him in a bar after all the cabin crew had gone to a "happening place", but because he had no passport he was chucked out.
p.s. does anyone else remember the stunning goal that Michael Owen scored against the Argies. He was 18! Maybe if you are good enough you are old enough!