Thanks for the reply Nearly N. The pax were given a verbal exlpanation with the the letter that they all recieved that it was actually down to the First Officer not being available. Either way it doesn't matter. The end to this story is that the all passenger checked in for their flight the next day, which departed an hour and a half late because of cabin crerw shortages!
BA's reputation precedes it at the moment, but it doesn't appear to be doing much to keep it up really. So much for achieving cost cuts if that damages their reputation in the eyes of the travelling public - the life blood of their bussiness! I hope BA pull through their troubles as it is in everybodies interest, both in BA and out!