Thanks Jindabyne. You'll all be pleased to hear that the editorial office also received some mail supporting my (and our) view of this puerile exercise.
My only concern is that a mindless TV executive somehow comes across the piece and thinks " 'Britain's Got The VC Factor' - hmmmmm. Tess and Dermot presenting, Claudia interviewing surviving relatives to explain why they eventually auctioned the medal, Alan voicing the citations, a 'Brucie Bonus' if awarded posthumously, maybe get Ashcroft on board (he shouldn't find it too taxing) - that could just work........"