Aggieman:
You raise a good question, and very nicely stated I might add. That thought did cross my mind, and I suppose I never said anything to that end when starting the group build. I hope it is a "given", but the BomberGruppe GB is intended to be as remote from politics as humanly possible. I would like this to be a GB in a vacuum, where we are recreating historical aircraft, focusing on the technology, design, size, etc. of a more focused period in time, more narrowly focussed on a particular country in this instance. There is no focus, intended on unintended, on war, idealism, politics, etc.
I know your intent wasn't to create a debate, but it's probably a good idea to make it clear that this GB is all about having fun.
That aside, I admire your comprehensive knowledge into one of my favorite historical periods. I am more of a "self taught" historian and have a passion for learning about the WWII era. It would be neat to visit the Natioanl WWII Museum with you, or someone like you who has a plethera of knowledge. That's just fascinating.
On the topic of movies, a few months back I watched an HBO movie on the fall of Berlin and Hitler's last days. I forget the name of it, but what really stood out to me was how brutal the defense of Berlin was. The movie did a very good job portraying the suffering and destruction in such a small area. Also, the factions that were starting to form in the bunker during the last days.
Finally, and this brings together both your first point and a great "movie": I finished up the DVD set "Band of Brothers" last night. Outside of how well the entire series followed a group of men through battle, showing the highs and lows of war. Before and after each episode are clips from the actual remaining soldiers from Easy Company, and their comments, as they reflect on their experience, were for the most part compassionate towards the soldiers of the enemy army. One of the more touching comments was (and I paraphrase) "he was doing his job and I was doing mine. We may have had a lot in commmon. He may have liked to fish and I like to hunt. In another time, we may have been really good friends".
Another scene in the final episode showed a surrendering German general giving his final address to his troops while an Americans look on and listen to a translation. They show the Americans listening on with respect and even admiration towards the German soliders.
I'd like to have that sentiment in this GB: we're recreating neat technilogical and historical warbirds while learning about them; we're learning techniques and polishing our modeling skillset, and hopefully we're even making friends from around the globe while we enjoy our hobby.