David Cameron did slip up when talking on Thursday in America about Britain being a “junior partner” in 1940, at the time this country stood alone against Hitler's Germany. It was a bad gaffe, especially for an English PM who supposedly has had a top-notch education.

I am sure he did not mean any slight against the troops of Britain or the population as a whole. Britain had its “finest hour” in 1940, and most historians acknowledge that fact. We had the world's largest navy, merchant fleet and the best brains and utmost courage to pit against the mighty German armed forces.

America did not enter the war until after December 7, 1941, and even by June 1944 our military capacity was still big.

Had Cameron not mentioned 1940 his gaffe would not have been so damaging, and by about 1947-1950, and certainly in modern times, his description as “junior partner” is correct. Labour are naturally milking this error for all it’s worth. That is politics.

David Quarrie, Lynden Way , Holgate, York.