The L's

Question 1

What is the term lack of moral fibre (LMF)?

Answer 1

term limited to the Royal Air Force and employed in place of ‘flying stress’ or ‘battle exhaustion’ for aircrew who ceased to function. It was designed to serve as a deterrent at a time when pilots were in short supply.

The LMF procedure provided medical officers with a way of invaliding aircrew without giving them an established psychiatric disorder or directly accusing them of failing courage.

Question 2

When did the term lack of moral fibre (LMF) became official?

Answer 2

First recorded in March 1940 in a draft document by Air Vice-Marshal E.L.Gossage, Air Member for Personnel, it became official policy in September.

Question 3

Why did the term lack of moral fibre (LMF) dropped outta of use?

Answer 3

the term became controversial and was disliked by both aircrew and RAF psychiatrists who criticised its pejorative tone. Although the US Eighth Air Force occasionally used LMF for bomber crews based in the UK who could no longer function, the terms ‘flying fatigue’, ‘operational fatigue’, ‘operational exhaustion’ and occasionally ‘lack of intestinal fortitude’ were preferred (Wells, 1995).