There is another side to the issue of posting pilots or entire squadrons back to Home Establishment or extended leave. There are many accounts of pilots being lost just days before their long-anticipated leave or transfer. Similarly, there are many accounts of pilots being lost soon after returning to the front following an extended leave or low stress assignment. It appears to be related to "losing one's edge" in the business of air fighting. 
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"A surprise attack is much more demoralising than any other form, and generally results in the person attacked diving or pulling the machine into such a position that it forms a most satisfactory target for the few seconds necessary to deliver a decisive blow. " - R. S. Dallas
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