Who was the highest-ranking member of the British Armed Forces who lost his life as a result of enemy action in the Second World War?

The highest-ranking casualty was Air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory, who died in November 1944. However, as his aircraft wreckage in the Alps was not found until after the war, it is not known if this was the result of enemy action. Vice-Admiral Lancelot Holland was blown up in HMS Hood in 1941. Nine major-generals were killed on active service, including Orde Wingate. Of these, two were shot in ground combat — Arthur Barstow, commanding 9th Indian Division in Malaya in 1942, and G. F. “Hoppy” Hopkinson, commanding Ist Airborne Division in Sicily in 1943.

Russell Vallance, London

The most senior officer to be killed was Lieutenant-General William Gott, pictured right, shot down on his way to take up command of the Eighth Army in 1942. His replacement was General Montgomery, who made the most of his opportunity.

Ted Morris, London

At large roundabouts where a number of main roads converge, one road sometimes flies over the whole structure while at others a road goes beneath all the others. What influences how this choice will be made?

Topography must be considered because if a roundabout is on the crest of a hill, an underpass would fit best. But the environment also needs to be taken into account as an underpass could damage the local wildlife.

Bernard Paull, Bridport, Dorset

The structure is chosen based on the flow of traffic and the cost.

David A. Flint, Basingstoke, Hants

Geography of the land is the deciding factor, but geology and the water table are also significant issues.

Haydn Vernals, Sheffield