THE evil but necessary war against Saddam Hussein of Iraq has proved beyond doubt to both the French and German hierarchy, plus other members of the European Union countries belonging to the so-called "United" Nations, that when the chips are down, it's the Brits who always come up trumps.

We are all inordinately proud of our armed forces in battle or during their peace-mounting manoeuvres.

They don't pointedly advertise their presence but get on efficiently with the job in hand.

They have also endured with sadness and silent resignation the loss of comrades in battle or "friendly" fire.

However, isn't it coincidental that another Brit, King Richard, in the 13th century, defeated the Saracen warrior, Saladin of the Ottoman Empire, who history claims, was, like Saddam Hussein, born and bred in Tikrit.

Modern Iraqi oil has supplied bounteous gifts to Tikrit and to Saddam's fanatical supporters with excellent hospitals, schools and infrastructure.

There has also been a magnificent palace with three square miles of heavily fortified luxury affording privacy and refuse for the tyrant himself built at Tikrit.

All this has been to the detriment and expense of the rest of Iraq's oppressed, cruelly treated and impoverished citizens.

Both tyrants were defeated by, in the first instance, the Brits and a motley crew of Europeans and secondly, by the Brits and Yanks.

JAMES H ALEXANDER,

Symonds Yat, Herefordshire.