SIR - I am sorry J C Butterfield should consider I am "besmirching a type of serviceman" (Letters, June 21).
I would point out that I merely quoted an incident I experienced towards the demise of National Service, which helped me to understand why the authorities decided to discontinue this unpopular form of peacetime conscription.
I have no doubt that had the need arisen these young men would have acquitted themselves with the same valour and dedication as did their predecessors.
However, I would question the desirability of re-introducing this unpopular form of military service merely as a means of instilling a discipline lacking in general upbringing as has been suggested.
JOHN HINTON, Worcester.
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