Sir, The disconnection is not between the Armed Forces and the public (“A salute to arms,” May 20) — witness the public support at navy and air days and enactments. The removal of the Royal Tournament and its purpose to display military skills was spiteful and ungenerous.

We need to place our current naval and military performance in the context of our post-1945 history. Throughout, the Armed Forces were in a continuous state of overstretch and, at times, lacked equipment. During the confrontation in Borneo (1962-66) at least two units did not see their families for a year and another had a three-week break before it was sent back on six-month operations. The 103 soldiers killed in 1972 in Northern Ireland is more than in Afghanistan so far and, of the 100 killed in the 1980s, half died in six bombings. In 1982 the men of the 3rd Commando Brigade were on board ships sailing for the South Atlantic a few days after returning from three months in Norway. Some were in Northern Ireland eight weeks after returning.

The disconnection is between the Armed Forces and a government with extremely limited military experience and little notion of social history. While commending the performance of the Armed Forces, we must be careful not to award them celebrity status, as seems to be the trend. Respect is earned, not demanded.

Nick van der Bijl
Author, Confrontation 1962-66
Mark, Somerset

Sir, I was surprised to read your leading article calling for the Government to show more respect for Britain’s troops after the publication of the National Recognition of the Armed Forces study. The report by Quentin Davies, MP, is just one aspect of what the Government is doing to ensure that our military personnel receive the support and recognition they deserve. To complement his report, I will soon publish the Service Personnel Command Paper, a cross-Government initiative to set out the Government’s vision for further improving the lives of our troops, their families and our veterans.

Bob Ainsworth
Minister of State for the Armed Forces

Sir, I suggest that the Government might do more for the military by leading by example rather than making empty gestures such as proposing a Bank Holiday in their honour. The military may feel more inclined to celebrate proper funding and adequate equipment to execute their duties. Respect could be shown by sometimes listening to the concerns of senior officers and possibly acting on some of them.

Pat Morrison
Devizes, Wilts

Sir, The suggestion of a national holiday in recognition of the contribution to national life made by our Armed Forces has something to recommend it as long as it does not become a celebration of war.

We must never forget that the sole purpose of the existence of our Armed Forces is to deter any aggressor and, if necessary, fight to kill. Their whole training is designed with this in mind. To celebrate and thus glorify this objective is not appropriate for any civilised state.

On the other hand, to acknowledge their contribution to our security and remember the sacrifice that many of their members make in time of war would be appropriate.

But isn’t that the purpose of Remembrance Day?

Christopher Ellis
Farnham, Surrey

Explore Letters

• Feedback