I REFER to an ex comrade-in-arms' letter (Ivan Rickwood) in which he criticises columnist Peter Heaton-Jones.

I have also in the past disagreed with him. I have formed the opinion that he's overcome by the exuberance of his own verbosity.

He has the same ability to not answer some questions he is asked, as do politicians of junior and senior rank.

How can he tell us, who served in the Middle East and Palestine 58-plus years back, how we feel about our experiences?

He's on about Thought Police; those of us who served in Palestine are still very careful about opening parcels and never buy anything with Israel on it or USA.

As for him being put down a hole, I spent time as I expect Ivan did in the Middle East digging holes for desert roses (urinals). I would willingly go back out there and stick him down one.

ALLAN THIPTHORPE

Toothill