WITH reference to your recent article on National Service (February 20), in 1953-54 I went into the sergeant's mess, Durham Light Infantry, in Egypt.

They had just arrived from Korea. I was talking to one of the Colour Sergeant Majors and he pointed out a sergeant. He was proudly wearing his Korean and other medals, and he had been recommended for a military medal. A National Serviceman.

I did 22 years and I thought I'd seen the world, but I met National Servicemen who saw more than me. They travelled the world in their short time.

They were great lads. They sent us a San Francisco card, with an aerial view and an arrow pointing to Alcatraz saying, "wish you were here".

C R Goodhall,

Hanover Street West,

Leeman Road, York.

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, March 05, 2003