15 JULY 2000, Page 26

From Mr John Young Sir: Certainly basic training was unpleasant,

but it was short-lived, and the rest of Nation- al Service, except for those sent to fight in places like Korea and Malaya, was a bit of a doddle, with plenty of sport and foreign trav- el. And yes, I do think it helped callow youth to develop a certain pride and responsibility.

I had not previously read Paul Foot's whinge about the Queen stealing two years of his life. But if that was 'a terrible crime', what would he say about the sacrifices demanded by her father and grandfather from the two previous generations?

John Young

(Formerly 22719452 Pte Young J.), London W14