LETTERS Forgotten heroes
Sir: Why will people go on saying that 'D' Day, 6 June 1944, was the day the Allies invaded Europe? Eleven months earlier, 9 July 1943, we invaded Sicily (surely part of Europe) and on 3 September that year we landed in Italy. Two days before the Nor- mandy landings Allied troops entered Rome. All praise and homage to the men who finally took northern France; but I think it would be appreciated if those involved in the softening up, and indeed defeat, of Mediterranean Europe, which enabled 6 June 1944 to go ahead success- fully, were not totally forgotten. If children are to be taught some military history it would be good if it is fairly accurate. All of which makes me feel that no 'celebrations' are called for until 1995 — at the earliest. And, even then, we might remember what was unleashed with the atom bomb. Has there been one year of total peace in the world in the past half-century? I think we should be told. If there has been a year of peace that is the anniversary we should cel- ebrate. In the meantime let us remember the dead.
Alec Guinness
The Garrick Club, 15 Garrick Street, London WC2
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