4 FEBRUARY 2006, Page 21

Sacrifice

From William Kelley Sir: While I enjoyed Taki’s High life column last week, I feel I ought to point out that both Eton (1,157 killed) and Rugby (689 killed) lost more former pupils in the Great War than Harrow (644 killed). This is in no way intended to belittle their sacrifice; and the fact that such schools provided a junior officer cadre which, while inexperienced, was both brave and distinguished speaks volumes for the publicschool ethos. It is a pity that such men are often satirised as blundering idiots, and that their integral part in our victory in the first world war is consequently often overlooked.

William Kelley London NW3