Salute for Churchill

I WAS surprised that some students have condemned Sir Winston Churchill as racist and a colonialist

(Mail). As a probationer police constable, I was posted outside his kensington home.

One evening, not very long before his sad passing, he left the house, wearing his famous homburg hat and cigar, with the assistance of his protection officer on one side and chauffeur on the other.

‘Your officer has saluted you, sir,’ he was told. Though he looked frail, he still had charisma and great dignity.

he stopped, turned towards me and gave me a personal V for victory sign.

As a war baby, I have always treasured that privileged, private moment when I was recognised by that great man as an individual worthy of his notice.

And yes, I did feel honoured to line the route of his funeral with my police colleagues just months later.

BRIAN G. ALLSOP, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.