Sincere thanks

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to the daily Mail for contributing to the release of Royal Marine Sergeant Alexander Blackman. There is no doubt that without the help of your newspaper, this would not have been possible.

Instrumental to the campaign’s success have been your reporters Sam Greenhill and Richard Pendlebury, who have been supportive to both Al and his wife Claire far beyond expectations.

The appeal to raise the funds for his legal representation showed that Sgt Blackman had, and continues to have, immense support. However, it was the daily Mail which decided to proceed and assist with this. To that end, we will be forever in your debt.

once again, thank you very much for your help. Stuart Seaton, Sgt, ex-royal air Force.

SGT BlACkMAn’S wife Claire acted courageously throughout this ordeal and has been described as the heroine in this matter. Indeed, she should be nominated as woman of the Year.

Many others should also be congratulated for their part in gaining Al Blackman’s freedom, including his legal team headed by Jonathan Goldberg QC, writer Frederick Forsyth, Richard drax MP and, of course, daily Mail readers for their magnificent financial contributions.

The large number of london black cab drivers honking their horns and flying flags at the Parliament Square rallies and during all stages of the case outside the Royal Courts of Justice have, to some extent, been the unsung heroes.

They certainly boosted the morale of the Royal Marine veterans and most likely that of Sgt Blackman once he was aware of their particular way of showing support.

on the other hand, the villains are the military top brass, who seemingly prevented important mitigating factors from being heard at his earlier court martial. Among other things, their actions were a gross betrayal of the Armed Forces Covenant.

Those involved, be they serving or retired, should now be independently investigated.

Mark IleS, army veteran, newark.