Defence of old soldiers

SIR – I served in the regular Army as an infantry soldier from 1971 to 1993. Much of my service was in Northern Ireland. I commanded and trained hundreds of soldiers during this time, and the article of faith that was preached to them all was that if you did the right thing and followed the rules of engagement, then the system would always back you up.

What disgusts me most about recent attempts to prosecute former soldiers for alleged unlawful killings during the Troubles (report, August 1) is the recurring failure of senior officers, serving or retired, to stand up and get themselves counted in defence of their veterans.

Perhaps a pile of General Service Medals outside 10 Downing Street would be a good idea. Alec Richardson

St Martin’s, Shropshire

SIR – I read of criminal investigations of Sergeant O with astonishment, for a number of reasons.

First, it is extraordinary that the unit which is investigating him has sufficient resources to devote to the matter when we are constantly told that police forces are under-resourced.

Secondly, this case will act as massive disincentive to young people to enlist, at a time when recruiting, even for the smallest standing army since Napoleonic times, is failing to sustain our Armed Services.

Thirdly, it seems incredible that this Government can perpetuate the myth that Bloody Sunday was a one-sided slaughter of innocents.

I served the Crown as a commissioned officer for 35 years, and served in Northern Ireland in the summers of 1972, 1973 and 1974 and from January to May of 1978. I was not in the province on the date of Bloody Sunday, but was in Londonderry during the aftermath. I shall be taking up Colonel Tim Collins’ suggestion to write to ministers asking if I am under investigation, and if so, for what crimes.

Colonel Philip Barry (retd)

Dover, Kent