Exocet oversight

SIR – During the Falklands war (Letters, May 6), I served in the Ministry of Defence branch responsible for taking up and tasking shipping, which included the Atlantic Conveyor and Sir Galahad, the landing ship logistics vessel.

I recall wondering at the time why the Atlantic Conveyor, with Chinook helicopters on board, did not appear to warrant protection from an Exocet attack. Surely such an important cargo deserved this protection.

Forty years on, the question appears to be as significant as ever.

Chris Chambers

York