Misleading

Christine Jardine is misleading about Wilfred Owen (Perspective, 12 November).

While he wrote powerfully on the horrors of war, he believed the Great War was necessary and decided to return to the front despite being judged fit only for “light regimental duties” on discharge from Craiglockhart War Hospital. Awarded the Military Cross for his actions in October 1918, he was killed exactly one week almost to the hour before the 11 November Armistice. His mother learned of his death as she heard the church bells that day.

Ms Jardine describes war (not in his words, I believe) as “a heartbreakingly pointless waste of life”. Heartbreaking always, but sadly not always pointless. Would she say that the Second World war against the German Nazi thugs was pointless, or that eradicating the sadistic gangsters of Isis/ Daesh is?

Also, while I’m the first to deplore Trump’s frequent misuse and abuse of language, surely it is not “oafish” to celebrate the end of a war while commemorating those who “gave their today” in achieving that end “for our tomorrow” (Leader, 12 November).

Finally, to all who believe the EEC/EU has kept the peace since 1945, could they please explain who in its absence would have disturbed that peace? If they mean Germany, for the fourth time since the regrettable unification of the previously relatively peaceful German states, they should say so.

JOHN BIRKETT Horseleys Park, St Andrews, Fife

The black coat that has come to symbolise the attire of most senior male politicians is probably not quite Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s style. He should nevertheless have taken the step of wearing one to the Whitehall Remembrance Day service on Sunday (your report, 12 November).

Even in a liberal age when it comes to forms of dress at public functions, there is still an obligation on national leaders to show the utmost respect to the fallen. I am not sure Mr Corbyn’s attire on Sunday showed that respect. Beside Prime Minister Theresa May he looked dishevelled and second rate.

Some comparisons will be drawn to the 1981 service when then Labour leader Michael Foot was criticised for wearing what some felt was a “donkey jacket”. It later transpired that his green coat was a fairly expensive one chosen for him by his wife. Nevertheless, footage of the ceremony did leave an impression of casualness entirely inappropriate for an occasion that always call for gravitas.

Mr Corbyn may well claim that hundreds of thousands of people who paid their respects at ceremonies throughout the country did not feel the need to don black outerwear. What is certainly more important is the intent and sincerity of the participants. Nevertheless, his unconventional style should not detract the voters and his party members from a simple fact. In the not-too-distant future he aspires to lead the country. He has a better chance of achieving that goal if he can show that he can rise to an occasion and show the sort of dignity that was called for on Sunday.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court, Glenrothes