IN the Times last week was the article ?Found at last ? wartime pal? and being the person named, I would like if possible to add to the report.

During the past decade, as anniversaries come round of battles on land, sea and in the air, veterans, probably now with time on their hands, are seeking out lost trails of mates they shared those times with.

Some are found through associations, re-unions and service magazines. Proof that wartime mates are never forgotten

For myself, I have never achieved anything in life to boast about, except having had the privilege and, believe me, it is a privilege, to have lived with and worked side by side with some very clever and talented people, who have taught me a great deal.

In the forces, as in civilian life, we meet people who have done this, done that, been here, been there, always boasting in an effort to feel important, when in actual fact they have experienced very little in real life.

Being with such good mates is something very special, and in wartime the rewards some of us received, we did so on behalf of our mates who didn?t make it. Most of them deserved them more than we did, and it?s not for any of us to add those letters after our names, just for ourselves.

My old mate mentioned in the Times last week was very special, and the letter from his daughter sums up the whole situation. We had to endure. The privilege was we shared it together.

George Heathman

Tanyard Court

Bridestowe