Sir,
I've written the book, Suez: The Hidden Truths - which details those turbulent years of the Suez Campaign of the early 1950s, when thousands of troops, many on National Service, were posted to defend the canal zone, often facing appalling conditions.
Even though many of the men who died were only in their teens, we were inexplicably denied a medal, unlike soldiers serving in other campaigns or actions. Now, after a long campaign, this injustice has been righted.
Many Suez veterans, now in their 70s, are delighted with the award of this belated medal, but it is a travesty that it wasn't issued at this time. Indeed, it might have been of some comfort to the next of kin of the lads who lost their lives and are buried in the sand at British military cemeteries in Egypt, and of other veterans who have since died.
My book costs £6, incl p&p. Nostalgia abounds.
John Hunt, Suez veteran, 14 Carrfield, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancs.