Letter: I Hope Our Armed Services Will Be Spared Such Conflict

Published on: 14 Nov, 2018
Updated on: 14 Nov, 2018

From Tony Rooth

In response to: White Poppies Should Not Be In Opposition to Tradition

I would like to thank Ben Paton for sharing his great uncle’s moving letter sent from the front line. We all must be sorry he didn’t return and not be surprised that those who made it back home, including my own grandad, never wanted to talk about the war.

Thanks also to The Dragon for its film of the civic procession which shows the interest and commitment of our present day to those who died in World War 1. I am sure that churches across Guildford were full at their Remembrance Services.

After attending the parade and service in Seale my wife and I later watched another film, “They shall not grow old ” on the BBC. A breathtaking and extraordinary portrayal of the utter senselessness of war. Harrowing, horrific, yet humbling. An outstanding account of the dreadful waste of life.

The film came alive because old silent newsreel had been brilliantly turned into colour and sound including showing the poppies red. I recommend that readers watch it, on BBC iPlayer, and hope and pray that our military services will be able to grow old, spared of conflict.