WITH reference to John Midgley's letter, (let's hope National Service never returns, Craven Herald letters, June 13), he proudly states he avoided National Service in 1960.

I am 82 years old and volunteered to join the Royal Navy for 10 years. It changed my life and prepared me to face the civilian world. I even spent a short time in Borneo where we were at war with the then President of Indonesia. I had married and my wife was back in the UK awaiting my return when this "little war" finished.

Mr Midgley is entitled to his opinion to " not having to serve would be echoed by most young people".

I hope for all our sakes he would be found totally wrong come the need to protect you and the ones you love in a time of war.

Tom Clinton

Cononley