I AGREE with John Hunt that the troops faced appalling conditions. My father was one of them.

The neglect of the troops was severe.The issue of the late Canal Zone medal was a boost. But this injustice has been righted.

Many are now dead and some may not have received their medals. In my father's case only the timely assistance from Dr Julian Lewis helped to speed up the process.

The injustices lie in the ill treatment of the individuals and their families. William Stewart has written in the Daily Echo of the Invisible Wounds.This is of great significance.

I wrote in the Echo on May 18 2004 of the soldiers' burden. It really is time to call an end to these adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are ill thought out and irrelevant. My deepest sympathy to those involved who have suffered and are suffering.

Patrick Cooper-Duffy, Southampton.