WHAT a dreadful decision it would be to cut back even more on our armed forces.

My late husband served in The Royal Hampshire Regiment from 1955 to 1957, conscripted in two years National Service, and was sent to Malaya.

He was very proud of the regiment and it is so much a part of the county’s history.

We accept that sentiment cannot be the only reason for holding on to the past but this Government cannot continue to ride roughshod over the men and women of the armed forces who are prepared to pay and are paying the ultimate price in their endeavour to keep this island and its people safe.

It must not be solely to save cash.

If that becomes the case then Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg will, without a doubt, rue the day.

DOT SMITH, Bitterne, Southampton.