after attending the Royal opening of the Edward Brooks Barracks at Abingdon, on July 18, I would like to pass on my family’s sincere thanks to all those involved for such a well organised event.

It was a most fitting tribute, not only to my grandfather, CSM Edward Brooks VC, but also to Captain Chavasse VC and Bar, and L Cpl Wilcox VC (who the two wings are named after).

For me, this was not only a very proud day but also a sad one. Sad because, after reading and talking to people about the First World War, it really brought home to me what the many thousands, if not millions, of men and women who fought for our future wellbeing went through and suffered.

Many never returned home.

Like today, even though these people knew only too well what to expect, they were volunteers. Although my grandfather suffered for the rest of his life, at the outbreak of the Second World War, he lowered his age by a few years and volunteered again. But, at the last minute, his true age was discovered and he was refused for being too old.

Maybe, if our modern day politicians stopped thinking about themselves and thought of what our troops in Afghanistan are suffering and going through now, they would show more respect when the bodies of the fallen are returned.

Perhaps they would also give those out there the equipment they need to do the job they are there for.

But maybe that’s too much to expect.

Keith Brooks, Gateley, Horspath