Bring back National Service to instil discipline

The problem is a lack of discipline, starting in our schools through every day life, and yet it never used to be like that.

In June 1952 at the age of 19 years one month I was ordered by HMS to catch the morning train to Carlisle to commence two years of National Service, it felt that my life lay in ruins for I had been offered a trial at Wolverhampton Speedway.

After eight weeks of square bashing, rifle drill, trade training, (wireless operator) and many fatigues I was posted to Germany to join my given regiment The Life Guards, Household Cavalry, (Armoured Section), a trained and disciplined soldier, putting everything aside to enjoy two years of a great life.

I returned in 1953 to march behind the Queen’s Coronation coach, getting extremely wet in the process, returning to Germany and then on to Egypt until June1954. During that time I heard a lot and saw a lot, plenty of fall outs and many fights, but with fists, not knives.

Since those truly marvellous years I have seen the influx of men to this country from all over the world who by tradition were allowed to carry knives, and the unfortunate fact is that our courts and justice system by their lack of appropriate punishment allowed this practice to continue.

I have great admiration for Mr Gavin Williamson and his objectives, but when our government allows our soldiers to be prosecuted for defending themselves when under fire, to allow IS supporters back into the UK and to allow activists to walk our streets and denounce our country, I am not surprised that the Army is having difficulty in recruiting new men.

To voice the view that religion, gay rights, colour or creed are major concerns of would be recruits is utter rubbish, submitted by people who have never enjoyed the comradeship of a well trained and disciplined group of men.

I am convinced that the reintroduction of National Service, if only for 12 months, would help bring together all the different races and creeds not only making them into a fighting force if needed, but teaching them the most important thing in life which is personal discipline.

Mr D Bodley

Bilbrook