Letter: Awards for bravery

Sir: John Major's courage, in insisting on the removal of rank distinctions from military bravery awards, is to be applauded. Perhaps one further step is needed.

Since the Victoria Cross and the Mention in Despatches have always been available to all ranks of all three services - in all conditions, at sea, on land, in the air - dependent only on the level of bravery displayed, should he not insist on just two new awards, one to each of the two middle levels of gallantry, available to all members of the services?

If this concept for change is accepted, it will do much to foster mutual understanding and inter- service comradeship-in-arms which, in conflict, is the very basis of success.

Yours faithfully,

STUART RYDER

Radlett, Hertfordshire

5 March