I WAS saddened to read about the passing of the former Durham Light Infantry soldier, William Ernest Bowman, who died at the age of 93 (Echo, Apr 14).

Though I did not know Mr Bowman, my father would have fought alongside him in Burma. He was the same age as my dad, who sadly died when I was a child in 1982.

The British soldiers who were involved in battle against the Japanese are often known as the Forgotten Army, but millions of people, including myself, will never forget.

RIP Mr Bowman, Sir.

The Forgotten Army will never be forgotten.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.