IT is interesting if not controversial,  for Prince Harry to state that he thinks national service should be brought back (Echo, May 18).  He had to serve in the forces being a member of the royal family. Tony Blair, who was so keen on wars, had sons who did not do military service.  No surprise there; he was adhering to the time honoured principle of do as I say not as I do.

 Being automatically an officer, Prince Harry did not like me do “jankers”. Because I went in as private soldier in the infantry and was demobbed as a private, it is significant to me that Harry didn’t have to salute men purporting to be better than him.

   I was taught how to kill other men who I was told were enemies - a skill they would not want me to utilise in civilian life.   Does anyone wonder why at 87 I am still a rebel?

 If national service was doing useful tasks to help others who needed it, and not waging war, I would be 100 per cent in favour.

G Bulmer, Billingham.