OLDER and wiser heads in the service community will be tempted to say to themselves this weekend: "We told you so".

Those who expected a swift, tidy and mostly bloodless Iraqi war are now firmly disabused of the notion. War, even in the virtual reality 21st century, is all the horrible things it used to be. And the circumstances of some the early casualties have further emphasised that modern war, technologically advanced as it is, is still organised chaos.

The Guy family of Bishopdale know that only too well. Their loss is also the Wensleydale and wider community's loss. Philip Guy's death brings home to everyone that this conflict is not some game played out on our TV screens but a world event in which we all have some price to pay.

Everyone will know of servicemen and women in the Gulf, or family or colleagues with relatives taking part in the action. Whether they are in the front line or support roles, the way the war is being fought means all are at risk to some degree. The anxiety of those with close friends or relatives involved will increase in the coming days and perhaps weeks.

Now is the time to steel ourselves for other tragedies which may lie ahead. With the Allies fully committed to the battle for Baghdad and the casualty lists likely to rise, resolve at home will be tested. It must not waver.

As the Guy family draw strength from the bravery and selfless service of their lost son, husband and father, we too should do likewise. If any of us were tempted to turn our backs to the drama unfolding in the Iraqi desert and cities, we cannot do so now.

Regardless of what individuals may think of the rights and wrongs of the processes which led to the war, the service community in North Yorkshire needs our support in its time of need