AFTER reading Christopher Wardell’s letter (HAS, Jan 17), I must point out to him that Maplins didn’t really exist. To find a yellowcoat, he’ll be more successful getting in touch with the BBC costume department.

While doing so, Mr Wardell, you could inquire about a uniform worn by Private Pike in the classic Dad’s Army, as I think it would be apt.

It may even be possible to find a cast off blue check number for fellow HAS correspondent Dave Adams as it could fit, as it did Ted Bovis, the camp comic.

Nicky Pattinson, Darlington.

ONE of my regular critics, Bill Callen, has offered me his old RAF tunic from when he was a wireless operator (HAS, Jan 19).

No thanks. My father, who would have been 90 if he were still alive, was in the Durham Light Infantry 2nd Battalion, and he fought in Burma against the Japanese in the war. He was involved in a few battles in the jungle, instead of sitting in a cozy office, operating a radio.

If I wish to wear any military memorabilia, then I will proudly don my father’s war medal.

While on the subject of the DLI, could I please thank the fantastic museum in Durham for entertaining my son, George, his school mate, Joe Hebden, and the good lady and myself recently, as we went around to find more information on how brave my dad and his comrades were during the Second World War.

Sometimes labelled “The Forgotten Army”, myself and millions of others will never forget those who fought in Burma, and we proudly salute you all.

Mr Callen also suggested that I should be posted to Afghanistan, but at the age of 39, I think it is unlikely, but if my country did call my name for action, then I would sign up and fight, just like my father did in 1942.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

I WOULD point out to N Pattinson (HAS, Jan 5) that we “misery mongers” know the difference between hilarity and inanity. We also know that Peter Barron enjoys annoying us.

Please note: most important of all, I have made no reference to the resident pain in the backside of HAS.

Dave Cook, Sacriston.