After the vast coverage of the 60th anniversary of D Day in June, I would like to remind readers that the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem in Holland is coming up later this month.

A lot of young lives were lost in this battle (average age about 19) and out of the several thousand men who were dropped at Arnhem, one in ten never came home.

I am a veteran of that battle. I dropped with the 4th Brigade on the Monday, September 18, at Ginkle Heath about five miles from the town of Arnhem.

I was invited to attend the 60th anniversary this year but, owing to ill-health, I am unable to go.

However, my thoughts will be with my comrades who lie in the Airborne Cemetery at Oosterbeek. They are the true heroes of this battle. I will remember them.

I would appreciate it if you mention this battle and those brave young men who gave their lives to try to shorten the war. Alas, it was a Bridge Too Far.

-AE Ayers, Portslade