The Suez campaign of 1956 was one of the most inglorious episodes in Britain's history last century.

But those who took part in it with the armed forces deserve to be recognised as much as anyone.

One of those is ex-serviceman John Iles, who is being given a medal 50 years after he fought to win it.

Mr Iles, who lives in Crawley, isn't bothered about the medal itself but is still sore about the way in which he was treated.

He says troops were confined to camp for two-and-a-half-years and would have been better off as prisoners of war.

The belated medal may be a partial recognition of the tough conditions endured by Mr Iles and many of his colleagues.

But it would cost nothing for the Government to put its apology and thanks in writing too.