Letter: Portsmouth remembers D-Day

Sir: As a contrast to the proposed semi-commercialisation of the D- Day celebrations next June will be arrangements, which I understand are being made, for the commemoration next month of the Battle for Cassino in Italy (which lasted for several months, with 9,000 dead). British and Commonwealth veterans, Poles, French and Americans will meet similar parties from the German Wehrmacht in Cassino; visits will be made to the various national cemeteries; and the Pope will celebrate Mass.

There will be no jolifications or the building of castles on the sand. Life was hell for all of us at the time. Each side respected the other, so there should be no hard feelings, just an occasion for remembrance.

Yours sincerely,

BASIL KENTISH

Colchester

21 April