16 FEBRUARY 1968, Page 27

Backing Britain

Sir: As an ex-serviceman, 1914 vintage, I am still a sucker for a patriotic call to sacrifice.

In my seventy-fourth year I am useless on the production line yet I find it difficult to refuse three meals a day. The PM says we must cut down on home consumption and the only way I can see for me to help would be for me to die. That goes for most old-age pensioners.

Therefore, as an example to others, I solemnly and sincerely offer myself to the firing squad.

I would like to be shot by a squad of city gents, Bank of England directors preferred, in full uni- form—bowler hat, brief case, rolled umbrella and pin-striped trousers; my execution to be shown on TV with sound effects so that the world can hear my last words: 'God save the pound.' I suggest 'Land of Hope and Glory' as background music but, as I have lost hope, could I have a little glory, please? A monument to my memory with the brief epitaph, 'He fell that the pound might rise' would please me.

R. C. Proctor 6 Belgrave Crescent, Blyth, Northumberland