25 NOVEMBER 1995, Page 38

Sir: Kevin Myers reminds me of a nice sec- ond

world war story. It is the Battle of Alamein. The Irish Guards have been in the thick of things. There is a brief lull in hostilities. In a fox-hole two sergeants have a quick cuppa and a fag. Both Dubliners, they are soon embroiled in a heated political argument. 'Well, say what you like about De Valera,' exclaims one. 'At least he kept us out of this bloody war!'

Robert Davies 7 Willowcroft, Lee Park,

London SE3