26 JANUARY 2002, Page 24

Taylor's half-dozen

From Pamela Taylor

Sir: Frank Johnson (Shared opinion, 12 January) states that 'I have long believed 1940 to be the most important and interesting year in British history, and one of what must be the half-dozen most important years in the history of civilisation.' In his opinion, what are the other five?

My six would be: the birth of Christ, the victory of Arminius over Varus (AD 9), the battle of Manzikert (AD 1071), the discovery of America (1492), the Battle of Britain (1940) and 11 September 2001.

Pamela Taylor

Camberley, Surrey