23 OCTOBER 2004, Page 38

From Dr Ian Cunningham Sir: It is interesting that you

should quote Captain Scott in your leading article about the phenomenon of public grief and the Dianafication' of the nation. The announcement of Scott's death in 1912 caused an unprecedented public outpouring of grief.

Ian Cunningham

Dufftown, Banffshire From David and Moyra Smiley Sir: My husband and I, a couple of old pensioners, would like you to tell Boris Johnson of our approval/agreement with the leader of 16 October. There must be a great many like us. Incidentally, we had a dear grandson in the Blues and Royals killed in Iraq, aged 25.

David and Moyra Smiley

By email