I AM saddened by the headline on your front page, asking whether it (the sacrifices of the Second World War) was worth it, quoting the Rev Phil Williams', vicar of Holmer with Huntington and St Mary's, conversations with disillusioned pensioners.

Like many young men of my generation, I spent more than half a decade in the Army during that war and its aftermath and have never had a moment's doubt that its colossal achievements made it worth fighting.

It defeated a hideous tyranny and threat to civilized life on a worldwide scale. We should not feel disappointed that the young know little about that war and have scarce interest in it, but see this as proof that we now live in a much more secure environment and no longer have powerful enemies on our doorstep.

In fact, my generation has further grounds for pride in our achievements in a comparable field in that steadfastness in the face of threats from Soviet Communism has ended in the collapse of that ghastly tyranny as well.

Again the young do not remember that threat either, which shows how complete this second victory has likewise been.

Wars will probably be fought for many years yet, but compared to the Second World War they have been small affairs a long way from our shores.

Violent crime and terrorism are nasty threats to our present life, but compared to the Blitz, the number of victims is tiny.

As for the current lack of idealism shown by political parties deplored by the vicar, the present welfare state no longer leaves much scope for idealism as half a century ago.

I am some 30 years older than the vicar and believe that my generation should take quiet pride in our achievements, which are now inevitably taken for granted, and feel confident that the young will continue in our footsteps, though perhaps in less dramatic and dangerous circumstances.

Rupert Blum, Stoke Prior.