On chivalry

VC advised

Despite our ill advised interventions in two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, fought out in the most difficult of conditions, Lance Corporal Matt Croucher displays all of the courage, commitment, and consideration for his team mates that you would expect from the professional British soldier.

His thoughts were purely for those around him, he eschewed his own survival instincts to be neighbourly, team spirited, selfless, and dedicated to his particular mission. It is rare indeed for the Victoria Cross to be awarded to surviving servicemen and Matt’s courage and selfless actions deserve the highest of military honours.

I hope that the Ministry of Defence recognises fully the consequences of his actions.

It’s about time too, that Brown and Browne started negotiating a way home for our service personnel in these two theatres, there are others in NATO who could readily fill the void left by a British presence. We have done our bit for Bush, surely!