WITH reference to Harry Fitchett’s pro monarchy speech, (SA, January 3).

While I have the utmost humility for those who have fought and died fighting for this country, it saddens me to read Mr Fitchett’s pro monarchy rant. Britain declared war on Germany in response to the invasion of Poland, the probably correct fear that Hitler would then turn his attentions to us, the actions taken were based on self preservation.

In order to fight this war conscription came about and young men were given no choice but to take up arms. While I am sure the vast majority of those who were forced to take up arms may well have understood the reason, there is no way that I or Mr Fitchett could possibly know what these brave men believed they were fighting for.

The Falklands conflict was a war based around the purpose of keeping Maggie in power, although it nearly backfired. The Gulf War.

Yes we should show our respect to those who have fought and those who have died in uniform, and you Mr Fitchett deserve your right to your own opinion about the monarchy, but please do not preach to others who have differing views to you.

You may be happy to give up your life for a bunch of over-privileged spoon-fed Royals whose only justification for their position is through birth. You may be happy to continue paying taxes to keep these people in the lap of luxury you will only ever be able to dream about, but others are not.

CRAIG HALLIDAY Mulberry Grove Rodbourne Cheney Swindon