YEARS ago in the forces there were national servicemen (conscripts) as well as regulars.

The national servicemen would get about 30 bob a week (£1.50) when the regulars would get maybe four of five pounds for doing the same work.

This did not imbue harmony within the troops.

On one occasion a disgruntled conscript was on a pay parade and when having received his pay refused to salute the paying officer.

When asked why he replied: “What do you want for £1.50, a march past? (or words to that effect).

Derek Weeks, Martin Way, Andover.