Now, to commemorate the period of National Service in  the lives of so many such people, the Royal British Legion has thought it appropriate that a medal be struck which can be worn with pride . . . NOT . . . alongside Campaign Medals or Gallantry Decorations, but separately and distinctively. Well it is not exactly what we wanted, but it is something, and for now, at least we know that our voices have been heard.

For the record: 10% of every £1 of the sale of Suez Medals goes to the Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society as the beneficiary of this project and 10% of every £1 etc., of the National Service Medal goes to the Poppy Appeal.

and last but not least . . .

"Bring back National Service” How many times have I heard that since I completed my two years service?

It sounds like a threat to the youth of today, but it isn’t and shouldn't be thought of like that. The reason for my conscription to National Service, which started in 1939 and ended in 1960 was to defend our country in the event of invasion, and also to protect other less fortunate countries who were vulnerable from attack.

The very first thing that I was taught, was that the training I was about to receive would help me to develop something they described as ‘soldierly qualities’ such as initiative, leadership, fitness, endurance, teamwork, esprit - de - corps and independence. Sixty years on, my thoughts and comments remain unchanged “how right they were?

The training I received stood me in good stead, not only during my army life but also in my civilian life.  It not only helped me gain courage and knowledge, more importantly it helped me gain the confidence to go after any opportunities that were to come my way, which of course in turn helped me with my future family life, work life and time spent at play.