SIR – Reading about L/Cpl Jonathan Boynton (T&A, December 29) made me think again about my grandson Cpt Philip Briggs, who is never far from my thoughts and prayers.

Philip has been in the army for more than six years and has lost his best friend, Damien Jackson, also, I think his name was (Brian) Budd.

Philip was also shot in the chest, but fortunately the bullet clipped the edge of his breast plate, or he too could have been killed.

At present he is on his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, also having done one spell in Iraq. God willing, he and his friends come home on leave in January before going back to Afghanistan.

Mrs W Strowlger, Lane Side, Wilsden