I AM writing regarding my concerns about the proposals made this month by the Secretary of State for Defence, Geoffrey Hoon. There has been well informed speculation that, among other defence cuts, the infantry may be reduced by some four battalions.

It is hard to believe that after serving for 23 years (from 1979-2002), as a loyal member of the Queens' Lancashire Regiment (QLR), that there are strong rumours that regiments from the North of England may be under threat of reduction. I am saddened to think that the QLR could threatened by disbandment, or amalgamation. Yet I find it hard to believe that my regiment is under threat, after two amalgamations in recent history. In 1958 the East Lancashire Regiment, with the South Lancashire Regiment (PWV) amalgamated to form the Lancashire Regiment (PWV), and in 1970 the Lancashire Regiment (PWV) with the Loyal Regiment to make the QLR. It is someone else's turn to bear the pain.

All our amalgamations have been achieved combining regiments recruiting solely from Lancashire. Our Lancastrian style, character and ethos of the QLR have not been diluted despite all the disruptions brought upon them. Further amalgamations would only go to undermine its identity. We are proud regiment steeped in history.

The QLR has a strong family ethos with sons of serving and retired soldiers frequently recruited from our great towns of Lancashire, whilst other regiments have struggled to recruit.

The word Lancashire in our title is a significant recruiting asset and is clearly identifiable to the potential recruit, as it was to me all those years ago.

I really feel that the QLR should survive this next onslaught of amalgamation and disbandment, because we have already been heavily but happily amalgamated. We are the only regiment also to recruit exclusively from Lancashire and have an outstanding recruiting record. It would be inconceivable that a county the size and significance of Lancashire, with such military heritage should not have its 'own' clearly identifiable regiment.

The QLR represents all that is best and good about the county.

The Army needs fully manned, efficient and effective battalions to meet the challenges of the future. The QLR in its current form already delivers.

A D SHADWELL, 'Loyally I Serve,' Strensall, York.

Should the Queen's Lancashire Regiment be disbanded

I AM writing regarding my concerns about the proposals made this month by the Secretary of State for Defence, Geoffrey Hoon. There has been well informed speculation that, among other defence cuts, the infantry may be reduced by some four battalions.

It is hard to believe that after serving for 23 years (from 1979-2002), as a loyal member of the Queens' Lancashire Regiment (QLR), that there are strong rumours that regiments from the North of England may be under threat of reduction. I am saddened to think that the QLR could threatened by disbandment, or amalgamation. Yet I find it hard to believe that my regiment is under threat, after two amalgamations in recent history. In 1958 the East Lancashire Regiment, with the South Lancashire Regiment (PWV) amalgamated to form the Lancashire Regiment (PWV), and in 1970 the Lancashire Regiment (PWV) with the Loyal Regiment to make the QLR. It is someone else's turn to bear the pain.

All our amalgamations have been achieved combining regiments recruiting solely from Lancashire. Our Lancastrian style, character and ethos of the QLR have not been diluted despite all the disruptions brought upon them. Further amalgamations would only go to undermine its identity. We are proud regiment steeped in history.

The QLR has a strong family ethos with sons of serving and retired soldiers frequently recruited from our great towns of Lancashire, whilst other regiments have struggled to recruit.

The word Lancashire in our title is a significant recruiting asset and is clearly identifiable to the potential recruit, as it was to me all those years ago.

I really feel that the QLR should survive this next onslaught of amalgamation and disbandment, because we have already been heavily but happily amalgamated. We are the only regiment also to recruit exclusively from Lancashire and have an outstanding recruiting record. It would be inconceivable that a county the size and significance of Lancashire, with such military heritage should not have its 'own' clearly identifiable regiment.

The QLR represents all that is best and good about the county.

The Army needs fully manned, efficient and effective battalions to meet the challenges of the future. The QLR in its current form already delivers.

A D SHADWELL, 'Loyally I Serve,' Strensall, York.