DETECTIVE Inspector Jim O'Donell whose killing 44 years ago you recalled (LET, January 30), was a hero, not only as a policeman, but as a soldier.

Jim was a sergeant in the Irish Guards and was captured in France in the early days of World War Two. During his captivity, he was an inspiration to his fellow prisoners.

After escaping on several occasions, Jim was captured, questioned and tortured by the Gestapo.

Several thousands of prisoners were marched out of France to German prison camps. Jim was among those who suffered a great deal on this long march.

After the war he returned to the police and, ironically, his job took him face to face with a loser who took the life of this great man.

MAURICE McHUGH, Great

Harwood.