Canal zone defenders.

I'VE written a book Suez: The Hidden Truths which details those turbulent years of the Suez emergency of the early 1950s when thousands of troops, many National Servicemen, were posted to defend the canal zone, often facing appalling conditions.

At that time there were many colonial "hot spots" to be policed around the world and one in particular was the gateway to the East - the Suez Canal zone of Egypt where, by 1951, nationalism was becoming the new rising force around the region.

Even though many lads who were only in their teens died, they were inexplicably denied a medal. However, after a long campaign, this miscarriage of justice has been righted after 50 years, against overwhelming odds.

The Suez emergency lasted for three years and, during that time, the number of troops defending the region remained at around 80,000. All crammed into camps designed for just 10,000.

While many Suez veterans now in their seventies are delighted with the award of this belated medal, they are at the same time very angry that it wasn't issued at the time. Especially when the veterans look back to their comrades who lost their lives all those years ago and are buried in British military cemeteries in Egypt and other vets who have passed on over the years since.

My book costs pounds 7, including p&p. Nostalgia abounds. (Revised edition). From John Hunt 14 Carrfield, Bamber Bridge, Preston, Lancs, PR5 8BS.

JOHN HUNT, Suez veteran

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* SUEZ EMERGENCY: Anglo-French troops occupy Port Said in 1956