HAVING read an article about those who served in Egypt and have never been recognised for their efforts, I recount my service in 1951/52.

We changed from boys to men overnight, and over a short period of time a number of my mates were sadly killed due to terrorist actions.

For the few months I served at Ismailia and El Firdan in conditions which were inhospitable, hot and dusty.

Garrison life was a round of frequent guard duties and cold nights lying in wait for intruders. When we had to leave the garrison we often came under fire and faced the wrath of the locals.

While on guard duty there were regular attempts to break through the perimeter wire and damage installations -- some succeeded -- but they were more of a nuisance than anything else.

Nevertheless it was scary at times and not always from our opponents. Once when we heard noises close by and my mate fired wildly in the direction of the disturbance, missing me by what seemed a whisper. Later my mate was reprimanded for this lack of discipline.

When day broke, Egyptians would go down to the other side of the canal -- washing, drinking, and using the same stretch of water as a toilet.

I remember vividly the unfortunate death of a Sister Anthony who was killed by local dissidents. I was a member of the Guard of Honour at her funeral and we fired a salvo at her graveside when she was buried with full military honours.

My recollections of Suez in general are that it was a hell-hole and, like Michael Caine remarked about his service in Korea, one had to learn to dehumanise the enemy.

However, the plus point of Suez was the camaraderie.

J Hunt, Carrfield, Bamber Bridge