SIR,

I have just read the book 'Thanks for the Memories' by Leighton Bowen and enjoyed it so much I thought your readers, especially those who knew him, should be aware of what a treasure it is.

Mr Bowen joined the North Somerset Yeomanry in 1938 and was mobilised in September 1939.

He was posted to Palestine but decided he wanted a more active part in the war and volunteered to join the Commandos.

After training he was sent to Crete which was already overrun by the Germans and he was taken prisoner.

The book is his story of life as a prisoner of war during the next four years based on his diaries and letters to his family.

He came near to death on more than one occasion but his general optimism makes his story fascinating.

I would like to say thank you to the Beacon staff and Llangattock-Vibon-Avel Ploughing and Agricultural Society, without whose help the book would not be published.

Derek Jones

(Monmouth)