PETE Stewart's letter regarding his 'flying misery' has made me write in to you for the first time ever.  He states his home feels like a war zone. Now I don't know Mr Stewart but I suggest that if he sincerely believes the area near Ledbury feels like a war zone then he is fortunate enough to have never been in one. 

Low flying is an essential skill that both the Hercules and Chinnocks need to practice on a regular basis. You obviously have no idea what these aircraft do in an operational theatre but it needs to be instinctive and well practised to ensure the safety of the crews and the troops they are carrying.

In light of the tragic news of the loss of another brave soldier from 1 Rifles I find his comments to be thoroughly insensitive and thoughtless. He has had to cancel a social engagement. Well that boy gave his life for this nation, whatever his views on the conflict are.

The crews that man the Hercules and Chinnocks put their lives on the line on every single mission often to rescue soldiers who are in the same position as that soldier.  They suffer broken and disturbed sleep due to being called at short notice to pick up more casualties who are fighting for a better future. I guess they are feeling pretty tired too.

I don't know what the regulations are for the Hercules to fly low but I'm certain they weren't 20 feet above your house. They are strictly controlled as to how low they can fly but I am confident on that issue he is mistaken. He says the MoD is not interested in the populations' view. I suggest that the population on the whole are willing to suffer some slight inconvenience to reduce the chances of more of our boys being brought home to another repatriation ceremony.

This is not Afghanistan or Libya, we have the right and choice to moan about our military; it's called democracy....and you're welcome!

– Name and address supplied.