I WRITE to endorse Mr Jack Edwards' letter headlined ''No tale of cowardice'' (South China Morning Post, February 2).
Like Mr Edwards and others I too was at the ''sharp end'' during the hostilities, not in Singapore but as a despatch rider in the Hongkong Volunteer Defence Corps Signals.
Part of my duties, while I was still on my feet, took me each day to various units round the island winding up at the ''Battlebox'' (Command Headquarters ).
On one occasion when out at Shek O, a burst of fire erupted down the beach. After inquiring I learned that a group of Canadians who had never handled firearms in their lives were now being instructed.
It takes courage to be inducted into an active war under such a handicap. A great many of the Canadians were sent to Hongkong with very little training just to make up numbers.
As is usual, volunteers, conscripts and the like are apt to open their mouths on the merits or demerits of any situation until army discipline teaches them to remain silent at all times.
