Letter: Lessons of war
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Poetry in general, and Wilfred Owen in particular, does not seek to ennoble or give grace to war, as Roy Hattersley says. One need only turn to "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Owen. It is about a gas attack casualty: "If ... you too could ... watch the white eyes writhing in his face.... If you could hear ... the blood come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs..."
Forget the poetry? No, Mr Hattersley. Read the poetry. It is one of the few ways left for our generation to understand the suffering of Uncle Herbert.
STEPHEN TILL
Alton, Hampshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments