LETTER : Sheep on the range

John Fay
Sunday 14 May 1995 18:02 EDT
Comments

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.

From Mr John Fay

Sir: Seeing the veggie heroes of Generation Why (12 May) unwittingly loosing their rescued sheep on to a Ministry of Defence firing range reminded me of an Army battle camp, in 1956, on the Welsh hills, abounding with sheep. We were told not shoot at them, though it was reputed that local farmers drove their scraggiest beasts on to the firing ranges, as the MoD paid them £5 a carcass.

All was well until our plump platoon officer ordered us to charge up a hill and fall flat in a firing position. At the crest, puffed out, he saw sheep ahead, but yelled: "Oh! Bugger it. Fire!"

All the flock survived our ragged fusillade.

Yours faithfully,

JOHN FAY

Cheltenham

12 May

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in