I thank David Youd who responded to my letter about medals (Oxford Mail, May 21).

Although the boys who served in Malaya had their 'flash' (ribbon) after that campaign, they did not have their medals until several years later when their regiments changed colours.

The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry became the Green Jackets, now also sadly disbanded.

The veteran's badge should be given to all servicemen and women, not just those who are aware that it exists.

Some of the old boys are not able to fill in forms.

It seems the badges are only for those 'in the know'.

My brother-in-law, who served in Malaya, has just received his, although several of his colleagues didn't know they were entitled to them, as Bernard Greenberg (Oxford Mail, May 24) has written.

Many people served in danger spots without any recognition.

It looks to me that times haven't changed much in 50 years and many old comrades are left with nothing but their memories.

MARY STIFF, Corunna Crescent, Cowley, Oxford