Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Brigadier J. P. Randle, writes: On February 21, 1942, in Burma, at the disastrous Sittang Bridge battle, I was commanding the leading company of my battalion of Baluchis. On coming under fire, I was able to get to the bridge but the rest of the battalion wisely decided to take a circuitous route. While awaiting my battalion I reported to the Adjutant of 4th/12th Frontier Force Regiment, a Captain Attiqur Rehman (“Turk”). He suggested that I “go up and give Sam Manekshaw and C Company a hand!” We duly did and were able to help Sam deal with an attack.

During one of the several conflicts between India and Pakistan I read that the commanders of the opposing forces were General Sam Manekshaw (obituary, July 1) and General “Turk” Rehman. The ironies of war and politics are indeed strange.

Bryan ‘Bomber’ Wells

Mr A. R. Hawkes writes: The bowling action of Bomber Wells (obituary, July 10) was certainly economical. Once, when stopped in his three-step approach to the wicket by the umpire because the batsman was not ready, Bomber froze with his arm extended and retained the pose until, the umpire calling “play”, he completed the movement, dropping his off-spinner on a perfect length.