TODAY, as you know, is Remembrance Day, and when I received a letter in September, I asked those who had sent it if I could hold it for publishing until today, as a tribute to all those who gave their lives in wars so that we can live in freedom.

'Today', wrote A. Blamire and M. McDonald, of Vickerman, Street, Bolton, 'our family was given a truly remarkable gift.

'It was the first and last letter which Uncle Denny wrote to his pal Billy France, written on August 28, 1944, and Billy's widow has passed it to us together with a photograph of Uncle Denny.'

They are talking about Private Dennis Bades, who was killed in action in 1945, aged 19.

'Throughout my life,' writes A. Blamire, 'I have heard many family stories about Uncle Denny's courage and bravery. Yet it was always hard to imagine what he was like personally and visually. He was just another young soldier who died among strangers.

'So it was amazing to receive this precious letter, to see a face I have never seen, and to be able to read his words.

'He did exist, he was a person, not just another poor dead soldier. Fifty six years on I've learned a little about him, and been able to see what he looked like.

'He was in hospital at the time he wrote to Billy; we don't know what was wrong with him, but they must have patched him up, because it was the following year when he was killed.

'He talks of landing wherever it was - obviously for secrecy, he couldn't state where. He wasn't a drinker, but said that some of the lads gave him a drink to calm him down. He said it was "yak" and made his head spin.

'There was talk of other platoons flying out there with his regiment, but they soon lost contact due to the mayhem, and were scattered all over the place.

'He talked of friends he would be reunited with when he got home, and of going to the Regal on Spa Road, once again when his precious dreams of Blighty came true.

'But his Blighty never came. He died like many others whose families were given a scroll, mentioning name, rank, age at death and place of death (in Denny's case, Arnhem). His remains were left over there with all too many other young soldiers who gave their lives for their country.

'As for Denny, I now feel that I know a little about him. He was the son of Richard and Ellen Bades; he didn't live for long, but he died bravely. And we as his family will always remember and honour his life.'

I am sure that the letter will strike a chord in the hearts of many readers, particular at this time of year.