IT was pleasing to see the tribute (letters July 18) to the Bournemouth boxer Freddie Mills.
As well as being the world light-heavyweight champion he also held the British, British Empire and European titles at the same weight.
On coming to Bournemouth in 1935 I also attended St Michael’s School but Freddie, although well known in the area, had by then left.
However, on completing RAF training in 1944 I was posted to Upavon on Salisbury Plain.
There I was fortunate to meet Freddie who was the sergeant in charge of sports.
He had a casual approach to service life and was often reprimanded for overstaying his weekend leaves in London.
Those in charge were probably exasperated but tolerant of Freddie, by then British light-heavyweight champion. Officialdom had its revenge by posting him to India for the last year of the war.
GREG HAYWARD
Highfield Road, Corfe Mullen
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