I THOUGHT it appropriate to write to clarify the MOD’s position on public support for deployed personnel.

I should make it clear from the outset that extremely grateful for the levels of support from all walks of society, which provide a telling testimony to the respect and affection in which our armed forces are held.

Such support means a great deal to service personnel, particularly those on operations.

The generosity and heartfelt support of communities at home is important in keeping up morale, often in very difficult circumstances.

It is for this reason that the MOD has asked the charity SSAFA Forces Help to administer an operational welfare fund which focuses on providing support directly to troops in the front line.

The fund enables commanders on the ground to bid for those items which they judge will have the most impact in enhancing the morale of their personnel.

Donations to the fund can be made at bmycharity.com/V2/welfarefund Vice Admiral P J Wilkinson, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff