Gordon Brown today said he was "mortified" after spelling the name of a fallen soldier incorrectly in a letter of condolence but pledged to continue writing the messages himself.
Jacqui Janes, whose son Jamie, 20, of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed by an explosion on October 5, said that she felt the Prime Minister had disrespected her son's memory by beginning his hand-written note with the words: "Dear Mrs James".
The fact he writes them is commendable. Anything less would be a disgrace.
But…these letters are profoundly important. Think about it.
These are personal missives from the Prime Minister of Great Britain to those recently bereaved of sons and husbands who’ve died for their country. Just how important can you get? These are not letters to be dashed off when you’re tired or busy. How would you feel if you were the recipient of such a message that was messy, illegible and incoherent? What would that say to you? What level of respect would that confer?
Surely, in the name of all that is holy, that is enough for someone to make sure they are coherent and proofed?
I understand his disability but surely he should understand the importance of these letters to the recipients? I mean I still have the letter sent to my Great-Grandmother informing her of the death of her husband in 1917. The writer of that letter was a bit stressed, busy and writing in imperfect conditions - he still found time to make sure it was perfect though…
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