There is speculation whether or not the troops who served in Suez in the Fifties during the troubled times will receive a medal.

I served in Tel-el-Kebir for three years as a regular soldier during those times.

I knew I had to serve a three-year tour, which was called a python then. It was not the place to be but I accepted it as my lot.

The worst scenario, in my opinion, was the lot of the national servicemen who were in Tel-el-Kebir serving in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Many of them had their call-up deferred to enable them to complete their apprenticeship.

They were usually 21 years or older and, very often, newly married.

They served a short time in the UK then were posted to Egypt to serve 20 months or more out of their two years. Tel-el-Kebir was a garrison in the desert surrounded by a perimeter wire and minefield and heavily guarded. The atmosphere in Egypt at the time was hostile.

Someone I met recently mentioned he had served in Suez but he was "only" a national serviceman. I felt rather sad he could think of himself like that.

I was a member of the Guard of Honour at a military funeral at Moascar of two national servicemen, one of whom had been in my platoon.

I give credit to all the servicemen and women who served in Suez and think they should be recognised and receive the medal they truly deserve.

This small offering is dedicated to those forgotten men of the forgotten army, the national servicemen of Tel-el-Kebir.

-Phil Everest (ex-Corporal Blacksmith), Firle Road, Brighton