I read your article on Spike Milligan (The Argus, August 4). He was a close friend of mine for 60 years, and a more generous and sensitive man I have yet to meet.

I have written about our friendship and where it began in a book called Spike Milligan, His Part In Our Lives.

We first met in North Africa and then in Italy.

Spike brought me through the most difficult period of my life after I had suffered severe battle fatigue and shell-shock during the battle for Monte Cassino.

His gentleness and sense of humour were an inspiration to me as he had had a similar "battering" while in action and was experiencing similar problems.

So I have a far more intimate experience of Spike than some of those who write about him today.

It is true that he did not suffer fools gladly but who does? Spike was also a wonderful family man and treasured long friendships with his army pals.

As regards the remarks about Prince Charles not showing forgiveness, this is news to me.

I once spoke with Prince Charles for some considerable time at one of Spike's army reunions and found him to have a tremendous "Spike Milligan" sense of humour. I cannot imagine him never forgiving Spike for remarks he made.

I can well understand the intolerance which Spike used to show about life generally and, of course, coupled with the scourge of manic depression, the poor man suffered beyond comprehension.

I knew Spike, the real man, long before his theatrical career, as an exceptional humanist and not as a comic.

I find some of the written remarks distasteful. Who really wants to know how he performed in bed? In any case, Spike was quite a discerning individual and maybe his bed partner lacked "lustre".

Spike was unique and it was a privilege to have him as a friend. He is sadly missed.

The last time I spoke to Spike, he was still in bed and I went up to say cheerio to him, having stayed the night, and as I turned to go he remarked: "Take good care of yourself, Reg, you are important to me."

I return the compliment.

-RH Bennett, Tunbridge Wells