Feature

Schoolboy's Letter to the Army Answered by General

When 12-year-old Devon Colvill-Izzo, of Great Wakering in Essex, wrote to the British Army asking for some photographs of tanks and equipment, he had no idea his letter would end up on the desk of Chief of Staff Land Forces (COS LF) Major General Tyrone Urch.

Devon, who has autism, wants to join the Army when he grows up and wrote to the military body as part of a school project. He goes to Cedar Hall School, in nearby Thundersley, where the head teacher had set the pupils the task of writing to big organisations.

Maj Gen Urch personally responded to Devon’s request and organised for photographs to be printed off and posted to him at his school.

“I’m overwhelmed that the General has personally responded to Devon’s letter,” said his mum, Louisa.

“It's so important for children like Devon to feel that they have a valid voice that warrants a response. I feel so proud and will be writing a thank you letter in response.”

Devon, whose older brother Luis, 13, is an Army Cadet, was overjoyed to receive the photos with his classmates. “He is a typical boy who loves playing army games,” said Louisa.

“He enjoys horse riding and has separate hobbies from Luis. He really wants to be an Army chef when he grows up and being able to go to the Cedar Hall School has really boosted his confidence.”

General Urch said: “It is always important to treat young people with respect and answer their questions openly and honestly.

"There are many ways in which we, as individuals, can serve our country and the Army is just one of these."