IT is a wonder the entire British Army hasn't resigned overnight, or mutinied against the rest of society.

Our soldiers are fighting and dying in two different theatres of combat, to keep us safe.

Yet anyone in uniform seems to be treated as a tenth rate citizen. In Iraq and Afghanistan, they are denied basic life-saving equipment.

Over here, the National Union of Teachers has voted in favour of banning Army visitors to schools.

Now, to cap a shameful list of betrayals, comes the story of Private Simon Peacock, from Basildon. Simon suffered terrible injuries from a rocket grenade attack, and his Army career is probably over.

Yet he has been given a mere £1,400 in compensation.

Contrast this with the thousands of pounds paid to people who sprain their toes on a pavement, or whose feelings are ruffled by off-the-cuff banter in an office.

Are we really unwilling to support, or even properly acknowledge, the heroism of our soldiers?

Or look after them properly when they, in turn, need us?

If so, the country has lost all sense of justice.

And it won't be safe much longer.