JOURNEY'S End at the Grand Opera House, York, was a superb play with excellent performances and an incredibly thoughtful finale.

In his comments about a uniform worn in the show, Peter Pink (Letters, April 7) is incorrect in that the original Sam Browne belt did have, as shown in the picture, two straps.

It was designed so that the person wearing it could draw their sword without difficulty which was previously impossible.

It was worn with both straps when there was a lot of kit to carry, ie pistol, map case, sword etc.

The style of wearing it with one crossed over has become the norm since the First World War.

Furthermore the pistol holster was always carried on the right as shown.

The left side was for the sword and still is.

If the actor was to be "perfectly correct" he should possibly have worn the same kit as his soldiers as did one of the officers and carried a rifle. Many did because it meant they stood out less for German snipers to fire at.

A superb play and obviously well researched.

Mark Sullivan,

Carrick Gardens,

York.

Updated: 09:38 Wednesday, April 13, 2005