A son, a brother, an uncle we never knew was killed at the age of 24 on April 13, 1918. He had been awarded the Military Medal in the previous October.

I have a copy of the citation – the original – and the medals are on display in the Coldstream Guards Museum.

A simple poppy cross put every year by his name on the War Memorial in the Strand Gardens was moved on November 11.

I guess the person who moves it stands to attention, observes the two-minute silence in public view, but feels the need to move this private, unobserved remembrance from beside the name of a very brave soldier who gave his life that we might live.

As the niece he never knew, I feel very hurt at this thoughtless act.

E P Cawse

23 Egremont Road, Exmouth.