The role animals have played in times of war is widely recognised, so much so, that in November 2004, a war memorial on the edge of Hyde Park was unveiled by the Princess Royal.

This monument is a powerful and moving tribute to all the animals that served, suffered and died alongside the British, Commonwealth and allied forces in the wars and conflicts of the 20th century.

Horses, mules, donkeys, dogs, pigeons, elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, cats, canaries, even glow worms have been used and often suffered agonising deaths from wounds, starvation, thirst, exhaustion, disease and exposure.

Animals were not only used for work; dogs, cats and more unusual animals, including monkeys, bears and lions, were kept as pets and mascots to raise moral and provide comfort amidst the hardships of war.

Even today the military use a wide range of creatures for everything, from bomb sniffing to coastline patrols.

The purple poppy is used to remember all these poor animals; it is in no way saying anything against the humans that have suffered.

The local British Legion is happy for us to lay a purple poppy wreath at the cenotaph.

So, to the person who has taken the wreath away, I would like to ask why?

M Harrison Beaulieu Close Swindon