I PARTIALLY support the views of Mr W Soley about Remembrance Day and the events that have brought this service into being (Letters, November 2).

A lot more thought is required as to why this particular commemoration takes place in Britain, beginning, as it did, after the first Great War of 1914-1918 (the so-called war to end wars).

I have long held the view (with many others) that wars are murder and mayhem brought about and declared legitimate by politicians, big business and the top brass in the military, who, it nearly always turns out, are the main beneficiaries.

It is clear that Mr Soley's letter has ruffled a good number of feathers, but it is my view that his 'crocodile tears' quote was not directed against people who have lost loved ones in the numerous wars of the last century.

They were intended more at the bemedalled buffoons, usually found at the head of the Remembrance Day processions, most of them belonging to the three categories I have previously mentioned -- the same people who, when the real bullets and shells start to fly, are nowhere to be seen!

Yes, I certainly agree we should always remember those poor people who have paid the very high price of all wars, but sometimes pause to think exactly why.

ROLAND WHINNEY, Dorset Street, Burnley.