Letter: War graves in Burma

Sir: R A Cooper (Letters, 20 November) is misinformed about holidays in Burma. The "holidays" are in fact pilgrimages, the prime object of which is to enable relatives and friends of those killed in Burma to visit graves in the war cemeteries. The visits are well-conducted, solemn and moving occasions.

The only people who are given major financial help are war widows on their first visit to their husband's grave. That assistance comes largely from government funds. Everyone else pays their own way so there is no great drain on the Poppy Appeal.

Finally I must point out that the Poppy Appeal is one of the best-run charities in Britain, with a smaller percentage of income going on administration than most other charities.

R J FARREN

Horsham, West Sussex