It is called Remembrance Sunday, and this weekend the collecting tins will be out as services are held across the country to remember the sacrifices made in two world wars. But does today’s youth know what happened all those years ago?

Not according to the Scottish charity, Erskine, which has conducted a survey of children aged between nine and 15. It asked them basic questions about the history of the Second World War. The answers were alarming.

Nearly a quarter of the children questioned believe that Adolf Hitler was the German national football coach. The SS, they thought, were initials referring to Enid Blyton’s Secret Seven. One in 20 said that the Holocaust was a celebration of the end of the war. One in 12 think that the Blitz was a massive cleanup operation.

As for Remembrance Day itself, 40 per cent of those surveyed did not know which day it was. And, rather than the poppy as a symbol of the sacrifice of war, many believed that it was probably the Golden Arches of the McDonald’s fast-food empire.

The survey was intended to trigger responses about events, people and dates. A quarter admitted that they did not stop to think about the soldiers who sacrificed their lives — although more than half do know where their local war memorial is located.

And at least they do seem to be aware of their woeful lack of knowledge on the wars, with 70 per cent wishing they were taught more about them at school.

Major Jim Panton, chief executive of Erskine, said: “Some of the answers to this poll have shocked us and it has shown that Erskine, amongst others, has a part to play, not just in caring for veterans but in educating society as a whole.”

The results were released as one of Scotland’s most senior soldiers spent the morning in a shopping centre shaking a collection can for the Poppy Scotland appeal. Brigadier David Allfrey, Commanding Officer of 51 (Scottish) Brigade, accompanied by drummers in Highland military dress, diverted shoppers from their purchases towards the charity stand.

He said that the Army felt it was important for servicemen and women to contribute to the appeal and he “thought it was time I helped out”.

“It’s been a real privilege,” he said. “People have been very generous. Volunteers across Scotland do a stunning job of collecting at this time of year and they warrant our sincere gratitude and support.”

One of the fundraisers, James Mann, 59, who served in the Royal Navy from 1965-74, said: “I’ve known Brigadier Allfrey for a long, long time and he’s a very nice guy. He treats everyone exactly the same.”

Gladys Buchanan, 87, was equally impressed when the Brigadier stopped to talk with her. She said: “He’s a lovely man. I’d have given him a cuddle if no one else was here. I didn’t even know he was a Brigadier until someone said.”

Livingston Waugh, 64, the area organiser for the charity for 15 years, said: “The support is getting better and better. There is a lot of good will. I think Afghanistan has had a big effect on that.”

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