[West Ender]

The men and boys who fought for Germany in WW1 were no different to those who fought for Britain. They were patriotic, believed the cause was good and wanted to serve their country.

Germany was bitterly humiliated by defeat in WW1 which led to the terrible monetary depression of the 20s, the rise of Naziism amd, eventually, WW2 so not drawing attention to it now is probably understandable. I think, though, they could have made an exception for this one, last old man as a symbol of a very difficult time.