Thousands of people braved heavy rain today to pay their respects at a Remembrance Day parade in the patriotic town of Wootton Bassett.
The Poppy Day event coincided with a homecoming parade for 200 RAF and army personnel.
They were clapped and cheered as they paraded along the famous High Street to the town’s war memorial for the two minute silence.
Standard bearers lowered their military flags at 11am as relatives laid wreaths on the war memorial.
A fly-past by a Hercules from nearby RAF Lyneham had to be cancelled because of the weather but it failed to dampen the spirit of the crowd.
Personnel from 1 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment marched alongside troops from 16th Regiment Royal Artillery and a contingent of RAF police from nearby Lyneham.
Flight Commander Matthew Quinney, 26, was among those in the parade.
He said: ”It’s a real honour to come to Wootton Bassett and be part of this. I’m a local lad from Calne and we know the support for a day like this in the town is always great.
”I’ve served six months in Camp Bastion this year and after coming back Remembrance Day has a different perspective again. It’s just a great honour to be here.”
The Mayor of Wootton Bassett Cllr Mary Champion said she was pleased so many turned out to give the troops a warm welcome home.
She said: ”We are delighted to honour the service that these men and women are giving their country and to remember the fallen.”
Sarah Ellham, 37 and daughter Trudy, four, from Chippenham, were among the crowds.
Sarah said: ”I’ve had family that have served in the military and I’ve lots of friends whose relatives are out in Afghanistan.
”We all know how brave they are but a day like today just brings home what they put on the line for us.
”What the priest said in the prayers about people giving their tomorrow for our today is just so true.
”I come here very year if I can, it’s such a great day to remember who we’ve lost.”
