Praise for Bassett
Swindon Advertiser
www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
by Hayley Court
2nd March 2009
ARMED Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth paid tribute to the people of Wootton Bassett during a visit to RAF Lyneham. The MP was meeting those who play an essential part in organising and carrying out repatriations, including service personnel, repatriation directors, Wootton Bassett Royal British Legion and Wiltshire Police.

Addressing those gathered, Mr Ainsworth said: “I know there’s some reticence with Wootton Bassett to accept thanks from our military personnel. But I don’t think you should be reticent at all because there is a massive debt to Wootton Bassett in our community.”

The ministerial visit was part of a tour of the south west by ministers to see the vital defence work that goes on across the region and to show their appreciation to the people and communities who support the military.

“The people of Wiltshire, and in particular those from Wootton Bassett, have consistently and selflessly turned out in their hundreds to honour the fallen servicemen and women who have given their lives for their country,” he said.

“Their respectful actions have made a deep impression on people not just in the UK but across the world and I wanted to thank them personally for their heartfelt actions that have helped honour our brave military.

“It is an amazing thing that they have done and I have been deeply honoured to meet both them and the dedicated RAF personnel at Lyneham who bring the fallen home with the greatest of dignity and respect.”

George Richardson, chairman of Wootton Bassett’s Royal British Legion, said: “We have never wanted praise but we realise that we are paying respects not just for ourselves and our town but for people across the country who wish they could stand alongside us. It’s never organised, it just happens every time and will continue to for as long as the boys and girls are returning home this way.”

Twenty four Hours later - Hundreds pay silent tribute to fallen soldiers
ABOUT 1,000 people formed a guard of honour in Wootton Bassett as three fallen comrades were repatriated through the town. The sombre feeling among the hundreds of people who braved the bad weather was evident as the clock struck 2pm Tuesday 3rd March 2009.

The hearses passed along the High Street to absolute silence with many current and former servicemen and women saluting in a fitting tribute.

Corporal Tom Gaden, 24; Lance Corporal Paul Upton, 31, and Rifleman Jamie Gunn, 21, all of 1st Battalion The Rifles, died from wounds sustained when their vehicle was blown up by a makeshift explosive in Helmand province, Afghanistan, 25th February 2009.

Peter Walton, 71, of Wootton Bassett, who was paying tribute, said: “It was very moving. I think this is the 70th repatriation through the town and each one is always well supported.”

Judy Goodwin, 45, added: “Each repatriation is so sad. People feel strongly enough to line the streets.

“Unfortunately, it has become very common over the last year, but the residents of Wootton Bassett will continue to give their support for each repatriation.”

Tim Slattery, the mayor of Taunton, had travelled to Wootton Bassett to offer his tributes to Taunton-born Cpl Gaden.

“I’ve never been to Wootton Bassett before, but I must say I’m amazed how many people have come out to pay their respects,” he said.

“This tribute comes from the community, which is very touching.”

Lance Corporal Upton’s mother, Tina, said: “Paul had his life cut short doing a job he loved and he will be greatly missed by family and friends.”

Rifleman Jamie Gunn’s commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Joe Cavanagh offered his tribute. He said: “For one so young and inexperienced at the start of this operation, he had been performing superbly and had grown into a very impressive, mature and confident Rifleman.”

The death of Royal Marine Michael Laski, 21 on Monday in a Birmingham hospital means that 149 British servicemen and women have died in Afghanistan since October 2001.