A SMALL posy of flowers and a card laid at the foot of Royal Wootton Bassett’s stone poppy brought home the significance of the memorial as Princess Anne arrived for a service of dedication yesterday.

It was a Fathers Day tribute left by the son of Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman, who was killed in Afghanistan on September 20, 2007. He was one of three servicemen repatriated through the town six days later.

The poppy was created by artist Mark Humphrey to commemorate the fallen and Wootton Bassett’s role in giving them a dignified welcome home between 2007 and 2011.

A cheering crowd and an honour guard of Sea Cadets greeted the Princess Royal on Tuesday. Wearing an aquamarine coat over a blue silk dress, she met dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Wiltshire David Hempleman-Adams, MP James Gray and mayor Mary Champion.

During a short blessing and dedication the Bishop of Ramsbury said: “The hard marble reminds us of the harshness of war. The delicate petals remind us of the vulnerability of life. The white textured stone calls us to remembrance and peace. The four hearts express our love, respect and gratitude for the fallen and for their families.”

Then the princess laid a wreath of poppies before the most famous verse from Laurence Binyon’s Great War poem For the Fallen and the Kohima Epitaph were recited by Royal British Legion members.

As the ceremony concluded Royal Wootton Bassett Academy’s swing band launched into Pack Up Your Troubles and the royal guest was shown round the sculpture by the artist.

She stopped to talk to one of the army engineers who installed the poppy last September, local veterans, students and people involved in the repatriations.

One of the people she chatted to was Petty Officer Brendan Smith from the town’s sea cadet unit. The ex-soldier’s medals, which included his service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, attracted her attention.

“It’s a very proud moment,” he said. It was important not to forget those lost in recent conflicts and that was what the poppy stood for. “It is a remarkable thing that people are still trying to remember them.”

Mrs Champion said: “She was very interested in it. She was just lovely.”

As the visit drew to a close and her car stood waiting, the princess told her: “I think I’ll just nip across the road.”

It was an impromptu walk-about that delighted the crowd before she was whisked away.