A MEMORIAL wall commemorating the lives of repatriated service personnel has gone on display in Wootton Bassett.

It has been set up in the town library in Borough-fields, and shows the faces of those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and their repatriations into RAF Lyneham.

The people of Wootton Bassett have witnessed the arrival of 68 bodies during 33 ceremonies in the town.

Each coffin has been draped with the Union flag.

Wootton Bassett town councillor Chris Wannell spent Monday with his wife Audrey, who is the town's mayor, setting up the memorial.

He says that it will ensure the dead are not forgotten.

He said: "It's important we remember those who lay down their lives in the name of their country.

"Many of these unfortunate soldiers have been under 30 with their lives ahead of them and we must not forget their sacrifice."

Since the first repatriation in April 2007 residents, councillors and members of the Royal British Legion have lined the streets as a mark of respect, bowing their heads as the hearses pass.

As the number of lives lost has grown, the police in Wootton Bassett have continued to support the corteges by leading the convoys from Lyneham, through Wootton Bassett and on to Swindon.

Off-duty officers have even volunteered for the task, seeing it as an honour.

The compassion and support the town has shown has touched service families and military officials across Britain.

And a number of letters and thank you cards have been received by Wootton Bassett Town Council.

These letters, including one from Army chief General Sir Richard Dannatt, are also on display in the library.

Coun Wannell said: "We wanted to make sure that the people of Wootton Bassett could see just how much comfort they have provided as a community to the families of those who died.

"We have had quite a number of letters thanking the town and its police for their compassion during the repatriation of their son, daughter or colleague.

"It's something the townspeople should be proud of - that we have shown our respect and support for our service personnel who pay the ultimate price."