LETTERS of thanks sent to Royal Wootton Bassett for the respect it showed during repatriations are on display.

A catalogue of correspondence sent to the town council is part of an exhibition in Wootton Bassett Library, which includes photographs of repatriations and gifts the town received, war poetry and books.

Deputy mayor Linda Frost, who helped to put the exhibition together, said the display only includes about 20 per cent of the letters they received.

“It gives people an idea of the different places that wanted to say thank you to Wootton Bassett for the respect that they were showing to the fallen,” she said. “We feel it is a very important part of history. We found it humbling to receive the gifts and letters. The people are just saying thank you for acting on their behalf. It is something which Bassett people did so automatically.

“The letters are thanking us for being there when they couldn’t.”

The exhibition, called We Honour Those Who Serve, will be on display until the end of the month, but the catalogue of letters and photographs of gifts will remain afterwards.

Repatriations stopped going through the town last year after the decision to close RAF Lyneham. They have moved to RAF Brize Norton in Carterton, but Wootton Bassett was in the spotlight again in October 2011 when it was made ‘royal’ for the respect it showed.

At the Royal Wootton Bassett Remembrance Sunday ceremony last weekend, a wreath made up of 355 poppies was laid at the War Memorial, one dedicated to each of the fallen military personnel repatriated through the town.

To see more letters and memorabilia not in the exhibition contact the town council on 01793 850222.