THOUSANDS of wooden crosses filled the walled garden in Lydiard Park yesterday as respects were paid to the hundreds of fallen servicemen from the war in Afghanistan.

Crowds of veterans from wars past and present, alongside current recruits, gathered inside the garden to observe a special remembrance service.

More than 45,000 crosses were planted by everyone from veterans to schoolchildren who had a message to pass on to the 446 fallen in the conflict.

In addition to the ceremony, 30,000 poppies have been planted in a cluster of poppy-shaped formations, each of which bears a special tribute from Royal British Legion supporters.

As the service began with a dedication from Rev Canon Thomas Woodhouse, the skies opened, soaking the sombre gathering.

The reverend was joined by Linda Frost, mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, Terry Whittles, national vice chairman of the Royal British Legion, and Emma Hickman, fianceé of Private Daniel Wade, of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2012.

Mike Swabey, county chairman of the Royal British Legion in Wiltshire, was very proud of the hard work put in to the garden by recruits.

“This is a great mark of respect for everyone, and has taken a huge effort,” he said. “I know it is something that the soldiers who helped lay out the garden enjoyed doing, because it is a way of recognising the sacrifice made by so many.”

The garden will remain open to the public until Sunday, November 18.

“The Field of Remembrance gives a focus to the whole weekend, and is a reminder the public can visit to pay their respects outside the formal services,” said Mike.

“The response has been fantastic and the interest is astonishing because it seems to get bigger and bigger. There are only six fields like this around the country.

“I think the connection with Royal Wootton Bassett is a real focus for remembrance. It is a great testament to the people of Wootton Bassett that they come back every year.”

Stories from veterans differ between conflicts, but the need for remembrance is keenly felt by all.

Rob Fenton, 64, of Taw Hill, struggled to hide his emotions during the Last Post, played by The British Imperial Military Band.

“I fought in the Rhodesian War, and lost quite a few of my friends in that,” said Rob. “I have got a cross to put down for eight or nine people.

“One of those people was my father, who was captured and imprisoned, as well as a few of my mates, who all died in the Rhodesian conflict.

“This is the first time ever I have done something like this – honouring them publicly. Before I have just kept them in my head.”

Jim Leonard, 71, facilities assistant with the Medical Research Council, was impressed by the garden.

“It is absolutely fabulous,” he said. “It is home grown and on our own doorstep. People will be able to visit it whenever they like. The remembrance events are all brilliant, but this is our own little cenotaph. The people who have made this possible should be congratulated.

“I am ex-RAF, my grandfathers served in the World Wars, and my grandson is now a marine coming to the end of his training. It is in my blood, and I am very proud of them all.

“Places like these are extremely important, and it is vital to retain the memory. It is very poignant.

“This is a fitting tribute to those who gave everything.”

Mayor of Swindon Nick Martin and council leader David Renard also attended the service.

“The garden looks fabulous,” said Coun Renard. “What is striking is all these crosses laid out in such good order. It is really quite poignant the way it has been organised.

“I am sure there are lots of people here with stories of loss and this is a very important day for them. This garden is a really important symbol for people to come to. The location is superb for those who want some quiet contemplation.”