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Wootton Bassett has become the first town in more than a century to be given the title 'Royal' in recognition of the way it honoured the UK's war dead. It will now be known as Royal Wootton Bassett after Princess Anne visited the Wiltshire town to bestow the tribute.
The Queen had said it would be "an enduring symbol of the nation's admiration and gratitude". The Princess Royal joined a number of dignitaries for a series of formal events, involving parades of troops, the Royal Wootton Bassett Band and the Royal Marines Band....
...Due to its proximity to RAF Lyneham, where the bodies of troops were flown back to Britain, the town became a focal point of mourning as funeral convoys passed through. From an impromptu show of respect by a handful of local people, it grew and gained national status over four years, before repatriations were switched to RAF Brize Norton earlier this year.
Hundreds and then thousands lined the streets. In total, Royal Wootton Bassett marked the repatriations of 355 people.
Source
355 too many
