Recruitment professional seeks royal approval for Wootton Bassett

As British bodies are brought back from Afghanistan thousands are asking – is enough being done to honour the dead?

Whilst many question whether the government responsible for deploying troops is doing enough, few can question the response of ordinary British people who regularly line the streets of military towns up and down the country to show their respects.

Such a remarkable show of appreciation should not go unnoticed and as the country sits up to take note of these weekly mourners, Transline Transport Manager, Bill Thomas has been busy campaigning to award the most famous of these towns, a Royal Prefix.

Navy Veteran, Bill from Portchester, believes Wootton Bassett should be renamed Royal Wootton Bassett after the selfless tributes shown by the townís population since the war in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Wootton Bassett is located close to RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, where deceased soldiers are repatriated after their death. As they leave the base their bodies are driven in hearses through the small Wiltshire town and, as they pass, local residents shut up shop and line the streets to pay their respects.

Bill, who served with the Navy in South East Asia in the 1960s and 1970s, said: ìI have the utmost respect for the way the people of Wootton Bassett honour the fallen. They deserve recognition for their efforts. Some have suggested renaming the streets the hearses pass through, but they have history too. I think a more fitting honour would be for the town to be awarded a Royal Prefix.î

After eight servicemen were repatriated in one day in July, the 62-year old decided enough was enough and drafted a letter to the Queen to request the prestigious award which has only been awarded to two other towns in British history – Royal Leamington Spa and Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Bill recently received a reply from the Queen commending his efforts but also stating that due to the democratic society in which we live she was powerless and the decision lay in the hands of the Prime Minister and his cabinet.

Encouraged by the letter, he drafted two more to Gordon Brown and David Cameron, in the hope that they would finally honour the town that has been a shining example to the rest of the nation.

Bill has since received a letter from David Cameronís Secretary saying he would respond on his return from holiday but all he has received from Prime Minister Brown is a holding letter saying his concerns have been noted. This has made Bill even more determined to put pressure on the man many blame for not spending enough on the armed forces.

ìThe momentum is building. Weíve got a big following on Facebook and online and I hope someone like Jeremy Clarkson will get involved,î added Bill.

ìThese young men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for Queen and Country. The town has consistently honoured their sacrifice and itís now time for the country to do the same. I urge Gordon Brown to award the Royal prefix because the town and the memory of the servicemen deserve it.î

Bill manages the Transline contract for Wincanton B&Q in Chichester and has been working for the company for four years.

Transline Managing Director, Paul Beasley said: ìBill is doing what the rest of us are thinking. Soldiers are putting their lives on the line to ensure this country continues in peace. The people of Wootton Bassett deserve a Royal Prefix and weíre happy to see one of our employees campaigning to see it happen.î