veterans who were banned from taking part in the Royal Wootton Bassett parade, despite having attended nearly 300 repatriations to pay their respects, defied orders and marched in Sunday’s celebrations.

The 75 standard bearers, some of whom had travelled from across the country, were snubbed by being told they would not be allowed to take part in the parade. Instead they were told to dip their standards from a designated area twice during the morning’s ceremonies, with a two-hour wait in between.

Parade marshall Brian Mitchell, from the Trowbridge branch of the Royal British Legion, said the decision was a ‘slap in the face’ for local veterans, including himself, who had, unasked, made the 50-mile round trip to Wootton Bassett on up to 300 occasions.

The 72-year-old, who served with the Grenadier Guards, said: “It was an insult to be told we could not march with the others after all the times we have gone to Wootton Bassett to pay our respects to those that have fallen.

“We felt it was a slap in the face but we took up our position anyway. When it came down to it on the day some of the standards had travelled far and what for? I said to the men ‘come on lads, let’s do it’ and we decided that we would march anyway.

“I told the police what we were planning and they didn’t have a problem with it so off we went, marching the length of the High Street.”

Johnathan Bourne, town clerk at Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, said: “We would be disappointed if anyone feels they were left out. It is a great shame if they feel like that.

“The programme was put together with our partners. It was such a big event that we worked in conjunction with a number of groups who were responsible for deciding which organisations to involve.”

Mr Mitchell, who served for 40 years in the Army, added: “Everyone agreed it was the right thing to do.

“We went away feeling happy and proud but it was a real shame that we weren’t invited to take part in the first place.”