FINALLY the Government has confirmed what we all knew: the bodies of fallen military personnel will be repatriated at RAF Brize Norton from September.

Immediately the spotlight has fallen on Carterton with an expectation that it will take up the mantle of Wootton Bassett – with crowds of mourners paying their respects to each and every body brought through.

It places the town, and particularly its leaders, in an invidious position.

Does the town council immediately begin to organise commemorations and be accused of pressuring citizens into attending? Or does it refrain and be accused of disrespecting those who have given their lives for this country?

What happened at Wootton Bassett grew organically. People began to pay their respects because they wanted to – not unlike the same tributes outside the John Radcliffe Hospital. Only later did it become a magnet for the media and ‘grief tourists’.

Carterton will be expected to follow suit but we urge caution and, above all, sensitivity.

While we salute those who pay their respects, this may be an opportune time to gauge whether the military community and families to take on commemorations at this level.

That and each individual’s choice should be the deciding factor.