Here in Oxfordshire, the terrible repercussions of the war are now felt in the emotional repatriations of soldiers into RAF Brize Norton.

The first repatriation at Brize for seven years took place on September 8 when the base took over the responsibility from RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire.

Nearly 4,000 people turned out along the route from RAF Brize to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, with more than 2,500 in Carterton alone, to pay their respects for Sgt Barry Weston, of 42 Commando Royal Marines.

Carterton mayor Norman MacRae said: “Being part of the repatriation ceremonies makes me very sad but also makes me proud of this county.

“Nothing would make me happier than if our memorial garden was the most under-used garden in the world. “But while there have been no repatriations for the past two weeks – a step in the right direction – I do not want to tempt providence.”

Jim Lewendon, 81, is chairman of the Oxford group of the Royal British Legion, and in 2008 began repatriation tributes in Headley Way, Headington.

He said: “I am shocked that the conflict has reached the 10-year mark. I think most of us hoped it would be over long before this and I am sad to say I cannot see an end in sight.

“I feel it has been both my honour and my duty to turn out for all the repatriations here in Oxfordshire, but like many who stand beside me, whenever I see a funeral cortege pass, I hope it will be the last I see.

“Sadly, I think there will be many more before this conflict is over.”