It is a job no one wants to do. But the hidden group of volunteers at each of Oxfordshire’s repatriation ceremonies perform one of the most important jobs there are.

Since Oxfordshire took back the role of repatriations last September, those turning out to show their respects have done the county proud.

And the eyes of the nation have been on the people of Brize Norton and Carterton to see how they would respond.

But behind the scenes a band of volunteers are needed to make the repatriations happen.

Of course they would all rather their help was not needed at all.

However, thousands of people cannot descend on a small town without there needing to be some action behind the scenes.

Parking needs to be sorted and refreshments organised, as well as duties such as flag lowering and standard bearing.

Without this the repatriation ceremonies would not run so smoothly and the opportunity to mourn our fallen heroes in such an fitting way would be lost.

None of these volunteers asks for our thanks. But they have it nonetheless.

In their own way they are also doing their duty for their country.