Servicemen near the RAF base in Wittering and Peterborough residents confirmed yesterday that off-duty RAF personnel in uniform had been insulted by a small number of people.

One serviceman who did not wish to be named said that he had been the target of abuse at a Tesco supermarket by young boys.

In the village of Wittering Joe McColgan, 74, a veteran of the Army Air Corps, said that servicemen “get a lot of hassle in town from yobs. When I served I never had problems.” He added: “I don’t think it’s a political thing.”

In Peterborough, James Miselly, 23, said that relatives serving in local RAF bases had been told not to wear uniform there after colleagues had been attacked. “It’s crazy. These guys are doing their job for the country,” said Mr Miselly. “They need support and should be allowed to wear their badges and uniforms with pride.” Paula Bell, 42, said: “A few people have been complaining about them walking around town in uniform. It’s ridiculous. It’s nice to see them and they should be proud of it.”

Tony Frost, 40, a forklift driver, said: “It’s horrendous. I think they’ve been fighting in an illegal war in Iraq and Afghanistan. But we’re all British people, and the soldiers should be able to show themselves off.”

Outside the Peterborough Army and Navy recruitment centre, Stephen Harrison, who left the Forces in 2003, proudly wore his full fatigues. “In this day and age the abuse comes down to the wars,” he said. “But once you sign on the dotted line, you know you could be sent to war. That’s not our fault. Why should we get abuse from the people we are serving?”

Meanwhile, residents of Peterborough visited RAF Wittering to show their backing for the Forces. “They should be congratulated on serving the country,” said Andrea Lindley, 52.

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