Alresford's Royal British Legion branch chairman has warned that anti-war protests in England could seriously demoralise troops in the Gulf.

Colonel David Hanson, of New Farm Road, Alresford, near Winchester, said there was "nothing more depressing" in his service life than reading English newspaper reports of anti-war feeling, following the 1956 occupation of Port Said, in the Suez Canal.

"We were so proud to have completed a difficult task in a thoroughly professional manner - but with the arrival of the English newspapers we were quickly disillusioned.

"We read that what we thought had been a job brilliantly done was in fact not welcomed by anybody in England," he said.

The effect on reservists, who had persuaded employers as well as family - "their mums and sweethearts and wives," said Col Hanson - that they were going to do a good job, was profound.

"This must not be allowed to happen again with this war," he added.

Col Hanson, who was in the Army for 35 years, said his feelings were backed by Alresford's 116 Royal British Legion members.

"Whether we agree with the war or not does not matter now, what happened before has no bearing," he said. "The decision has been taken by Tony Blair on behalf of the country, therefore I believe that he and the Government should be supported."

Referring to anti-war protesters still campaigning in the streets, he commented: "I wouldn't do it and I don't approve of them doing it. Being an ex-military man, my moustache would be bristling if I had one."