The only government-organised event was a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, with a single band, Prince Charles the only representative of the royal family and the defence secretary, John Reid, as the sole representative of the government.
Many veterans expressed astonishment and anger at the low-key ceremony. Prince Charles did later attend a large veterans' march and service in Hyde Park. But that was a slightly more spectacular version of an annual event organised by the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association.
The MoD stressed that "the main focus" for the national commemoration will be a week-long celebration in July.
