Phnuff
Is the situation that the IWM has backed down from charging
No, they are still charging.
or are the veteran's only being allowed in for free because of sponsorship by individuals
Yes
IWM are still charging 8 pounds for each Veteran and each of them may also bring a companion for 8 pounds. This is a reduction on the normal admission price. The sponsorhip that the forumites have provided will hopefully ensure that none of the Veterans actually has to fork out because we will be paying their admission fees for them.