I see on the front page of your sister paper, Kingston Guardian, a picture of the war memorial in New Malden. It says New Malden enjoyed its biggest-ever armed forces turnout.

From whence did you gather this information? I can think of at least nine bigger turnouts.

In 1919 there was the Peace Parade. In 1924, the dedication of the war memorial. In 1935, the silver jubilee of George V. 1936, the Charter Celebrations. In 1937, the coronation of George VI.

During the war there were parades to sell war savings, Wings Week, Salute The Soldier Week, War Weapons Week, Navy Week. All these involved the armed forces.

I have pictures of many of these parades.

Tom Kelley
Hoppingwood Avenue