Tunbridge Wells 31st July

90th Anniverary of the Royal British Legion in Tunbridge Wells

Words by: David Hanmore                                      Photographs by: Nigel Bristow

Today saw a special sight in the middle of Tunbridge Wells. A section and Officer from The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment in the shape of it's Living History Group took to the streets of this famous town to help Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the local branch of the Royal British Legion. 

1921 to 2011.

The parade was led by the award winning band from T.S. Brilliant Sea Cadet and Royal Marine Cadet Detachment based in Albion Road Tunbridge Wells.

Standards were paraded along with Royal British Legion members and Armed Forces Veterans. Our regimental chairman, Colonel Champion from the Q.O.R.W.K. Regimental Association was in attendance along with many dignitaries from the Town and Borough.

Precisely at 2 pm (14:00) we stepped off from the Civic Way and marched around to stand in front of the Town's splendid War Memorial which was unveiled in February 1923. The Q.O.R.W.K. Living History Group Shouldered rifles and proceeded to march down with the rest of the parade to Christ Church in the High Street. Passing as it did Tunbridge Wells Central Station, where many troops left for the Western Front during the Great War.

Coming to a halt out side Christ Church, we made our way in for a service to mark the 90 years of service provided by the Legion and the scarifice of all those effected by conflict over that period of time and those who paid with their lives to uphold the freedoms we all enjoy today.

After a quick and welcomed refreshment those of us from the

Q.O.R.W.K. L.H.G. made our way back up to the War Memorial, where we had some very poignant photographs taken. Our duty done we then made our ways home after a very moving and successful afternoon.

It should be noted that we recieved many encouraging and congratulatory comments on our turn out and Mr Denis Homewood, from the R.B.L.  thanked me for the splendid turnout of our men.

He was very please and grateful to us.