FARNHAM Territorial Army's open day on Saturday has been hailed a huge success.
Captain John Gilfoyle said the entertainment laid on at the Guildford Road headquarters of the Prince of Wales Royal Regiment probably bettered anything else seen at TA open days across the country.
"It went excellently. It was very well supported. We had about 500 people come along, which wasn't bad considering the weather. We were inundated.
"We had more than 40 inquiries about joining up, but it wasn't so much about recruiting as we don't have any trouble recruiting, its was about showing mums and grandma's with youngsters what the TA's all about."
Visitors got a look at weapons old and new, including anti-tank vehicles and first world war bombs, and they were kept entertained by the Surrey Army Cadet Force. There was also a visit from soldiers in the regular army.
Herald proprietor Sir Ray Tindle commemorated Farnham TA soldiers who lost their lives while bolstering a second world war campaign in Italy, by unveiling a 25 lb gun from that war and a plaque.
In his speech, Sir Ray said: "I am greatly honoured, on behalf of all the people of Farnham to have been invited to unveil this plaque commemorating the historic link between the town of Farnham and the Territorial Army.
"We who live in Farnham are very pleased to have the soldiers of the Queen's Royal Surrey Company of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment here with us in this town.
"We are honoured by your presence and we assure you of a warm welcome for as long as you stay."
Sir Ray continued: "Territorial soldiers from Farnham took guns like the one seen here today to war in Italy, during the second world war. Many of those soldiers did not return.
"Today we honour JN Soars, R Warner, WG Cole, G Turner, RE White, EE Keely and TR Lamport., Farnham Territorial Army soldiers who died in action in world war two."
p More pictures next week.