Battersea Ironsides honoured the returning 2nd Royal Tank Regiment last Thursday with a friendly at their home ground.
The soldiers, back from a tour of Afghanistan, played the match after parading through Wandsworth and went down 30-0 to the Ironsides, who were founded by the Royal Tank Regiment in 1943.
"I was especially proud to welcome the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, their friends and their families," said Ironsides chairman Steven Wood.
"This also marks the 69th season of Ironsides Rugby; and what a fantastic way to kick it off with a fixture against the Regiment, out of whom the club sprang into existence in the autumn of 1943.
"The indomitable fighting spirit and love of the game of Rugby Union passed on by our founder Lt. Col. St. Maur-Toope was at the forefront of our minds as both teams took to the field.
"I hope the day marks the first of many return fixtures for the RTR and we continue to strengthen our ties long into the future."
Battersea Ironsides begin their Surrey Two campaign this Saturday by visiting Old Rutlishians.
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