Back in 2007 ex-serviceman in Catford began a memorial event to remember the 1,415 who died aboard HMS Hood in 1941.

The epic clash between the battleship and Germany's Bismark is widely-regarded as a pivotal moment in the Second World War’s naval battles.

Though the two ships were of similar size and weight, Bismarck, built 20 years earlier than its rival, could absorb more damage and could fire faster.

They clashed during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 21 1941, and the Hood sank in less than three minutes following an explosion believed to be caused by a deep-penetrating hit from Bismarck. All but three of its crew died.

News Shopper: Around 250 people attended Spurred into action by Winston Churchill, the Bismarck was sunk by British units six days later.

Seventy years afterwards, the efforts of a Catford group to commemorate the Hood tragedy with an annual parade are as strong as ever.

The south East london Memorial Group originally started in 2007 after a Bellingham Ex-Servicemen's Social Club member found an old letter sent to mothers in the area whose children died on board.

Many crew members are known to hail from south east London with some hailing from the Honor Oak Park Estate.

Group secretary Duncan MacDonald-Heaney, a former army private, explained: “We took a memorial down to the club and it took off - it’s just escalated from there.” News Shopper: Around 250 people attended

Each year the parade assembles outside the Catford and Bromley Synagogue in Crantock Road before marching down Bromley Road.

They finish at the memorial gardens of Bellingham Ex-Servicemen's Social Club in Allerford Road for a service.

This year they were joined by around 250 people, including representatives from the Territorial Army and Catford’s 221 Field Squadron.

But Mr MacDonald-Heaney insists the day should be used to remember those who have lost their lives in all conflicts, not just this one tragedy.

He said: “Although we called it the HMS Hood memorial day and that’s the focal point there are thousands of other men on other ships that also died.

“We’ve got to remember every one of them - it doesn’t matter if they’re Royal Navy or Merchant Navy. We have to remember all the other boys that went into places like the Falklands and Afghanistan.” News Shopper: HMS Hood

His research work on the local men who lost their lives has led to numerous people across the country contacting him, sending contributions and tributes.

Trevor Ray, 59, of Whitefoot Lane, who was at the event said: “I’ve been going since the beginning. This was the best parade yet.

“It grows every year.

“We’re going back 70-odd years but when you look at the conflicts that are happening now, it’s very significant.”