Soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles’ practice. Pic:  Corporal Wes Calder RLC, Crown copyright

Safely returned from a third tour of Afghanistan, B Company 2nd Battalion The Rifles is to stage a homecoming parade through the town centre on Saturday.

In common with The Rifles’ two previous Croydon parades, it is expected that crowds anxious to show their appreciation of the soldiers’ sacrifice and endeavours will throng the route of the march.

Major Mark Shercliff, officer commanding B Coy 2 Rifles, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be returning to Croydon where we’ve always been very warmly welcomed.

Saturday’s celebrations will begin at 12.45pm with a short concert by the Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles in the bell-mouth entrance to the Whitgift Shopping Centre in North End.

At about 1.30pm they will join the parading troops to march at the head of the column to the Town Hall in Katharine Street, where the parade will be inspected by the Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice.

Tony Newman, leader of the council said: “I’m sure that Saturday’s will be another celebration of their work and safe return.” The parade will end with a march across to Fairfield Halls for a reception hosted by the Mayor.