Croydon's B Company 2nd Battalion the Rifles to march in homecoming parade after return from Afghanistan

Crowds are expected to throng the town centre for the homecoming parade for B Company 2nd Battalion the Rifles following their deployment in Kabul. 

The troops were tasked with protecting the remaining British military mission as part of a Nato force in Afghanistan between August 2014 and February this year.

Tomorrow's parade will began in North End at 12.45pm with a short concert by the Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles at the entrance to the Whitgift Centre.

Around 100 soldiers, including drivers, gunners, commanders, communicators, vehicle maintainers and logisticians, will then march to the town hall in Katherine Street, where they will be inspected by mayor of Croydon, Coun Patricia Hay-Justice.

The parade will end with a reception at Fairfield Halls. 

Ten Riflemen from Croydon and south London will be among the troops, who are based at the Mitcham Road barracks.

The battalion was granted the freedom of Croydon in 2011

Major Mark Shercliff, commander of 2 Rifles, said: "We’re extremely pleased to be returning to Croydon where we’ve always been very warmly welcomed.

"This latest tour of duty was another tough call but, fortunately, we sustained only one serious, but non-fatal, casualty."

During 2 Rifles latest tour, the battalion has been helping to develop the Afghan National Army Officer Academy and advising Afghan government departments including the Ministry of Defence.

Many were employed escorting troops on patrols across the Kabul.

During the battalion's first tour in 2009, Shirley Rifleman Danny Simpson, 20, was killed by an improvised explosive devise laid by insurgents.

Croydon soldier Peter Aldridge, a member of 4 Rifles, was also killed in action the following year.

The council granted 2 Rifles the freedom of the borough in May 2011 following the battalion's return from its second tour.

 Major Shercliff said: "Uppermost in the minds of the parading troops will be two brother Riflemen and sons of Croydon who did not make it home, namely Rifleman Danny Simpson and Rifleman Peter Aldridge.  

"In this period of commemoration of World War I, it’s also appropriate to remember the 94 names of the members of the corporation who did not make it home and who are remembered on the memorial in the lobby of the town hall."

Council leader Tony Newman said: "As a council, we’re very proud to have this association with the Rifles, and we know that the people of Croydon appreciate everything the men and women of the battalion have achieved in their tours of duty in Afghanistan.

"Their two previous parades through the town centre have been incredibly well supported by residents and visitors, and I’m sure that Saturday’s will be another celebration of their work and safe return."