The Royal Marines marked their move to Southfields with a special military ceremony this week.

The Royal Marine Reserve City of London headquarters left its base in Bermondsey to move to the Territorial Army Centre in Merton Road earlier this year and reservists along with some of the force's highest ranking officers attended the event on Tuesday evening.

Lord Lieutenant of Greater London Sir David Brewer was present along Major General ‘Buster’ Howes, Commandant General of the Royal Marines and the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Jane Cooper.

RMR London Commanding Officer Colonel Steve Crouden said: “There has been a Territorial Army Centre here for 70 years and we are very grateful that we have been given this amazing facility which will now become our operating base for the Royal Marines in the capital city.

“There are currently 58 Royal Marine Reservists deployed on operations globally, 58 of those are in Afghanistan with 3 Commando Brigade - RMR City of London has 18 of that total deployed now. In addition, eight of our lads came back from Afghanistan last November, who were serving with 40 Commando”.

The Lord Lieutenant and the Major General then inspected the newly qualified Royal Marines - who had just completed their Commando Training in Devon, gaining the honour of wearing the famous Green Beret.

After the inspection the newly qualified Marines carried out an arms drill display followed by a march past, where the Lord Lieutenant took the salute.

The band of the Royal Marines Beat the Retreat and played Sunset, as the new White Ensign was lowered at the front of the building.

For further information about the Royal Marine Reserves contact 020 7237 4331 or email rmrlondon-to@mod.uk