An Army battalion marched through Croydon's streets to mark the end of its third tour of Afghanistan.

Crowds packed the town centre on Saturday 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.

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Around 100 soldiers, including drivers, gunners, commanders, communicators, vehicle maintainers and logisticians, marched along North End to the town hall in Katharine Street, where they were inspected by mayor of Croydon, Councillor Patricia Hay-Justice.

The parade followed a short concert by the Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles at the entrance to the Whitgift Centre and ended  with a reception at Fairfield Halls. 

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

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.

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."

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.

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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."

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