With the outbreak of the First World War, Caterham was host to huge numbers of soldiers based at the Guards Barracks in Coulsdon Road, Caterham-onthe- Hill. There was considerable overcrowding in tough conditions with tin billet blocks and tents being used to supplement the permanent three storey accommodation buildings.

Oakhall Church, being located in nearby Francis Road, was only a few minutes walk away from the Depot and was opened several nights a week as a social centre where the trainee guardsmen could relax for a short time and perhaps quietly write home. The Oakhall Workers Band endeavoured to make these young men welcome, serving them with tea and other refreshmens out of their own megre rations, at the same time as sharing their Christian message with them. After eight to ten weeks or so of intensive training these young men were drafted to the battle fields of France and Belgium where they faced the risk of injury and death in the terrible conflict which we are remembering started 100 years ago this August.