The Caterham branch of the Grenadier Guards will be closing at the end of the year due to a fall in numbers. On Sunday 7th August the few remaining members unveiled a bench outside the cricket pavilion in the old Caterham Barracks to commemorate the Guards who used to be stationed there. The branch have also planted a tree at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to honour the Guards of Caterham.

The closure of the branch marks the end of an era for Caterham that started back in the 1870s when the Guards first started to arrive at the Depot. Over the years, many Guardsmen settled in the town after completing their service.

Caterham Barracks closed in 1993 and the old accommodation blocks and other military buildings were renovated by Linden Homes for housing and commercial use. With old soldiers dying and no new recruits, the branch of the Grenadier Guards dwindled in numbers but it continued its success by joining forces with Guardsmen from the Cold-stream, Irish and Welsh Guards, and also two Household Calvary members.

The bench unveiling was a solemn occasion attended by the members of the branch, their friends and family. Bugler Derryck Pryce played 'The Last Post' as the bench was unveiled followed by 'Reveille'.

Chairman of the branch, ex Grenadier Guard Len 'Tiger' Payne said: "Six months ago only 12 members attended our AGM so we finally decided to disband the branch. We decided to buy this bench to remind people that we did exist. It is a very sad day."