The Village Association, The Village, Caterham-On-The Hill
HERITAGE ROAD SIGNS
On July 31st 2022, new heritage road signs were unveiled. The full citations and unveiling statements can be found below.........
Brigade Place
UNVEILING STATEMENT: Councillor Vicky Robinson
In 1859, Nurse Florence Nightingale gave evidence to a Royal Commission on the health of the Army. She said that, of the soldiers dying in hospital, more died from their appalling living conditions than from enemy action. People were shocked, and new improved standards of accommodation were prescribed for the Army.
These barrack blocks in Brigade Place were among the first to be built to the new higher standard. The first ones were completed in 1877, and they are still standing, and still lived in, nearly 150 years later.
The Parish Council are pleased to have sponsored this and another road sign on this estate, and it is a privilege and an honour for me to unveil it.
Grenadier Place
UNVEILING STATEMENT : Major Gatehouse
The Grenadier Guards trace their lineage back to 1656, when they formed part of the bodyguard of Prince Charles in exile, later to become King Charles II. In recognition of this, when he became king, he announced by Royal Proclamation that they shall have precedence over all the other regiments of the British Army.
Fourteen members of the Regiment have been awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award “for valour in the presence of the enemy”.
For many years young Grenadiers have started their training here in these barracks. I, too, have been a resident here, and for me it’s a nostalgic day to come back here.
As Adjutant of the Grenadier Guards, it is a privilege for me to unveil this road sign for Grenadier Place
Nicholls Close
UNVEILING STATEMENT : Lawrence Nicholls
My uncle, Lance-Corporal Harry Nicholls was a Grenadier. Aged 25, he was part of the British Expeditionary Force in France in 1940. For an amazingly brave action, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
The citation reads:
On 21st May he was commanding a section when the company was ordered to counter-attack. At the very start of the advance, he was wounded in the shoulder by shrapnel but continued to lead his section forward. As the company came over a small ridge the enemy opened heavy machine gun fire at close range. Lance-Corporal Nicholls, realising the danger to the company, immediately seized a bren gun and dashed forward towards the machine guns, firing from the hip. He continued to fire until he had no more ammunition left. He was wounded at least four times, but absolutely refused to give in.
He was reported ‘missing, believed killed’ and King George VI presented the Victoria Cross to Harry Nicholls’ widow. Some weeks later, to her astonishment and delight, she was told that he was wounded and a prisoner of war. Later, the German commandant of the prisoner of war camp presented Nicholls with the medal ribbon.
It is an honour and a privilege to unveil this road sign, keeping alive the memory of a very brave man.
Weston Drive
UNVEILING STATEMENT : Dick Moran
Company Sergeant Major was a Grenadier. He distinguished himself in the North Africa campaign of the second world war, commonly known as ‘the desert war’.
As a sergeant, he was seconded to support the King’s African Rifles and the battalion took part in the battle of Soroppa, in Southern Ethiopia. For his courage in that battle, Weston was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The citation, which bears the signature of General Wavell, Commander-in-Chief, Middle East reads:
For outstanding gallantry on March 31st 1941 at Soroppa when his company was held up by a Machine Gun post, he led his section to the attack with skill and promptitude; in spite of heavy enemy fire he took the position.
Having captured the latter, another Light Machine Gun post opened at a range of some 150 yards, against which he immediately advanced with success. Throughout the action he displayed an admirable courage and an inspiring example to the men of his platoon.
The Caterham Barracks Community Trust are glad to be sponsors of this road sign, and it is my privilege to unveil it on behalf of the Trust
The Toast
TOAST : Micheal Pritchard
I’d like to propose a toast to the Guards Brigade, remembering especially the six courageous men whose names live on, in the six roads on this estate named after them. In purely alphabetical order, we have.....
Adair Gardens: Major General Sir Allan Adair, D S O., M C and bar, of the Grenadiers
Alexander Crescent: Field Marshal Alexander of Tunis, D S O, M C, of the Irish Guards
Gowrie Place: Brigadier General Lord Gowrie, V.C., D S O and bar, of the Welsh Guards
Nicholls Close: Lance Corporal Harry Nicholls, V C of the Grenadiers
Stirling Drive: Lieut Colonel Sir Archibald Stirling, D S O of the Scots Guards
Weston Drive: Company Sgt Major Weston, D C M of the Grenadiers
Ladies and gentlemen, the Guards Brigade
