The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery arrives in Woolwich

Residents will have the opportunity to see the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery as they ride through the streets of Woolwich to Napier Lines – a purpose built equestrian training facility and accommodation centre in Woolwich Garrison that will be their new home.

Schoolchildren and veterans' organisations are among those who are due to line the route as the troop - comprising six Gun Team with Officers and Mounted Detachments, in Full Dress - rides through Woolwich town centre and gives a salute to the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich outside Woolwich Town Hall.

The spectacle of the King's Troop riding in full regalia is not to be missed, as it offers a chance to see the entire troop, including six magnificent horses that pull each of the six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns.

For Woolwich, with its long history of military links, the event has additional poignancy, as those guns will be returning to the home of the Royal Arsenal – where they were built – and of the Royal Artillery – for whom they were made.

Route

The route information for Tuesday 7 February is as follows:

• At around 9.30am the King's Troop will form up to begin their march into Woolwich from the corner of Cemetery Lane, outside Charlton School.
• They will march directly along Little Heath and Hillreach, crossing John Wilson Street into Wellington Street where, at around 10am, councillors will receive the salute from the troop.
• The troop will then turn right along the edge of General Gordon Square, and right into Woolwich New Road before entering the Barracks Parade Ground on Grand Depot Road.
• They can also be viewed at around 10.20am, marching the short distance along Repository Road as they officially ride in to Napier Lines, their newly-built quarters at Woolwich Garrison.

The previous day, the unit is due to mark the departure from its home in St John's Wood by performing the Royal Salute in Hyde Park to mark the Accession of HM The Queen and thus marking the formal start of the Diamond Jubilee year. The unit has been stationed in St John's Wood since its formation by King George VI in 1947.

The arrival of the King's Troop in Woolwich builds on links between the military and the borough of Greenwich dating back almost three centuries. The Royal Artillery was founded in 1716, the first barracks for the artillery were built in 1720 on the Royal Arsenal site, and the construction of the current barracks on Woolwich Common took place between 1781 and 1802.