GL RFCA has always had a special relationship with the City of London and this can be traced back to the formation of the original County of London Territorial Force Association in 1908 when, at the same time, the City formed its own City of London Territorial Force Association with the prime object of supporting the Reserve Force units with City of London connections.

Although the City Association is no longer an independent organisation, it nevertheless still operates as a sub-Association within GL RFCA and this unique arrangement enables the work of the Reserve Forces to continue to be supported within the boundaries of the City. The Association deals with all applications for City unit status and the promotion of links between Livery Companies, City businesses and institutions, and the Reserve Forces and Cadets.

Importantly, it is also responsible for co-ordinating the military input to the Lord Mayor’s Show, the Remembrance Service at St Paul’s Cathedral and the wreath laying by the Lord Mayor at the London Troops Memorial in front of the Royal Exchange.

The Lord Mayor’s Show involves contingents of uniformed members of both the Regular and Reserve Forces and Cadets. 120 Military Marshals, drawn from all three Reserve Services and Cadet Adult Instructors, assist the Pageantmaster in controlling a procession along the 3-mile route through the streets of the City. The event is televised each year on the BBC and is a grand occasion for the City and all those who travel to see the Show.