HC Deb 13 June 1989 vol 154 c404W
81. Mr. Cyril D. Townsend

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many regular service men in(a) Greater London and (b) Windsor are required on an average day to carry out ceremonial duties as sentries; and how many such sentries are posted in each location.

Mr. Neubert

The number of regular service men required on an average day to carry out ceremonial duties as sentries in London and Windsor depends on whether or not Her Majesty the Queen is in residence. Three service men are required to man each post on a 24 hour basis. The numbers at each location are:

Her Majesty the Queen in residence Her Majesty the Queen out of residence
Buckingham Palace 15 service men to man 5 posts 9 service men to man 3 posts
St. James's Palace 15 service men to man 5 posts 9 service men to man 3 posts
Tower of London 6 service men to man 2 posts
Windsor Castle 21 service men to man 7 posts 15 service men to man 5 posts

Ceremonial sentry duties are mainly undertaken by the Army, but the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force also provide personnel.

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