November 5, 1914

The Times

THE CALL TO ARMS

[…] Two hopeful signs are the first-rate quality of the recruits and the tapping of new sources of supply. These were seen yesterday in the march of the Sportsman’s Battalion, under the command of Colonel Lord Maitland, from Hyde Park to Liverpool-street Station, on the way to Hornchurch, Essex, where they are to be trained for active service. Thirteen hundred strong, it is one of the most remarkable units, for intelligence, grit, and varied accomplishments, that have yet been raised. All the men have been accustomed to hunting, shooting, and outdoor sports. The khaki service uniforms, great coats, and white woollen gloves of the men were provided by the corps itself. The march attracted considerable public notice, and aroused much enthusiasm.

Western Daily Press

“HARD AS NAILS” BATTALION

SPORTSMEN SOLDIERS’ WARM SEND OFF.

The Sportsman’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers received a splendid send-off to-day (Wednesday) when they left London for Hornchurch, where they are to undergo training until wanted by Lord Kitchener. The battalion, now familiarly known as the “Hard-as-Nails” Battalion, is 1,300 strong, and embraces all classes of sporting men, including race horse trainers, footballers, cricketers, &c. A magnificent body of men, many of them over 6ft. 2ins., they made a splendid appearance on the march, and were cheered off by an immense crowd of the general public. The battalion, under the command of Viscount Maitland, paraded in Hyde Park, opposite Knightsbridge Barracks, and marched off headed by brass and bugle bands. All along the route from the parade ground to Fenchurch Street station, where they entrained, large crowds assembled to wave hats and handkerchiefs and cheer the men. As the approached Buckingham Palace the band struck up “The Veteran’s Song,” and the Guards returned the salute. Along Bird Cage Walk and the Embankment the battalion marched to the now famous music of “It’s a long way to Tipperary,” and crowds followed them through the city, where the business men joined in according them an enthusiastic send-off. The muster was about 1,000, a fatigue party of the battalion having preceded the main body to camp.

Western Mail

THE SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION (ROYAL FUSILIERS) LEAVING HYDE PARK, LONDON, ON WEDNESDAY TO ENTRAIN FOR HORNCHURCH CAMP, WHERE THEIR TRAINING WILL BE COMPLETED.