A record of the Sportsman's Battalions during the First World War, including a database of soldiers who enlisted in - or served with - the 23rd, 24th and 30th Royal Fusiliers, originally raised by Mrs. Emma Cunliffe-Owen in September 1914. If you have any questions or comments, please send to fmsketches@macbrem.com, thanks!

December 10, 1914

Lethbridge Herald

British Athletes at Front

Many Famous Men on Roll of Honour – All Lines of Athletic Endeavor on Firing Line – Unique Battalion

[…]

Distinctly Athletic

One of the unique organizations is the Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which is now a complete infantry unit in the regular forces. The battalion is up to war strength, and is remarkable in many ways. It has colors distinct from the regiment of which it is a part. It was organized through the efforts of a woman: Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen carried through the idea from the start, and the cost of the organization was privately borne. Every member of the battalion is an athlete or sportsman, and many of the members enjoy civil distinction of some importance. It is expected that the Sportsman’s Battalion will develop into a firstclass fighting force.

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