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 23, 1914

The Ballarat Courier

SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION

"TO BERLIN VIA HORNCHURCH."

BENDIGO, Tuesday.

Mr Frank Hill auctioneer, of Bendigo, and a prominent member of the Bendigo Jockey Club, has received a letter from his brother. Mr H. Hill, who has enlisted in the Sportsman’s Battalion in England.

The battalion, he says, consists of 1200 men, the age limit being 45 years. It is a mounted force, and the conditions provided for men able to ride and shoot well. The battalion was given an enthusiastic send-off in London when leaving for its camping quarters at Hornchurch, Essex. A London paper, referring to the departure of the battalion, stated that the temperament of the men was suggested by the van in the transport bearing the words “To Berlin via Hornchurch”.

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