December 3, 1914

NorthEastern Gazette

SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION

The 1st Sportsman’s Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, being now in camp, and having been pronounced by a prominent military authority as “second to none in Lord Kitchener’s Army,” Mr and Mrs Cunliffe-Owen have been officially authorised by the War Office to raise a second Battalion. It affords a splendid opportunity to sportsmen, University men, and old public school boys to join the colours.

Those wishing to join from any part of the United Kingdom can do so without difficulty and without the expense of coming to London if the following instructions are carefully carried out: – Write E. Cunliffe-Owen, C.M.G., Chief Recruiting Officer, Hotel Cecil, Strand, London W.C. for an enrolment form, which should be filled up and returned to him. Having been stamped by the recruiting officer and returned to the applicant, the latter can present it at the nearest recruiting office in his district, anywhere in the United Kingdom, where he can then be medically examined and attested. He will then be sent under warrant (i.e., free of charge) with the necessary documents to the Hotel Cecil, for final approval.

The age limit is 19-45, the minimum chest measurement 35½ inches, and the minimum height 5ft 5ins.

Assistance is heartily invited from any of the public, whether able to join or not. The time and expense of raising such a corps is extremely heavy, and as the cost is only partially refunded by the War Office, donations will be gratefully acknowledged. Cheques should be made payable to E. Cunliffe-Owen, Sportsman’s Battalion, and crossed National Provincial Bank, South Audley-street. All amounts will be publicly acknowledged through the Press.