Aberdeen Evening Express
With the Sportsmen’s Battalion.
The following excerpt is taken from a letter received from an Edinburgh gentleman who enlisted as a private in the Sportsmen’s Battalion a few weeks ago:-
“Every one is keen, and without a doubt there is not a finer collection of men in any battalion in the newly formed Kitchener’s Army. We have some of the leading footballers and cricketers of the day – big game hunters and world’s champions in various phases of sport – men as privates who have incomes reach four figures; all the professions are represented, and most are men of excellent social standing, principally London business men. We are splendidly housed in huts, which are well built.
“We certainly have a hard day’s work to face. Rising at 6:15 a.m., we have an hour’s physical exercises; morning drill, which is most interesting, from 9 till 12:30, with 15 minutes interval; and afternoon drill from 2-4 p.m. At 5 p.m. we finish with a two-hours’ route march. Free leave after this till 10 p.m. Lights out at 10.15 p.m.
There is no doubt, about the spirit of the men – all are keen to get fit – and there is no doubt about our destination. We have nearly 1200 men in the 1st Battalion, and another 400 men are required. A 2nd Battalion is also being formed, and I understand will soon be completed.”
Communications for the battalion should be addressed to “Sportsmen,” c/o Perthshire Club, Rutland Square, London.
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