EDITORIAL
THE “DAILY EXPRESS,” MRS. CUNLIFFE-OWEN, AND CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS.
Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen last week issued an announcement to the effect that men joining the battalion in future will be expected to pay a minimum of three guineas, and be of the upper and middle classes. A controversy with the Daily Express followed, in which the newspaper accused Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen of snobbery and insinuated that the Sportsman’s Battalion are not intended for the front. So far as the latter charge is concerned the editorial interview with Lt.-Col. Gibbons, printed in this issue, and the expression of opinion contained therein is sufficient repudiation. Altogether the controversy is most unfortunate, both from a battalion point of view, and having regard to the greater outside interests involved. We must heartily support our own Colonel and Colonel Paget in their dignified repudiation of any connection with Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen’s manifesto. To a certain extent Mrs. Owen has our sympathy. The idea of the Battalion was hers, and she worked indefatigably to get it established. It is a great pity, therefore, that she apparently fails to realise that there comes a point in every enterprise when, by the mere process of growth and expansion, it seeks to break away from leading strings. Let Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen be satisfied with having raised one of the most promising Battalions of the New Army, and all will yet be well.
For the purposes of record we produce Lord Maitland's letters to the Daily Express in this connection:
Grey Towers, Hornchurch, Essex.
To the Editor of the “Daily Express.”
Sir.—In justice to the battalion under my command, permit me state that no “entrance fee” is, or ever will be, imposed on recruits joining the 1st Sportsman’s Battalion, as you infer by applying the plural in your criticism of the “Sportsman’s Battalions” in your issue of January 30.
All men offering their services to the King through my orderly-room are welcomed to our ranks, the sole qualifications being a good record and compliance with our somewhat high physical standard.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
MAITLAND, Col. Commanding 23rd (Service) Bn., Royal Fusiliers (1st Sportsman’s).
Grey Towers, Hornchurch, Essex.
2nd February, 1915.
To the Editor “Daily Express.”
Sir.—I much regret that a matter of principle should have forced me into public controversy with Mrs. Cunliffe Owen. All who have seen the magnificent battalions she has been instrumental in raising must admit that the Country in general and the War Office in particular owe this energetic and capable lady both thanks and gratitude. If I may say it, she fails only in one respect—she does not recognise her own limitations. Raising a regiment is one thing, training a regiment is another, and this latter is as much beyond the scope of the most capable woman as of any inexperienced civilian. Mrs. Cunliffe Owen has raised this battalion, I, with the (assistance of my Officers, am training it, and I shall be proud if in my sphere, I prove to be as successful as she has been in hers.
Mrs. Cunliffe Owen asserts that I have no practical concern with recruiting in my battalion. Since the middle of November, my recruiters have enlisted 255 men without the expenditure of one cent, of public money, and with a total cost in advertisement of 7s.! Of course, Mrs. Cunliffe Owen’s expenditure of £8 to L10 cost per head is no private concern of mine, but it would seem that this figure might be materially reduced were less resort had to press advertisement.
On the other hand, Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen—during the same period—has not increased our ranks by as much as a score of recruits, though complaints have reached me that men offering themselves at the Hotel Cecil for service in the 1st Battalion have been enrolled in the newly formed 2nd Battalion on the pretext that the 1st Battalion is up to strength—the fact being that we are only 1,309 strong, whereas our full compliment is 1,636 officers and men.
The fact that Mrs. Cunliffe Owen nominated—not appointed as she puts it—me for the Command of this Battalion is irrelevant to the point at issue. I was appointed by the Secretary of State for War and to him, through my General, I am responsible for the discipline and training of the Battalion.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
MAITLAND, Col. Commanding 23rd (Service) Bn., Royal Fusiliers (1st Sportsman’s).
The esprit de corps of the battalion will enable every member of it to heartily endorse the sentiment of ’these soldier-like replies.
COMMISSIONS.
We have been approached not once, but fifty times during the past month to open our columns to a discussion of the thorny question of commissions. This we feel we cannot do. The Staff of the Regimental Gazette have been considerably helped and encouraged in their work by the Colonel and other officers, and it would scarcely be fair to them to print many of the ill-considered communications which we have received on the matter. Still, there are generally two sides to every question, and as the Gazette is to be a “medium for the expression of free opinion," we feel that we cannot altogether ignore the subject.
A great deal of objection seems to have been taken to the fact that the Colonel has decided to discourage all ‘applications for commissions, the ground of the objection being that many men were officially advised to join this battalion in order to ultimately qualify for commissions. That there are several hundred men here who could be made into successful and efficient officers is quite patent and obvious. But the Colonel's point of view, as we understand it, is this. If the battalion is ever to become a fighting unit men must come here to stay, and not merely for a transition period of training for something else. On the other hand there is a distinct hardship in joining a thing believing, figuratively speaking, that “all things were possible,” and ultimately discovering that you are nobbled to the ranks notwithstanding any superior qualifications which you may possess. It amounts to this, therefore, that from a Battalion point of view the Colonel is unquestionably right, but we respectfully give it as our considered opinion that from a national point of view, his action may possibly be open to legitimate criticism. However, as soldiers we trust that regardless of any pros and cons, every member of this battalion will loyally accept the Colonel's ruling in this as in all other matters. Napoleon said that the baton of the Field-Marshal rested in every private soldier’s haversack, and one- has a sort of feeling that if Lord Kitchener is short of good officers he will get them somehow, and that the Sportsman’s Battalion will be well in the running when that time comes along. We fully agree with Mr. H. C. Woods, the well-known war correspondent, when he says that young men of the right type and with the necessary qualifications, should in the special circumstances be encouraged to prepare themselves with a view to ultimately taking up commissions. Finally, in our judgment, one of the best uses to which the Sportsman's Battalion and all other similar corps could be put would be to provide the country in her hour of need with as many fully trained officers as possible.
DISCIPLINE.
Discipline must be maintained. That is admitted by every intelligent person. But it has become generally known throughout the country that in certain regrettable instances the letter of military law has been carried out in circumstances demanding rather its spirit. In some other cases quite the reverse has been observed, and men have been given latitude which ought never to have been allowed. Granted that the times are difficult and the conditions quite unprecedented, it still seems to us only reasonable to point out that when men take great and lofty sacrifices in order to render service to their country, they are entitled at the very least to expect tactful and sympathetic treatment within the limits of service traditions. We are glad to acknowledge that the majority of the officers of the Sportsman’s Battalion are not only genuine sportsmen but really good fellows, and we are hoping that when trenching operations have been completed and real field training at last begun, the battalion will recover all its old careless gaiety and enthusiasm. Such an end requires that we all pull together, remembering that we are all in the same show and for the same purpose. There may, for the time being, be differentiation of rank, but there is and must be a common bond of service for the national weal. That is a desideratum for ultimate success.
ED.
REGT. SERGT.-MAJOR J. MERRICK.
A lady reader writes to say that she has heard with surprise that certain members of the battalion have refused to be inoculated for typhoid or vaccinated, and forwards us statistics of the U.S.A. Army and also a letter from a British Cavalry Officer to prove the “great benefit resulting from these respective treatments.” She asks us to bring these particulars to the notice of the objectors in the hope that they might realise the fallacy of refusing to avail themselves of such comparatively harmless safeguards. We carry out our correspondent’s request with pleasure. No man/ in this camp should refuse to benefit by scientific knowledge gained after much experiment and at the cost of great risks to those who originally undertook the work, especially when the inconvenience and discomfort both of inoculation and vaccination are so negligible when compared with the value of certain immunity from the malignant diseases of typhoid and small-pox. We heartily endorse our friend’s appeal to “carry on with the inoculation and vaccination—and be sportsmen.”
REGIMENTAL BAND (A SECTION).
MAINLY About PEOPLE.
Notes concerning members of the Sportsman’s Battalion.
Beeson, V. W. (Lance-Corporal). - Was trained for the musical profession by his father, the well- known bandmaster of the Holborn Union Band and the Peel Institute Military Band. Lance-Corporal Teeson was for some time Bugle-Major in the Volunteer Civil Force, now the Volunteer Territorial Force. Although so young he has conducted several ladies’ and junior bands in the L.C.C. parks and elsewhere. His sporting interests are running and rowing.
Cooke, S. M. (Private).—Born in Cornwall. Is a late member of the London Stock Exchange. Has represented the Thames Rowing Club for some years at the Henley Regattas. Besides being a noted oarsman, Private S. M. Cooke played for the Kensington Football Club when that club was at its zenith.
Crum-Ewing, N. R. (Private).—A native of Glasgow, he comes of an old Dumbartonshire family. Was educated at Harrow and Pembroke College, Cambridge. Won Classical Scholarship at Cambridge, and took his B.A. in ’96, afterwards entering for the Indian Civil Service Examination. He received an Eastern Cadetship in the Federated Malay States. For twelve years he filled several judicial and administrative appointments. In 1910 he left the Civil Service and went in for rubber planting, returning home shortly afterwards. Private Crum-Ewing has travelled a great deal in Asia, America and the West Indies.
Drake, John (Private).—Born in London, but comes of a well-known Devonshire family. During the last fifteen years he has lived in South America, where in Brazil and the Argentine he has been actively engaged in the breeding of fine cattle and horses. He has also been interested in tree planting on the Delta of the Parana. Private Drake really intended coming to England for a holiday, but as he arrived in this country just before the outbreak of war, he decided to show others a good example by being one of the first to join the Sportsman’s. His family have already sacrificed three members, and he has many relations in the service.
Gardner, A. F. (Private).—Born at Exeter. Inventor of the stud tyre and “Auto Anti-Tannic Teapot. Has lectured throughout Great Britain on behalf of the Indian Tea Committee to support the Indian grown plant. Private Gardner has also taken an active part in advocating Tariff Reform. Previous to joining the Sportsman’s he spent two years serving in the Leicestershire Yeomanry. His son was at school in Bruges only two hours before the German occupation, and after some exciting adventures arrived safely in England.
Hawley, Denton (Private).—Figure and portrait painter, was born in Sheffield. Received artistic training at the Academie Royale des Beaux Arts, Antwerp, and at Cormon’s Studio in Paris. Later he studied under Humbert and Carriere. Three years ago he made studies of Arab life and environment in Algeria. Has travelled much in France and Holland. He has exhibited pictures at St. Louis, U.S.A. and the North of England. Private Hawley has also drawn for the press and designed posters.
Henderson, Douglas (Private).—Nephew of Sir Alexander Henderson, Bart., M.P., was born in Middlesex, and educated at Emanuel School and Dulwich College. Twenty-two of his relatives are at present holding commissions in the Army, and one member of his family was killed at Mons. Has ridden across the Andes, South America, where he has been travelling for the last six years. Is well acquainted with Bolivia and North Chili. Private Henderson has experienced many extraordinary adventures in the course of his travels, which he has promised to relate in a future issue of the Gazette. His principal sports are rowing and tennis.
Jacobs, Joseph (Private).—Native of Manchester. Is a keen sportsman. Connected with the Turf for the past ten years, and is well-known amongst the racing fraternity. A turf commission agent by profession. Private Jacobs has acted on behalf of many celebrities in racing circles. He is a member of the leading London sporting clubs.
James, B. Edgar (Private).—Born at Chiswick, and educated at Bedford Modern School and Guy's Hospital. Has a dental practice in Oxford. It will be of interest to know that Private James, together with Corporal Cadman and Private H. E. Ward, was trained under Sergeant-Major Webb in the Oxford Volunteer Training Corps. His chief hobby is amateur gardening.
L. Kirby (Corporal).—Printer and traveller. Has journeyed through the canals of France to Paris,, and is well acquainted with the whole of the Western theatre of war. While on a visit to Chalons he was once arrested as a German spy, and was imprisoned for a week, until he was able to prove his identity. Is chiefly interested in caravaning and yachting, having taken part in yacht racing on the Norfolk Broads for thirteen years. He is also fond of shooting and tennis.
L. D Newitt (Private).— Son of Colonel and Councillor E. J. Newitt, V.D., of Southend-on-Sea, who is well-known in shooting circles, and is the author of “The Citizen Rifleman." Private Newitt is one of the younger members of the Battalion. He was educated at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, and is now an undergraduate of London University. He is a good all-round shot, having won prizes in open and handicap competitions with rifle and shot-gun. Has travelled in the Netherlands, France and Spain. His hobbies are shooting, golf and motor-cycling.
Pat (The Editor’s Dog).—A faithful shaggy-coated Irishman. Joined the Sportsman’s Battalion a fortnight ago. Owing to indisposition is at present in London “on pass.’’
Tim (A 'Tabbie Cat belonging to Mr. C. T* Perfect, of the Village of Hornchurch).—Is 17 years old, and probably the most ancient feline in existence. Tim is as lively as a kitten at times, is extremely—almost aggressively humorous, and has written many articles and pamphlets, including a Reflection on the Sportsman’s, printed in this issue. We trust that others will follow in due course. Long live Tim !
Ward, H. E. (Private).—Retired steel manufacturer. Belongs to an old Yorkshire family. Educated at Clifton and Hamburg. Knows Australia and New Zealand very well. Has travelled a great deal in Germany, Austria, and parts of Russia. Fond of sports in general, his chief pastime is golf. He is a member of the O.U.G.C,
CIGARETTES FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS.
Private W. G. Fraser, of Hut 21, brings to our notice a very deserving charity. He has received a letter from Sister Dempster of the Colchester Military Hospital, stating how delighted wounded men from the Front are to receive the packets of Wild Woodbine cigarettes which have been regularly forwarded to them by our own hospital here at Grey Towers. Parcels of cigarettes to the value of about a guinea are sent weekly, and if any men care to join in with this gift, small contributions may be sent either to Private Fraser at Hut 21 or to Private The Hon. W. B. Wrottesley at the Extension Hospital.
N.B.—Only Woodbine cigarettes are appreciated-
THE GUARD ROOM.
It has been suggested to us that a few shelves for the purpose of keeping food would be a great improvement in the Inner Guard Room. At present sugar, butter and other comestibles are placed on the floor, a proceeding not exactly calculated to improve their quality. We believe that our indefatigable Quartermaster will remedy this defect as soon as he hears of it.
LlEUT.-COL. A. ST. H. GIBBONS.
A PERSONAL IMPRESSION.
By William J. Harvey.
Kipling has said that it is “God’s own hour when you lie half-awake on your camp bed somewhere in the wilds, with the fumes of last night’s embers in your nostrils, while the dawn of a new day is swinging over the Eastern horizon.” One always envies men who have these experiences to recall— hunters, trackers, men who work on the “far-flung frontiers of Empire.” Of such a brotherhood is Col. Gibbons, and" a few minutes in his company reveal the man of action, inured to hardship and personal peril, trained to instinctive action and control by long association with Nature in her wildest and most capricious moods.
LIEUT.-COL. A. ST. H. GIBBONS.
The subject of this brief personal sketch was educated at Christ's, Cambridge, and represented his college at nearly all sports, including cricket, Association and Rugby football, and the boat. In addition he played in many matches for the ’Varsity. In 1882 he was gazetted to the 3rd (Militia) Battalion of the East Yorkshire regiment, but did practically permanent service with the Regulars until 1890, when he went to South Africa to serve with the Bechuanaland Border Police until 1893. It was at this point that he began those series of explorations which were ultimately to bring him such wide renown. In 1895-6 he led an expedition through the Kalahari Desert into the Upper Zambesi basin, which was then, with the exception of the section of the Zambesi done by Livingstone, and the east to west route of Capello and Ivens, a blank on the map. Between 1898 and 1900 he led a second expedition into the same country, travelling- up the Zambesi and completing the map of the Upper Zambesi basin, thence journeying via the Great Lakes to the Nile and Egypt. In 1904-5 Col. Gibbons was at the head of a memorable expedition into British East Africa. During the South African War he commanded a squadron of Younghusband’s Horse, and distinguished himself on active service as much as in the fields of exploration and sport.
During his travels Col. Gibbons has collected a great variety of trophies, a selection of which was awarded the gold medal at the St. Louis Exhibition of 1904. Moreover, he is the recipient of the medal of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and the Grant Memorial of the Royal Geographical Society. In 1910 he retired from the 3rd East Yorks as 2nd in command.
He is the author of “Exploration and Hunting in Central Africa,” 1 vol. (Methuen), and “Africa South to North through Marotseland,” II. vols. (John Lane), as well as numerous papers read before various scientific societies. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Colonial Institute, and a member of the Junior Carlton and Sports Clubs.
The voyage which brought him home from Northern Rhodesia to offer his services was his 24th ocean voyage.
The writer asked Col. Gibbons to express his opinion of the Sportsman’s Battalion, and was favoured with the statement which follows: —
“I have a very high opinion of the material and quality of the battalion, and until recently rapid progress was being made. We have, however, suffered a check at the hands of the doctor and his inoculating appliances, and are being kept back by the necessity of trench digging over a longer period than is conducive to efficient progress in held training. The first is indispensable to a battalion destined for the front, as regards the second, apart from the experience gained, we have the satisfaction of knowing not only that the work done is officially admitted to be first-class, but that it is undertaken as a matter of national defence. By the end of the week the last word will have been spoken on inoculation, and I believe we will soon afterwards be released from trench work. We will then move rapidly forward, and I am confident will not only go the front with a high reputation, but will leave it with a still higher one.”
Miss Anton-Laing is to be heartily congratulated on furnishing and opening up High House, Hornchurch, as a kind of Regimental Club, solely and exclusively for the benefit of the officers and men of the Sportsman’s Battalion. There is no doubt that it supplies a long-felt want. Friends visiting the Camp can now be entertained in comfort and in surroundings both cosy and artistic. Miss Anton- Laing, is a charming hostess, and we hope that her venture will meet with all the success it deserves. The Tea Rooms are already popular with the officers and with those of the men who have been fortunate enough to discover them. That there will be many pleasant little dinner and supper parties down there in the near future is one of the “Things we Know.”
INTERIOR OF COOK HOUSE
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION v. ILFORD.
This match, played on Saturday, January 30th, at Ilford, produced one of the finest amateur matches played this season in the London District _(vide London papers). Higgins and Clunas were absent from the Battalion team, Ilford being well represented. Not once throughout the whole ninety minutes did the game slacken or become monotonous.
The ball travelled from end to end with great rapidity, first one goal keeper ,then the other, being hard put to keep out shot after shot. The large number of spectators present were disappointed in not seeing a goal scored up to half-time.
After a short breather the game was resumed, and continued at a ding-dong pace, being more like a cup-tie than a friendly match. At last, however, the brothers Hendren being well fed by Lieut. Hayes, got nicely going, and forced the Ilford backs to concede a corner. Pat Hendren took the corner, and placing the ball fast and accurately across the goal-mouth, Owers with a great effort turned the ball with his head into the corner of the net. It was a splendid goal.
After this both sides tried hard to score. At one time Kirton had shot after shot to repel, which he did in a masterly manner.
The Sports then took up the running, and gave the Ilford defence a very hot ten minutes, looking every minute certain to score, but the defence eventually prevailed; the game ended in a win for the Sportsman’s Battalion by one goal to nil.
For the visitors Kirton, Rawlings and Littlewort in defence were outstanding, while Pat Hendren and Owers gave of their best in the forward line, which is always a treat to spectators. Dines and the goal keeper for Ilford played line football. In fact, Ilford did more pressing than the Sports, but lacked finish in movements well started and carried out until near the goal.
The only fault in the Battalion team was the slowness in getting off their mark. Time after time the Ilford players nipped in and took the ball from the toes of their opponents.
The lack of speed in the Sportsman’s team can be accounted for by their want of proper training. Several trainers, indeed, have expressed the opinion that trench digging and marching would tend to make the team slow, and a short spell of sprinting each day would have a marked effect in removing this defect.
Ilford are anxious to play the Sportsman’s again next Saturday if a match can be arranged.
The Sunday Match between No. 2 and the Left Flank Company was watched by a large number of spectators. Lieut. Hayes kindly consented to referee. It was a well-fought struggle, both sides trying hard to win. No. 2 Company, however, was too fast for No. 4, and eventually won by 4 goals to 2.
The brothers Hendren and Skuse on the one side and Pearce and Glendening on the other played exceptionally well.
On Sunday afternoon Lady Maitland presented the Silver Cups generously given by Viscount Maitland to the winners of the Christmas Inter-company Matches arranged by request of the O.C. for those men remaining in Camp during Yuletiie.
The matches produced fine games. No. 1 defeating No. 4 and No. 2 Company defeating No. 3. The final between No. 1 and No. 2 Company on the same date resulting in a draw.
At the re-play on January 24th, after a fast and exciting game, No. 2 Company beat No. 1 Company and thereby won the Cups. The eleven Cups are beautifully designed, mounted on ebony stands, and richly engraved with the following inscription: “Inter-company Football Cup. Presented by Colonel Viscount Maitland. Won by (name) 23 (service) Battalion Royal Fusiliers (1st Sportsman’s).
Lord Maitland in a short speech expressed his great interest in the Battalion Football Clubs, and said that he was sorry that the match was not finished on Christmas Day, in order that the presentation could have been a public one. He trusted, however, that another Cup would be played for and the games finished on one day, and that the matches would be played in Germany.
The Captain of No. 2 Company team, Pte. E. H. Hendren, called for three cheers for Lady Maitland and three for the Colonel., which were given in a most hearty manner.
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION OUTPLAY IRISHMEN.
Owing to the snowstorm on Friday, Jan. 22nd, the newly-formed Rugby section of the 1st Sportsman’s Battalion, who were to have played the 17th Empire Battalion at Whyteleafq, could not decide their inaugural match until Saturday last. Considerable difficulties are being experienced i;i finding opponents; but on this occasion Mr. Martin Doyle, the hon. sec of the London Irish R.F.C., came to the rescue, and although unable to take down to Grey Towers, Hornchurch, anything like a representative fifteen (twelve of the first team are with the Colours), the scratch side gave quite a creditable show.
Despite the fact that there was a margin of 24 points in favour of the Battalion, the game was never lacking in interest, by reason of the fact that the visiting pack, playing a typical Irish game, kept it very open. i
At the outset the Irishmen by means of strong rushes looked like scoring, but the Sportsmen replied in similar fashion, and twice in quick succession Pte. Williams ran in, the place-kicks failing. From this point to the interval the battalion did the bulk of the attacking. Pte. Wadham, who played in a style reminiscent of his best days, some twelve years back, was most unselfish, and it was mainly due to his excellent work that further tries were added by Lieut. Taylor and Pte. Gilmore. The former’s was improved upon, and the Sportsmen crossed over leading by a goal and three tries (14 points) to nothing.
Directly after renewing a clever intercepted pass by Wadham sent in Williams, who also added the major points. Again and again the Irish came to the attack; but two attempts at goal from marks were unsuccessful. Then after Gilmore had failed to improve upon his own try, O’Grady Walsh, with a good run along the touch line, scored the visitors’ only points. Just before the close Pte. Salvesen forced his way over, and Taylor converting, the Sportsmen won by 3 goals and 4 tries (27 points) to one try.
Sportsman’s Battalion—Pte. J. P. Farr (Christ’s Hospital), Pte. L. Williams (Bedford Grammar School), Pte. H. F. Wadham (U.C.S.O,B, and Middlesex, capt.), Pte. G. A. Salvesen (Vernon, British Columbia, F.C.), Pte. G. T. Fianey (Burton R.P*C,), Lieut. H. Taylor (R.H.S., Edinburgh), Pte. P, Henri (Sherborne Coll.), Pte. W. J. Stretton (Burton R.F.C.), Capt. H. B. de Bourbel (R*P.A,), Pte, D. L. Ciernentson (Clifton College), Pte. J. M. Gilmore (Watsonians), Pte. S. Thompson (Hull and E. Riding), Pte. G. V. Spurway (Sherborne College), Pte. H. N. Lyster (London Irish), Pte. L. T. Sharland (Streatham).
Mr. M. Doyle’s XV.—A. Hussey, P. O. Norton, P. J. Lindsay, R. A. McKinnon, E. O’Grady Walsh, M. R. Gardner, J. Nunnan, G. C. Walsh, Rev. W. N. McCann (capt.), F. N. O’Kelly, M, T- Goulding, A. Fenton, W. Bailey, P. O’Brien, F. Connolly.
Pte. F. G. Harris (Queen’s House, Blackheath), was the referee.
Following upon the football match the visiting team and their friends were entertained to “high tea” in the Institute, at which Viscount Maitland, Lieut-Col. Gibbons, Capt. A. de Bourbel, Capt, Church, Dr. Hill, Lieuts. Cockell, Thompson, Hill- coat, Winter, and Sidney Smith, and many ladies, were present. Subsequently a capital entertainment was provided under the presidency of Lieut. Suckling, and managed by Pte. F. G. Harris.
Included in an excellent programme were a humorous recitation by Lieut. S. Smith, songs by Corpl. Smith, Lee.-Corpl. Moir, Messrs. Thomas and O’Reilly, some amusing stories by Pte. Sullivan, sleight-of-hand tricks by Pte. Williams, and an exhibition three rounds by Ptes. Delaney and Hooper, which were greatly enjoyed. Delaney also gave a fine display of his ground exercises and an exhibition of skipping.
There are in the battalion many men who have played Basket Ball, and it has been suggested that a team be formed to indulge in this pastime, playing under American rules. Games can be arranged with the American Rhodes Scholars at Oxford, the American Students at Guy’s Hospital, the Ealing Y.M.C.A., the London Central, and others. Will any member of the battalion who would care to join a Basket Ball team kindly hand in his name to Private L, S. Lee, Hut 14.
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