Chelmsford Chronicle
ESSEX ART AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY.
Frank Heath, whose address is the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers, Romford, may therefore be counted as an Essex man for the present. He has an oil painting, “Amateur Gardeners,” on the line – a pair of charming little girls watering a wealth of flowers. The whole is broad and direct in treatment, and entirely successful.
Western Times
2nd Sportsman’s Battalion at Football
The first Rugby football match for the Championship of the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion was played at the Camp, Romford, on Tuesday evening, between “A” and “B” Companies, the latter winning by 8 points to nil. Company Sergeant-Major Finch acted as referee. The game caused intense enthusiasm, the whole of the officer of the Regiment being present, and over 700 rank and file. The next round is between “C” Company (the West Country Company) and “D” Company, the winners of each round to play for the final. Great credit is due to “B” Company players for the excellent play they showed, considering they left camp at 7 a.m. in the morning for trenching work and returned at 5:45 p.m. kicking off a quarter-of-an-hour later.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette
The writer of an article in one of the monthly magazines remarks, in the course of some references to the Sportsman’s Battalions, that “A sergeant in the 2st Sportsman’s Battalion, at Romford, was heard correcting a private for his method of swabbing a floor. “Let him alone,” said someone standing by, “he’s only a K.C.; he doesn’t know any better.” As a matter of fact, a member of this corps, who has since been given a commission, served in the ranks for three months as an ordinary soldier, formerly sat in the House of Commons and been Mayor of Norwich. It has occurred to me that the writer may have had in his mind Capt. A. E.Dunn, who entered the corps as a private, and has since been given a commission and promoted. He sat in the House of Commons for the Camborne Division of Cornwall, and was Mayor of Exeter – not Norwich – in 1901 and 1902.
The Gazette
A London solicitor who had joined the First Sportsman’s battalion, Royal Fusiliers, had received the following congratulatory telegram from an old client: “Accept my congratulations on your gallantry in joining the Sportsman’s battalion. Anyway, you know how to charge.”
Dominion
The Sportsmen’s Battalion – Raised by a Lady.
A very interesting account is given in the “British Australasian” just to hand of the raising of the Sportsmen’s Battalion in England by Mrs. E. Cunliffe-Owen. Like so many of the important things of life, it all apparently happened by chance. The lady in question was walking down Bond Street with her son when she met two well-known big game hunters of her acquaintance and gently rallied them upon not being at the front. They told her they had volunteered but had been rejected because of the age limit. Half-humorously, half-seriously, the suggestion was made that Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen should raise a corps of sportsmen without giving undue prominence to their birth certificates. The lady communicated with Lord Kitchener and, to shorten the story, the Secretary of War gave permission for a battalion of 1600 to be formed.
The duties of recruiting officer were performed by Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen herself, with headquarters at the Hotel Cecil, and so efficiently did she discharge them that on the full strength of the first battalion having been enrolled the War Office requested that a second battalion, also 1600 strong, should be formed, and to this second voluntary task the lady, with the assistance of a competent staff, is now devoting herself. The second battalion is under the command of Colonel a. de V. B. Paget, and both battalions enjoy the distinction of having the King as their honorary colonel. Mrs. Cunliffe Owen is therefore the first lady to raise a regiment since the beautiful and famous Duchess of Gordon “raised the Gay Gordons with a kiss” a century or so ago. A further interesting feature of this battalion is the fact that a very large number of Australians and New Zealanders figure among the commissioned and non-commissioned officers as well as among the ranks. Colonel Viscount Maitland is in command of the first battalion.
Western Times
Sportsman’s Battalion
Although the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion are now in camp, E Company has still its headquarters at the Hotel Cecil, London, awaiting completion of the extra huts , which, owing to the difficulty of getting supplies of wood, etc., has been delayed. Recruiting is still going on at the Hotel Cecil as before for men up to 4t years of age, and all applicants are greatly welcomed.
E Company is under the command of Capt. A. E. Dunn, who raised an entire West of England company for the Sportsman’s Battalion in the Exeter District. Capt. Dunn served three months in the ranks of the 1st Sportsman’s Battalion. The character of the battalion has attracted recruits quite as much as the extension made by the War Office in the Age limit.
Chelmsford Chronicle
NEW SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION AT ROMFORD.
On Wednesday the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion moved from London to their new headquarters at Hare Hall, Romford, near Gidea Park station. The first Battalion is in Quarters at Grey Towers, Hornchurch, two miles away.
The Battalion came by train to Romford. In London they had been inspected before leaving by Brigadier-General Kellett. Cheers were given for the founders of the Battalion, Mr. and Mrs. Cunliffe Owen. On reaching Romford the Battalion formed up under the command of Col. A. de B.V. Paget, with the Adjutant, Major H. H. Enderby, and the Major Percy Elwell. Numbering well over 1,000 men, the Battalion presented a fine appearance. Marching by the main road to Hare Hall, they entered upon the occupation of what are believed to be the most up-to-date field barracks yet erected. It embodies all the improvements that the experience of the War Office in the last six months can suggest. There are a couple of dozen cubicle shower baths, with hot and cold water laid on; the thirty beds in each dormitory hut, though made of wood, owing to the scarcity of iron bedsteads, turn into the wall in the day time, over lapping each other to form seats and occupying the minimum of space; each hut is lit by electric light; the bootmaker’s, the post-office, the tailor’s, and the barber’s stand in a row, and the wet and dry canteens are spacious and comfortable.
In the hall itself the bedrooms have been neatly and simply furnished to accommodate 36 officers. The subalterns sleep four in a room. The colonel has one of the smallest rooms, looking out over the camp, and as simply fitted as the rest. The canteens and store-rooms are fully stocked with every possible requirement. A hospital with 24 beds had been provided; the drugs were ready in the doctor’s surgery, and sergeant and five men of the R.A.M.C. from Colchester will form the nursing staff.
It is understood that four Companies of 270 men each will be going to the Front in June, or thereabouts, and 5h and 6th depot companies will have to be formed to keep the camp going and fill any gaps that may occur in the other Companies.
Birmingham Gazette
THE 2nd SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION ON THE MOVE.
The 2nd Sportsmen’s Battalion marching across Trafalgar-square on their way to Liverpool-street to entrain for Harehall Camp near Romford.
Daily Mirror
The 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion marching through the City yesterday. They have gone into camp at Romford, Essex.
GOING INTO CAMP.
This dog has “enlisted” in the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion as its mascot, and marched with the men through the city yesterday. He is glad to be going into camp. He much prefers the country to the town.
Exeter and Plymouth Gazette
IN CAMP
2nd SPORTSMAN’S BATT.
WEST-COUNTRY BAND
There are few smarter battalions among the New Army than the Second Sportsman’s, which left London yesterday for its new quarters at Hare Hall, Essex. The assembly on the Horse Guards Parade was witnessed by a large crowd of spectators, many of whom had relatives or friends in the ranks. The men, alert and soldierly in their bearing, looked as hard as nails and fit to endure any hardship they may have to encounter. Colonel A. de B. V. Paget, the officer-commanding, congratulated the men on their smart turn-out, their discipline, and zeal. He knew their heart was in the work, and he hoped they would speedily become efficient and ready to go out with the Brigade to help to thrash the Germans. He was sure no battalion would do better than theirs when the opportunity came. Many of them, the Colonel added, had made great sacrifices of property and position, and in other ways, to respond to their country’s call, and the nation thanked them. There was hard work in front of them, and he hoped that in a short time he should be able to lead them against the enemy. He acknowledged the debt of gratitude they owed Mr. and Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen, who had spent time, trouble, and money in the nation’s cause.
The battalion arched to Liverpool street by way of Trafalgar Square, the Strand, Fleet-street, Cheapside, and Old Broad-street. The full band, consisting of 35 instruments, which have been presented by a member who desires to remain anonymous, led the way, and the drum, fife, and bugle section and the Brass Band of C Company, which has been enrolled at Exeter, also accompanied the battalion.
Devon Exeter Gazette
Au Revoir!
Yesterday the West of England Company of the Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers left Exeter, under the Command of Captain A. e. Dunn, after a lengthened period of training.
Devon Exeter Gazette
SPORTSMAN’S BATT.
EXETER DEPARTURE.
The “C” (West-Country) Company of the 24th Service Battalion Royal Fusiliers (2nd Sportsman’s), left Exeter yesterday morning tor camp. The men, numbering 323, assembled at the dinking fountain, in Sidwell-street just before 8 o’clock. Under the command of Captain A.E.Dunn, with Lieuts. Enderby, W. G. Perkins, and F. Templeman and headed by the band of 20, the men marched by way of High-street and Queen-street to S. David’s Station. En route the band, under Sergt. Brock, rendered in spirited fashion the marches “Soldiers of the King” and “Sons of Our Empire.” Despite the comparatively early hour, the streets were thronged with people, and the men were cheered enthusiastically. A special train awaited the men, who responded with a thunderous “No!” to the cry of “Are we downhearted?” Although the railway officials made some attempt to keep the crowds of civilians from thronging the platforms, the station was quickly filled with the friends of the “Tommies.” Cheers were given for the officers and Exonians, and the train, from the windows of which miniature flags were freely displayed, steamed out amid much enthusiasm.
The Times
2nd Sportsman’s Battalion
GOES TO CAMP
The 2nd Sportsman’s battalion will parade at the Horse Guards, Whitehall, at 10.45 to-day (Wednesday), and will march, via Strand, Fleet Street, Cheapside, Threadneedle Street to Liverpool Street Station, where they entrain for Harehall Camp, Romford.
Only 100 Vacancies. Sportsmen, Hurry up!
Apply to the Chief Recruiting Officer,
E. CUNLIFFE-OWEN, HOTEL CECIL, STRAND, LONDON, W. C.
Western Times
A GOOD SEND OFF
Departure of the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion
FROM EXETER
The 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion, which has been raised in the West-country through the instrumentality of Capt A. E. Dunn, and which has since its formation had its headquarters in Exeter, left the City yesterday to go into camp to complete their training for whatever service is before them. The send-off was as encouraging and enthusiastic as could well be, and the cheering crowds that thronged the streets were tribute to the popularity of the Battalion and to a fine body of men.
No won who saw the Battalion – fresh, smart, athletic, and fit as the men are – march through the City with that litheness and swing which betokens perfect physical fitness and vigour, could help congratulating Capt. Dunn on having the proud command of such a splendid body of men. In the best of spirits and keen for service, the men responded cheerily to the ready outbursts of the citizens, the waving of hats and handkerchiefs, and good wishes which were evident on every side. They were not downhearted: they said so themselves many times as they swung through the street between unbroken lines of civilians.
The “fall in” was at 8 o’clock at the top of St. Sidwell’s, and the Battalion mastered promptly and in full force. It numbers 323 of all ranks, and, besides the O.C., the officers are Lieuts Enderby, W.G. Perkins and F. Templeman, with Co. Sergt.-Major C. T. W. Finch.
The Battalion Band, under Sergt. Brock, was there to lead the way with martial music. The band itself, like the Battalion, has made splendid progress and now numbers 20. The played lively and patriotic airs, with “Soldiers of the King” and “Sons of Our Empire” among the numbers rendered.
The route take was through Sidwell-street, High-street, and Queen-street, passing the statue of Devon’s hero, General Buller, and then on to St. David’s Station, where a special train was in waiting. Numbers of friends managed to get on to the platform and there was much hand-shaking and exchange of wishes for good luck. To secure this latter for his battalion on stalwart member had been decorated with an old horseshoe tied with ribbon in the colours of the Allies, which, notwithstanding its hug dimensions, he bravely ad proudly wore upon his breast. The men were soon comfortably aboard the train, which, amid a perfect hurricane of cheering, steamed away on the stroke of 9 on its journey east.
London Standard
BASKET BALL.
An interesting match has been arranged between some members o f the Sportsman’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, commanded by Lord Maitland, and a London basket-ball team. The military side will include Hayes and Hitch, the well-known Surrey cricketers, and amongst their opponents will be J. G. Lee, who has taken an important part in the work of organizing Y.M.CA. recreation tents in various military centres, and Dr. Robert le Cron, the well-known ice-hockey player. No charge will be made to witness the game, which will take place at the Central Y.M.C.A. Tottenham Court-road, on Saturday, at 7.45 p.m.
Western Times
The 24th Royal Fusiliers (Sportsman’s Battalion) visited Crediton on Wednesday on a route march. About 300 men took part in the march, under Capt. A. E. Dunn and Lieuts. Enderby, Perkins, and Templeman. At the station they were joined by their band, who had come by train. From the station the men marched to High-street, where they were dismissed for three quarters of an hour. On their way to the town they were greeted by the children attending the Haywards Schools. Refreshments were provided at the Liberal Club. The battalion presented a very smart appearance, and greatly impressed the inhabitants.
Western Times
Wishing God Speed to West Country Sportsmen.
Captain A. E. Dunn is justly proud of the West-country men he has recruited at Exeter for the Sportsman’s Battalion. They paraded 280 strong, with their band, this week, and were inspected by the Mayor (Mr. J. G. Owen), who wished them “God-speed, great glory, and a safe return” before they leave for their training quarters in Essex. Our photos show the Mayor, with Captain Dunn and the councillors, inspecting the lines.
The Leavenworth Times
RICH; DRAWS ALLOWANCE
But lady Raphael Turns Money Over to Charity Fund.
London, Feb. 25. – (Correspondence of the Associated Press.) – Ever week Lady Raphael, one of the wealthiest women in London, draws the separation allowance of 16 shillings ($4), which the government allows to wives of enlisted men. Sir Herbert Raphael, Bart., member of the House of Commons and trustee of the National Gallery, is now Private Raphael of the 24th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, known as the 2nd Sportsmen’s Battalion, and when not in Parliament is busy drilling in a khaki uniform. He is fifty-six years old, but has led an active life physically by golfing, motoring and shooting. His appearance in a private’s dress in Parliament, of which he is the richest member, while a labor M.P. came there in uniform of an officer, caused considerable comment several weeks ago.
When asked why he enlisted as a private, Sir Herbert replied:
“Because I had no military experience, and I do not think it right to take a position unless one has acquired some experience. I also did it as an example to my constituency.”
He will have to give up his Parliamentary duties when his command moves into its new training camp in Essex, where huts are now being erected. Soldiering, he says, is a fine life and the best kind of exercise.
Lady Raphael adds her government money to her charity fund.
West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser
THE WEST-COUNTRY SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION.
The Westcountry Company of the 2nd Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which Capt. A. E. Dunn (formerly M.P. for the Mining Division) so splendidly recruited, were inspected at the Castle Yard, Exeter, on Monday, by Col. Western. The Mayor (Mr. J. G. Owen), addressing the troops, said they were men of Devon and Cornwall – Cornwall, whose motto was “One and All,” and Devon, whose motto was “Semper Fidelis.” He was sure that no matter in what tight corner they found themselves they would remember the mottoes of those two counties, and that they would bear in mind not only their oath of allegiance, but also the honour of the dear Westcountry to which they belonged. He was sure they would always uphold the honour of the flag, and in the name of the City of Exeter he wished them God-speed, great glory, and a safe return. – Capt. Dunn tendered his thanks to the Mayor, and, through them, to all the citizens, for the great kindness they had shown the company during the stay in Exeter.
Western Times
A SOLDIER’S DEATH
Funeral of a member of the Sportsman’s Battalion at Exeter
At his billet, in Exeter, on Wednesday, there passed away, after a short illness, one of the members of the very fine corps of Fusiliers being raised in the West by Captain A. E. Dunn, and known as the Sportsman’s Battalion. The funeral took place in Exeter yesterday with military honours, the whole battalion, about 200 men and officers, being in attendance under Captain Dunn. The Devon band, under Bandmaster Cox, preceded the gun carriage, playing funeral marches. The coffin, which enclosed the body, was covered with the Union Jack, upon which was placed the deceased soldier’s cap. A firing party was provided by the Devon Regiment, and the buglers sounded the “Last Post.” The Rev. F. W. Gegg was the officiating clergyman. The chief mourner was the father of the deceased, Mr. Powers, of Torquay. The polished elm coffin bore the following inscription on the breastplate: “Private Thomas Powers, of the Sportsman’s Battalion, Died February 36th, 1915, aged 20 years.”
Daily Mirror
CANNOT PUT IT DOWN.
Readers’ High Praise of New “Daily Mirror” Serial Story That Will Make Soldiers.
Our splendid new serial, with its stirring message and charm of romance, has made an instantaneous success!
It is always pleasant to know that our readers are pleased, and throughout yesterday there was abundance of proof of that “Richard Chatterton, V.C.” had found hearty favour.
There is no doubt that it is one of the best serials that have ever been published. Miss Ruby M. Ayers has accomplished a splendid piece of writing.
Many telegrams and letters of congratulation reached The Daily Mirror showing that our readers are in full agreement with our opinion that the new serial is a great story.
Sir William Robertson Nicoll, editor of the British Weekly, telegraphed: --
“The story opens excellently, and I am in the warmest sympathy with its object. It should be read by every shirker to shame him out of his inaction. I look to women with confidence o send their men to the field. I don not doubt you will show the way.”
Another telegram came from the Rev. A. J. Waldron, the vicar of Brixton and the author of “Should a Woman Tell?” His message was:
“Your new serial is very strongly written. It grips from the commencement. You feel that you cannot put it down; you must go on with it. It should prove of great value to both sexes – on behalf of enlistment particularly. I am very pleased to see that it deals with the woman’s side of the war.”
Major H. H. Enderby, Adjutant of the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion, wired: --
“Your powerful new serial, with its recruiting message, should attract everyone. The interest taken by your paper in the burning question of the hour – the enlistment of soldiers – is laudable in the extreme.”
The further you proceed with the story of “Richard Chatterton, V.C.,” the more you will realize that is it one of the greatest human serials every written.
Hull Daily Mail
HULL SOLDIER-MINISTER.
REV FRANK EDWARDS’ ADDRESS
FINAL OF “ENGLISH CUP.”
The Rev Frank Edwards, now sergeant in the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion in London, left Hull to-day after a brief furlough. Since the Rev Edwards enlisted, other ministers have followed his example. Formerly minister at Brunswick Wesleyan Chapel, Sergeant Edwards would hardly be recognized in his khaki, a well-se up broad figure with the ruddy glow of the open-air life on his face. He had not wasted his short leave, for yesterday afternoon he addressed a large gathering of men. The Rev Edward has had other experiences of being with the troops, for he was a chaplain, or “padrie” as the men say, in South Africa, and had the unique experience for a chaplain of being promoted by Lord Roberts to a captaincy on the field for distinguished conduct. In that campaign he got too near the firing line and was wounded. He joined the Sportsman as a private, and admits that, having had his title changed so many time, it is quite confusing. “I have been called so many names during the last month,” he said, “that I have difficulty in determining my proper title. It is a very short while ago, indeed, that I was minister at Brunswick Chapel. Then I joined the Sportsman’s Battalion as a private; I was promoted to lance-corporal, and swaggered about as such for a fortnight, when they made me corporal, and now I am on the list as a sergeant.”
GREATEST INTERNATIONAL GAME.
When the Rev Sergeant Frank Edwards yesterday afternoon, found himself on the platform of the King’s Hall he should have been inspired by his audience. The bottom of the hall was occupied by the members of the Brotherhood, and in the capacious galleries was a great proportion of the elder children of the 1,500 Sunday School scholars. It was no easy matter to address so diversified an audience, and Sergt. Edwards reminded them that it was a long time since he had addressed a public gathering. He was, however, soon at home, relating little incidents of the South African War, and deducing spiritual lessons. “We are all sportsmen in this great international crisis,” he remarked, “and God and our country is calling us to play the game – the greatest international game ever played. We are living in the greatest time since the birth of Christ. We are playing for the English Cup – the cup from which you and your children must drink for generations to come, and now is the time to determine whether it shall be the cup of liberty, freedom, and honour, or whether it is to be the cup of tyranny, oppression, and servile feat. God and our country is calling upon us to ‘play the game.’”
CALL TO MEN AND WOMEN.
The call which is now coming to us as men and women of England is to do our best for our country; and there is much in common with the call that also comes to us to play our part in the Kingdom of Christ in the great conflict with darkness all around us in this world. Speaking of his battalion, Sergt. Edwards remarked that one of the bases of it was sacrifice. They had men of all professions in it – men who had given up their professions and everything at the call of King, country, and duty. They had a member of Parliament and a millionaire as privates, and the latter was to be seen in his shirt sleeves like the rest, working at the humblest tasks. They had men from all parts of the world – Corea, Japan, South America, the backwoods of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Shanghai, Russia and Texas, and there had been some remarkable re-unions amongst these travellers.
Sergeant Edwards made a great impression with his address. He was accompanied by his wife, and on the platform were the Rev R. M. Kedward (president of the Brotherhood), Mr Fred Till (the chairman), Mr Fred J. Craft, Mr J. Brown (vice president), Mr R. H. lee, Mr Bowman (stewards), and others. Miss Winnie Henson sang a solo most effectively.
The Cornishman
LAND’S END VISITOR’S ADVENTURE
HOW HE FAILED TO ENLIST AT EXETER.
The story of how a well-known visitor at the Land’s End (who may indeed be regarded, almost as a permanent resident) failed to enlist, was told in the Exeter Police Court on Wednesday, when Duncan Cowen appeared in answer to a summons charging him with being a wandering lunatic and not under proper control in High-street Exeter.
Mr. Cowen is well-known in the Land’s End district. A gentleman of independent means, he stays for the greater part of the ear at the Land’s End Hotel, and owns shooting rights in the locality. He is also interested in poultry, and keeps a considerable number of fowls.
Chief Inspector Martin said that morning about 1:30 defendant went to a constable in High-street and said he had been given some bad drink. He was suffering very much and did not feel responsible for himself. The man did not appear to be drunk. He was brought to the police station and medically examined by Dr. Parsons, who gave a certificate than the man was strange in his mind, but not a lunatic. Now he was much better. His explanation was that he must have been drugged by something which was put in his drink, which made him feel bad. Under the circumstances the police asked that the defendant might be discharged from custody.
Defendant, a man between forty and fifty years of age, superior in appearance, and of fine physique, told the magistrates that he must have been given something bad to drink. He came from Penzance on Tuesday to enlist. He tried to join the D.C.L.I., and afterwards another regiment, but they would not pass him, owing to his eyesight. he then heard that a Sportsmen’s Battalion was being formed at Exeter, and came up on Tuesday to the recruiting office in High-street to offer himself.
Chief Inspector Martin told the magistrates that he believed that that was correct.
The Chairman: You are discharged.
The Times
MONEYLENDER’S SUIT.
JUDGE’S COMMENT ON CLAIM AGAINST STOCKBROKER.
In the King’s Bench Division yesterday, before Mr. JUSTICE BAILHACHE, Mr. Saut Tumim, a money-lender, trading and registered as S. Turner, sued Mr. Alfred Halford to recover a sum of money due under a promissory note given in respect of a loan made by the plaintiff to be defendant.
[…]
Mr. MARRIOTT said that Mr. Halford was a stockbroker. When the war broke out and the Stock Exchange was closed his business came to an end. He was 45 years of age, and he enlisted as a private in the Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, in which men above the military age of 38 were allowed to join. His pay was 7s. a week
[…]
Devon Exeter Gazette
Lieut. A. E. Dunn, of the Sportsman’s Battalion, spoke of the efforts he was making to raise a West-country Company as part of the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion, now being formed. He wished the “Exeter’s Own” movement every success, and pointed out that the two movements need not clash, as the “Exeter’s Own” had a different age-limit, while in the case of the Sportsman’s Battalion men could be accepted up to 45. He would be in Exeter recruiting for a few days, and hoped that men who were too old for Exeter’s Own, would be passed on to the Sportsman’s Battalion.
Western Times
A SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION
Effort to Interest Devon and Cornwall
During the next month a special effort is to be made to arouse interest in the Sportsman’s Battalion recently inaugurated in London, and which is recognised by the War Office, and is, in fact, a regiment of Regulars. In the Metropolis the scheme has met with such pronounced success that the first battalion, under Colonel Viscount Maitland, has been established, and a start made with the second battalion under Colonel Paget. It is for this second battalion that the special Western effort is now being made. Already three or four hundred members have joined, so that there is no time for delay if the West-country is to be adequately represented.
Among those who early joined the battalion is Mr. A. E. Dunn, who is so well-known in Exeter and the West, besides having a big connection in London. Mr. Dunn joined in the rank of a private, and for a couple of months took his part in the daily routine – rising at 6 for drill and march – after which he was pressed to take a commission. This he did, and hopes thereby to be even more useful in strengthening the battalion. In Mr. Dunn’s able hands has been placed the work of recruiting in Devon and Cornwall and in order to make the objects and possibilities of the battalion known he is arranging a series of meetings in town and country, of which more anon.
Meanwhile Mr. Dunn has granted us an interview, in the course of which he pointed out that it is his ambition to get a West-country Company. He recognises the love of country, and believes that when they know that they will be able to work together, with West-country officers who would be thoroughly alive to local traditions, sportsmen of all kinds and degrees will be eager to register. Sportsmen of every kind are eligible up to 45, and everyone who takes an interest in sport.
At present the 1st Battalion is encamped at Hornchurch, Essex, where barracks were specially built. They are the last word in building science, and everything has been done to secure comfort and to add to the efficiency of the troops. A short distance away huts are being constructed for the 2nd Battalion now being formed, and all the latest scientific developments in the sanitary science are being applied. Mr. Dunn has been given a very free hand with regard to the West-country Company. It is recognized that while in some instances the recruit will be able to at once proceed to London, in others a little time to settle up home affairs may be necessary. In such cases the recruit will be able to have the preliminary drills locally for, say, ten days or a fortnight, and then proceed to London, whence in a body they will proceed to camp. The attestation can be carried through immediately on enlistment. The headquarters in London are at the Hotel Cecil, while for the Western recruiting and office has been opened at Castle House, Castlestreet, Exeter, continuing open for a month. It is hoped and believed that the sportsmen will rally to the flag now that they are sure of sympathetic treatment, but Mr. Dunn hopes, naturally, that there will be an early response. Full particulars of the terms of service can be obtained from Castle House, Exeter. By-the-bye, Mr. Dunn expressed indebtedness to Mrs. Cunliffe Owen, who has financed and made the business arrangements for the Sportsman’s Battalion.
