January 11, 1915

Daily Mirror

DRILL IN A BALLROOM.

Recruits of the Sportsman’s Battalion Training at the Hotel Cecil.

PATRIOT FROM SHANGHAI.

Even ballrooms are being used now for war purposes, and where formerly dancers glided over the polished floors, recruits now march with heads erect and measured tramp.

It is on the beautiful dancing floor of the Victoria Hall in the Hotel Cecil that recruits to the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers receive their first lessons in drill.

After the new recruit has passed the medical examination the first order he receives is this: “Take this card and get measured for your uniform”.

He takes the card, which has his number on it, and goes to a West End tailors. where he is duly measured. Then he is initiated into the mysteries of drill in the ballroom.

In rubber soled shoes he is taught to right turn, right about turn, right incline, form fours, and march.

Then later he is sent with his company on marches through London and to drills in the courtyard at Somerset House or in Hyde Park.

These sportsmen are probably the most cosmopolitan body of men recruited for the new Army, comprising as they do swimmers, footballers, cricketers, cyclists, athletes, actors, theatrical agents and journalists in the ranks.

They have travelled from all parts of the world to join. One athletic figure, the bearer of which cannot be mistaken for anything but an old soldier, came from Shanghai. Another, who left England at a very early age, and who travelled the world for eighteen years, was in America at the outbreak of war. He came home immediately and joined.

More recruits are needed, and anyone with athletic qualification at all can join. The headquarters are at the Hotel Cecil. J.W.H.

The Victoria Hall, Hotel Cecil (date unknown)

January 10, 1915

The Fort Wayne News

STILL KEEN ON SPORTS

[...]

Since football was abolished in England most of the players have answered the popular demand and have enlisted for war duty. The Sportsman’s battalion, recently recruited, is composed very largely of crack football and polo players in the British Isles. Much is expected from this squad of soldiers, which now is being put through drills, because of the fact that all the men are athletes and able to endure much physical strain.

Some star cricket players are also numbered among the recruits in the Sportsman’s battalion. A son of Charley Mitchell, the veteran English pugilist, has enlisted, as have many of the boxers who have big reputations in England.

January 9, 1915

Daily Record

CHANNEL SWIMMER.

One of the recruits to the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion is “Professor” Ted Heaton, the well-known swimmer.

Devon and Exeter Gazette

Western Sportsmen

WHO ARE JOINING

THE NEW COMPANY

When the Sportsman’s Battalion in due course embarks for an unknown destination somewhere on the Continent there will be beyond all shadow of a doubt a full company – 250 strong – at least of men drawn from the West-country. Less than a month ago, the Battalion was hardly more than a name to many down here in the West, and extremely mistaken ideas were held about, even by those who had heard of it. For instance, the large majority looked upon it as more or less a corps formed with the vague ideas of, perhaps, at some future day being incorporated in the Army. Many thought it was an expensive matter to join the Battalion, and that only men with large purses could hope to obtain entrance within its ranks, and then only of they were cricketers, footballers, rowers, or followers of one or other branch of outdoor sport. But just over three weeks ago there arrived in the West, making his headquarters at Castle House, Castle-street, Exeter, Lieut. Dunn, well known in Devon and Cornwall, and his special mission it was to explain the aims and objects of the Sportsman’s Battalion, to clear up any misapprehensions which might have existed in regard to it, and to try and recruit a Company, to be termed the Western Counties Company of the Sportsman’s Battalion, which was, and is, making such wonderful progress away up in Hornchurch.

Lieut. Dunn lost but little time in explaining the real position in regard to the Sportsman’s Battalion. It was as much a part of the new armies as was the 11th Devons or other new Battalions, and its members received the same treatment , and would be accorded the same privileges as any Regular soldier. It was not composed of only those who could buy their own kits, and had private incomes, but every recruit, on joining, unless he preferred to buy his own outfit, was provided with the usual kit, and received the same scale of pay, and was entitled to the same separation allowance in respect to dependants as any other Tommy Atkins; while, of course, in case of disablement or death he would receive the same consideration as any other soldier. It was not necessary to be an ardent footballer or cricketer, a big game shooter, or, indeed, to be prominently associated with any branch of sport to join. Any fit man – who was a “sport” – and was between the ages of 19 and 45, could find a place within the ranks. Finally, it was made plain that the Sportsman’s Battalion, when complete, would be as much a unit of the Army as the Royal Fusiliers, to which distinguished regiment it is attached. In order to make known the objects of the movement, meetings were held, pamphlets and circulars were distributed, and the sympathy of the entire Western Press obtained. At the present juncture it is to be doubted whether there is a corner of Devon or Cornwall where the composition of the Sportsman’s Battalion is not known. Naturally, the work has entailed considerable trouble, but Lieutenant Dunn has the satisfaction of knowing that he is doing his King and country good service.

Perhaps one will ask, “Are the men of the West responding to the call? Are they desirous of seeing the West represented by a full Company in the Battalion?” Judging by the result of three weeks’ recruiting, especially when it is remembered that the Christmas holidays intervened,  Lieut. Dunn, Second-Lieut. Perkins, and Acting-Sergt. Finch, who are all working hard, have good reason to be satisfied with the progress made. Nearly 200 men have sent for application forms, and well nigh a hundred good men and true have passed the doctor, signed their attestation forms, and become enrolled in the Western Company of the Sportsman’s Battalion. Those who have enlisted have no desire, of course, to acclaim their loyalty to the world, and, consequently, we have been asked not to mention names, but we can assure our readers that men from diverse walks of life are at present drilling at Exeter as member of the “W.C.S.B.”. A well-known West-country Church of England clergyman has emulated the example of Bishops of olden days, and shouldered a musket in the cause of right; while a Wesleyan minister, well known in the West,
has given up his charge to fight for the honour of King and country. Local followers of sport who scan the ranks will have but little difficulty in recognising among those patriots the familiar figure of a member of the Exeter Football Club. Many who have come forward from the West are, however, no novices in the art of war. A Divisional Colonel, who fought in the South African War, a Captain and Adjutant, and many ex-N.C.O.’s can be found wearing the dress of a private soldier – and proud they are of the uniform. Indeed, when the Company marches away in full kit many war veterans will be found among its members.

The Three Towns¹ have done extremely well, more than 50 applications for particulars, forms, etc., having been received from the Port, and a good half of the applicants are now on the Company’s roll. So eager have some of the Plymouth applicants been to enlist that many have demonstrated much self-sacrifice. One man, who was extremely eager to fight for King and country, was debarred owing to his failure to pass the medical examination. The defect from which he was suffering was not incurable, however, but before he could become eligible for membership it would be necessary, the doctor explained, for him to undergo a somewhat dangerous and painful operation, which, if successful, would mean a “royal cure”. Without hesitation, the man expressed his willingness to have the operation performed, despite the fact that he would have to spend three weeks in hospital. He is now making rapid progress towards convalescence, and eagerly awaiting the day when he can take his place in the ranks. Cornwall and Devon generally have done well, a bright feature being the number of farmers and their sons who have made inquiries concerning the Company, or who have joined. As regards Exeter itself, Lieut. Dunn found himself in a bit of a difficulty when he first began his campaign, for he arrived when the “Exeter’s Own” movement was being held. Anxious not to injure this in any way, he has practically left the city alone until the present. Now, however, he is making a special effort in Exeter, ad in the course of the next few days special posters will be displayed in prominent places and appeals made for recruits. A few from the city have already joined, including the sons of prominent citizens, but there is still room for more, and Lieut. Dunn is confident that when the Company marches out from Exeter there will be many Exeter men included within its ranks.

It is hoped to take the men who have joined by January 14th up to London to join the Battalion, but this will in no way interfere with recruiting in the West, which will continue, until the Company is 250 strong. It is anticipated when the detachment leaves on January 14th it will consist of 150 men. The new headquarters of the 2nd Battalion will be at Brentwood, where everything possible is being done to make the men comfortable. They will not be far from the 1st Battalion, who, it may be remembered, are training at Hornchurch, not very far away. Until the first week in February the headquarters will be at the Hotel Cecil, London, while Lieut. Dunn will be pleased to answer all inquiries which may be made, either personally or by letter, to Castle House, Castle-street, Exeter. Second-Lieut. Perkins is busy recruiting in Cornwall, while a well-known Exonian in Mr. C. T W. Finch is acting-sergeant to the Company. As soon as possible after joining the men are fitted out with khaki, and well-fitting suits are [?]are. By the way, men who join the Sportsman’s Battalion will have the distinction of belonging to the only unit in the British Army, with the exception of the Ghurkas of the Indian Army, who recruit men up to the age of 45.

¹The Three Towns is a term used to refer to the neighbouring towns of Plymouth, Devonport and East Stonehouse in the county of Devon, England. They were formally merged in 1914 to become the Borough of Plymouth.

The First Sportsman’s Gazette – No. 3

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Congratulations from the press still continue to reach us as well as communications of a critical nature. In this latter connection the Staff of the Gazette would be pleased to receive suggestions for new features or notes of any kind, more especially from the many experienced journalists in the camp, which would help them in making the Regimental Journal worthy of such a unique battalion. We append a few more press reviews:—

The Daily News, December 26th, 1914.

“In a green cover, enclosing a score of pages of sparkling matter, the ‘First Sportsman’s Gazette’ is to hand. The journal of the '23rd (First Sportsman’s) Battalion Royal Fusiliers, those responsible for its publication, believe it to be the most interesting regimental gazette in existence.

Sir Robert Baden-Powell is represented by a contribution on ‘Scoutcraft in War,’ there is an M.A.P. column (a ‘Who’s Who’ of members of the battalion), poetry, fiction—and readable fiction, too!—a column of notes and news, and a joyous contribution under the caption ‘Things We Want to Know.’ ”

The Manchester Guardian, December 31st, 1914.

SPORTSMEN, IN TRAINING.

“This war has given us more than one unusual kind of literature; not only have we letters from soldiers and sailors who are fighting, but more formal essays from those who are waiting for their chances. Some of the Warships in the North Sea have their magazines, and how we have received the first number of the first volume of ‘The First Sportsman’s Gazette.’ This is the weekly journal of the 23rd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which is now in training in Hornchurch. It may be bought for three pence, but whether it will ever run to volumes is doubtful, for, though you may dot many things in the trenches, the publication of a journal is not one of them! It is well known, of course, that one of the advantages of this Sportsman’s Battalion is that it has a notable stiffening of men that are, comparatively, of ripe years, and it is well that there should be some safety valve of the kind. As Ulysses said, ‘Old age’—but let us say middle age—‘has yet its honour and its toil,’ and there are some ardent and intrepid men with whom the record of years is an irrelevant formality. The Sportsmen are a fine mixture of athletes and scholars, but though they run football clubs they do not bother about learned associations or debating societies. We can imagine some anxiety to keep scholarship out of the way as possibly tainted with that ripeness that men of action are shy to claim. But they are proud of one another, and this first number consists in some part of appreciations of men in the battalion. There are international footballers, county cricketers, champion scullers; one private is the son of a general, another is Mr. F. E. Smith’s brother, another is the Editor of the magazine and its poet. A sergeant (of Harrow and Trinity) expresses the belief that 20 per cent of the men in the battalion will not stand the training, but to the others he would give two or three weeks’ rifle practice, and then send them to the front; we should suppose that he means that they have their share of disciplines and discretions and more than their share of intelligence already. It is not militarism, as we have generally conceived it, for discipline to give the rein to criticism in this fashion, but these Sportsmen are ready to learn from one another. They are full of gaiety, too, and of jokes that have no offensive superiority about them; they make articulate the good fellowship that is common to our army.”

The Daily Express, January 5th, 1915.

“ ‘The First Sportsman’s Gazette’ is the name of a new regimental weekly journal promoted by Colonel Lord Maitland and the officers and men of the Sportsman’s Battalion. The first number contains some excellent articles, and the whole production reflects great credit on the Editor.”

The Privates’ Mess.

LIEUT. ROBERT DE VERE STACPOOLE.

A PERSONAL SKETCH.

The Quartermaster is the son of Richard Stacpoole, Esq., a well-known barrister, and a cousin of the celebrated author of “The Blue Lagoon,” and other novels which are as popular among the reading public as the subject of this sketch is in the Sportsman’s Battalion. Indeed, no officer serving with us possesses a livelier interest in the welfare of every individual, or is more proud of his association with the battalion! Those who have listened to his lectures to non-commissioned officers will best realise the dominant and intense personality of Capt. Enderby’s successor. A pleasing and cultivated voice, combined with animation and mobility of features, are the outstanding characteristics which draw and hold your interest, while behind and underlying the easy stream of words you sense something of the fire, the controlled enthusiasm of the man.

Lieut. Stacpoole belongs to that class of practical dreamers who are able by pure creative force to carry their dreams to successful realisation. This type is sometimes restless and variable—but it is the type which has made the Empire.

Lieut. Stacpoole had seen much military service before joining the Sportsman's Battalion. He is a cavalryman, having been successively in the 21st Hussars, now Lancers, and the 6th Dragoon Guards, with the latter of whom he went through the whole of the South African campaign. Like certain other of our members he is naturally somewhat disappointed that the battalion is not mounted, but even allowing for this he would rather be a private with the Sports than an officer in any other unit. With his customary generosity Mr. Stacpoole could not refrain from putting in a good word for his capable and hardworking chief-of-Staff, Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Scobell, and the writer left the two of them drawing up the Battalion menu for the following week.

W. J. H.

THE HOSPITAL.

Few things are more necessary for the well-being of a military force than an adequate and efficient medical and surgical service. This fact is self- evident in the case of troops in the field; though, perhaps it is not so generally recognised with regard to soldiers still under training and not yet sent out to the front. But a moment’s consideration will show that the health of a training camp is a matter of as much importance as is the health of an army in the field.

Indeed, apart from the question of wounds and of the hardship and exposure incidental to present day warfare, it is in the training camp that the main work of the medical officer has to be done.

For the camp-hospital must not be considered merely as an infirmary containing so many beds for the reception and care of sick soldiers, with an out-patient department attached for the treatment of minor disorders. It is rather the head-quarters of an organisation charged with the duty of keeping the whole camp and all the men in it in the highest possible state of sanitary and medical fitness. Ideals, it is true, are not always realised; but that is the ideal which an army doctor is bound to set before him.

For this, as for pretty well everything else, two things are necessary, men and material, and here at Hornchurch we are fortunate in both respects.

The two hospital buildings—containing respectively twelve and twenty beds, with the various incidental equipments required by modern service, form a very respectable mise en scene for the medical work of the camp.

It would be ridiculous to suggest that no improvements or additions are desirable, but taking everything into account, we may claim that our hospital does us no little credit. It is not now the time to speak of the preparations of extension and experience for the work of active service; these we hope to describe on a future occasion.

The Hospital, it is pleasant to record, is never crowded, and serious cases have been rare. Not a few of the ailments treated have been due simply to the ’failure of various Sportsmen to recognize that, though still strenuous, they are no longer slender or supple enough for leap-frog or other delights of physical drill. Other minor maladies must be attributed to the pinching of the proverbial shoe: it is not in a moment that feet can become “hard as nails,” especially if nails are sticking in them. Yet another sickness, less easy to deal with, is attributable to the wet. External in some instances, but too often, it must be admitted, internal. But at Xmas time we must be charitable. Medical Battalion parades passed away wet afternoons, and drew on the sea food supplies of the Hospital dispenser,

A rumour that D’eath has been in our midst is quite unfounded—or rather, we imagine, founded upon a punning pleasantry. For hospital life is not without its humours, and even its little jokes. The initiated alone, we fear, will have an opportunity of laughing at what was said when a certain engine was oiled. But perhaps I shall be more generally understood if I venture to conclude with a discreet allusion to the Sergeants’ mess.

An article on our Hospital would not be complete without remembering that all the comforts we have are due to the untiring efforts of Mrs. Cunliffe Owen, who has omitted no detail.

We ought to be proud of the Battalion as the percentage of sick is far below the average of any other Battalion of the same strength.

WALTER HILL,
          Medical Officer,
                    Lt., R.A.M.C.

Jan. 4th, 1914.

NOTICE FOR RECRUITS.

Any new recruits attached to Right Flank Company who desire a trial for any position in the Company football team should apply to Sergeant Williams, No. 7 Hut, or Pte. Higgins, No. la Hut. The Subscription for honorary or playing members is 2/-, and may be paid to Sergeant-Major Powney,

A RECRUITING MARCH.

Last Monday evening a column of the regiment, 200 strong, fifty men from each company, headed by the Colonel, the Adjutant, band and pipers, travelled by train to Barking. There parading the streets, it was halted at central locations, while Sir John Bethell, the Local Member of Parliament, made recruiting speeches. His audiences were largely composed of women and children, for the men of Barking were not biting. Not that they were gone already, for whatever the town’s enlistment figures may be, its streets were still full of young men. The best looking girls hung on their arms, and they remained callous to all blandishments.

The Sportsmen were entertained in a public hall to bread and cheese and beer, the band played, several songs were sung, and the Colonel in a short speech called for three cheers for Sir John Bethell for his hospitality. The recruiting column returned to camp about eleven o’clock.

CORRESPONDENCE.

HOW THE SPORTS FIT IN.

Dear Sir,

When looking through your admirable journal “The Sportsman’s Battalion” Gazette, the thought struck me how each branch of Sportsmen has a particular qualification.

Bowlers should be attached to “Transport” work where a good delivery is needed.

Batsmen usually make “scouters” run, sometimes making a “Hun dread” (excuse pun).

Tennis Players as are good for any “Service.”

Footballers can always reach the “Goal.”

Swimmers should be at home in the trenches.

Walkers could precede the transport wagons as they “cover the road well.”

Boxers generally make a “good impression.”

Fishermen could record the deeds of the regiment. They would not be then underrated.

While all know how to play the game.

          S. ROBSON.

PROCEEDS OF DRILL-HALL CONCERT.

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the. Committee of the Hornchurch Ladies’ Working Parties, I am writing to thank those members of the Sportsman’s Battalion who so kindly helped our funds by giving the splendid Concert in the Drill Hall on December 17th.

The Concert was greatly enjoyed by all present, and the amount realized by sale of Tickets and Programmes was £30 5s. 6d., which sum has been paid to our Treasurer, and in due course will be expended in the purchase of materials to provide comforts for our soldiers and sailors.

          Yours sincerely,
                    M. GARDNER,
                              (Chairman).

Total number of garments sent away up to date, 1,174.

MAINLY About PEOPLE.

Notes concerning members of the Sportsman’s Battalion.

Bucknall, B. E. (Sergt.)—Marlborough and Brazenose. Has had an interesting and successful career, the last twelve years of which have been spent farming in the Argentine. Sergeant Bucknall has played Rugger for Marlborough as well as represented his school in gymnastics at Aldershot. Shoots well and plays golf.

Cockell, Norman A. L. (Lieut.).—Lieutenant Cockell has a record of all-round sport difficult to equal. He has played polo for many years; while pig-sticking and hunting have brought him many bad accidents. He is a remarkably fine shot, and was the winner of the Tikari Cup and other prizes with the service rifle; has had the distinction of being the best shot in his regiment. He holds the world’s record with the Martini-Henry, and in addition is well-known as a game shot.

At ball games he has excelled; is a fine lawn tennis player, being three times runner-up in the all India Tennis Championship.

He has compiled 37 centuries at cricket, while at golf he has a plus handicap at Walton Heath, Princes’ and other golf clubs, and has won the last scratch aggregate at Walton Heath. He was knocked out in the amateur championship by the Irish champion after a very good match.

In spite of his exceptional proficiency in the above-mentioned departments, it is at billiards that Lieut. Cockell stands out, perhaps more than at any other game as being very far in advance of the average amateur. There is no doubt that he could easily have won the amateur billiard championship had he wanted to enter it. He was on an equality with the second-class pros., and once in a match of 1,000 up with Bennett he averaged 47 each visit to the table and won easily.

Although originally in the ranks of this battalion he has had 16 years previous service, and our own Battalion may well feel gratified in possessing an officer whose career and character are so appropriately connected with the name of Sportsman.

Ewart, M. (Private).—Professional singer and actor. Has lived much in South Africa, and was for some time in the Natal Civil Service. Subsequently entered the theatrical world, playing successfully in musical comedy. Was with George Edwards for nine years, four of them at the Gaiety Theatre, London. On the day, that war was declared he was in Johannesburg. When asked his opinion of soldiering Private Ewart declared that “ it is a better game than the stage as one is always sure of one’s grub and pay; all the same, if I come through the war, I’m going back to the footlights.”

Franklin (Sergeant-Postmaster).—Educated privately, read for the medical profession; served apprenticeship to chemist and druggist. Has travelled extensively; visited Greenland with Arctic exploring party. Was in the West Indies when Prince George was serving in the gunboat Thrush and opened the Jamaica expedition. Sergeant Franklin’s hobbies are revolver and rifle shooting, and wrestling. On one occasion he nearly lost his life in the embrace of a brown bear, owing to the misfire of a faulty cartridge, and on another he was shipwrecked. He has fought three duels and come out unscathed. Sergeant Franklin was in the Royal Garrison Artillery 1892-93, and has held a commission in the Colonial forces. He is the winner of many trophies for rifle shooting; a member of the National Rifle Association and the Society of Military Rifle Clubs; holds the Donegal Bronze Badge and other shooting distinctions; is a member of Lord Roberts’ National Roll of Skilled Marksmen, and a prominent Freemason.

Lawes, A. E. (Private).—Formerly a member of the Ranelagh Harriers Water Polo Team and Serpentine Swimming Club. Played for Middlesex County from 1891 to 1897, and in several trial international games; was chosen to play for the South of England against the North in 1894. Won the West End Association 1,000 yards championship in 1892.

Preece, T. C. (Private).—Linguist and traveller. Has spent many years on the Continent. Has often been with the French troops on manoeuvres. His intimate knowledge of France and Belgium should prove invaluable when the Battalion moves over the water.

Warner, D. R. (Private).—Educated at Bradfield. A motor-engineer by profession, who was for nearly three years engaged in the motor haulage business in Vancouver. Is a good shot, plays some golf, and is the most noted early riser in the battalion. Private Warner, who is a cousin of General Sir Douglas Haig, came nearly 6,000 miles to join the colours. He arrived in England one Sunday morning and on the following Wednesday morning he did his first drill at the Hotel Cecil.

THE CONNING TOWER.

ITEMS OF NOTES AND NEWS.

From a letter which we recently received from a friend now in training on the East Coast we extract two useful suggestions. He writes, “As a means of passing a pleasant hour or two, while at the same time gaining some useful knowledge, I can strongly recommend placing your huts or the buildings in which you are billeted into a state of defence. It is an occupation especially suitable for wet weather, of which we are having our full dose down here.” As it is not improbable that when we get to Germany we may occasionally have to defend isolated positions, or be trapped in farmhouses and have to hold them until relief arrives, we pass on the suggestion for all it is worth.

The other suggestion of our correspondent is that the Gazette organises a Battalion paper chase, say ten miles, starting two of our celebrated runners as hares. The writer concludes that “the first man should be home in under the hour, and it would greatly increase the interest if the event were fully reported in your columns and the names given of the first twenty in, together with their numbers.”

We congratulate our friend, G. V. Lewis, whose biography appeared in our M.A.P. column last week, on obtaining his commission in the 4th Dragoon Guards.

We learn that Brigadier-General R. O. Kellet who inspected the battalion just before Christmas, has issued a report very gratifying to our officers, complimenting all concerned upon their excellent behaviour on parade and general smartness during the inspection.

In our last issue we published a communication from An Admirer of Yankee Methods, and, although we do not accept responsibility for the opinions of any individual contributor, we must express regret that the communication in question lent itself to unfavourable interpretation.

Sergeant Cummings, late of the Grenadier Guards, is now definitely attached to the Sportsman's Battalion.

In printing Right Flank Company's Soccer team last week we described Pte. Eeman as of Antwerp University. There is no university at Antwerp, and the notice should have read Brussels University.

Regimental Sergeant-Major Merrick has just received a post-card from a friend in the trenches who writes that our first issue has been received there, and proved a welcome relaxation.

          THE LOOK-OUT MAN.

ON SALUTING.

The weakest point in the efficiency of the Battalion at the present time is saluting, and this is calculated to greatly mitigate against the opinion that Staff and other Officers might form of the Battalion; it is therefore deemed advisable to publish a few points in connection with the same through the medium of the Regimental Gazette.

1. N.C.O.'s and Men must invariably salute all Officers whether belonging to their own Regiment or not. A great many men do not salute if they think their salute is not likely to be observed, but this is entirely wrong, and can be no excuse for not saluting. N.C.O.'s and Men must salute even if the Officer be 50 yards or even more away.
2. If a party, or group, of N.C.O.'s or Men are standing together, the senior, or if the senior cannot be immediately decided on, any one of the group should call the party loudly to attention and salute, whilst the rest of the party would stand to attention facing the direction the Officer is about to pass.
3. If a N.C.O. or man should not be properly dressed, i.e., if he is not wearing his coat or his overcoat, or if he is without his cap, he will stand simply to attention while the Officer is passing. If he is meeting or passing an Officer, he will simply turn his head and eyes in the direction of the Officer.
4. When walking out in the street, all N.C.O.’s and men will salute with the hand furthest away from the Officer, taking the time, if more than one are together, from the N.C.O. or man nearest the Officer.
5. When walking out in the street and meeting a Regiment or party under an Officer, all N.C.O.’s and men will halt at the edge of the pavement and salute all the Officers as they pass, with the right hand. N.C.O.'s or men on duty walking along the street need not halt but simply salute the Officers with the hand furthest away, as if there were no troops passing.
6. If a N.C.O. or man happens to be smoking, the pipe or cigarette is to be held in the non-saluting hand while saluting. This is a most important rule and is very often disregarded.

RETURNING SALUTES.

An Officer seeing a salute will immediately return the same in a proper manner. Should there be two or more Officers together, only the senior Officer will return the salute.

January 8, 1915

Devon Exeter Gazette

Soldiers in Training.

Lieut. A. Edward Dunn, who is recruiting in Devonshire for the Sportsman’s Battalion, and Sergeant C. T. W. Finch, with a squad of recruits.

The Sportsman’s Battalion.

Recruits at Swedish drill in St. John’s School playground, Exeter.

January 7, 1915

Newcastle Daily Journal

SPORTSMEN’S BATTALIONS.

Mr A. E. Keys-Wells, 28, Church Street, Durham, writes:- Mr E. Cunliffe-Owen, Chief Recruiting Officer for Sportsmen’s Battalions, has asked me to urge men up to 45 years of age, of the upper and middle classes, to join at once. I want to obtain 30 men in the counties of Yorkshire, Durham, etc. Thirty joining together will share the same hut, and will form a small “pals” corps. Application forms and particulars can be had on receipt of a post-card.

North Devon Journal

SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION ROYAL FUSILIERS

DEAR SIR, - In consequence of the letter as to age limits of recruits, which you kindly published the other day, I have received a large number of enquiries.

These have convinced me that a great deal of misapprehension and uncertainty still exists in the public mind as to the status of, and conditions of enlisting in, the Sportsman’s Battalions.

May I therefore once more crave your indulgence to set out the following facts:-

1. The Sportsman’s Battalions are properly recognised units of the Regular Army, and their status is precisely the same as that of any other Regiment in His Majesty’s Forces.
2. No one enlisting in the Sportsman’s Battalion is required to make any subscription or donation to the funds. He is supplied with a full kit, including a complete khaki uniform, which he receives within a week of enlistment.
3. Being regular soldiers of the King, the “Sportsmen” receive the same pay, and their wives and dependents the same separation allowances, as other soldiers.
4. While the Sportsman’s Battalions are the only British Regiments recruiting up to 45 years of age, the minimum is still 19, so that all fit men between 19 and 45 can join.
5. Men wearing spectacles are eligible, provided that with their glasses they can pass the sight tests.

Yours Faithfully,

A. EDWARD DUNN, Lieut.
Recruiting and Enquiry Office, Castle House, Exeter, January 1st, 1915.

Daily Mail

HULL MINISTER WITH THE COLOURS.

A letter has been received by the “Mail” from the Rev Frank Edwards, who is now in London. He says: I have duly joined the Sportsmen’s Battalion, and am delighted with the comradeship of the men, and their keenness. They are drawn from all spheres of life, and comprise all types and professions. I met a clergyman of the Anglican Church, who told me that I was directly responsible for his joining, for he had seen the report in the Press that I had done so, and he at once decided to the same. I think I can transfer some of that credit on to your shoulders. Anyway, it shows how in various ways the Press assists in recruiting. No man can possibly do better than join the Sportsmen’s Battalion. It is a wonderfully fine body of men on the whole; all as hard as nails and keen as mustard. Another told me he had read my “farewell sermon” in a Hull paper sent him. I told him I had not seen it, and thought he was mistaken. Was any such report published? If so, kindly send me two or three copies. Please accept my sincere thanks for all the kind and most efficient help you rendered me in all my work in Jull by your courteous, unfailing, and most able services.”

Yorkshire Evening Post

THE JOURNALIST-RECRUIT.

Mr. C. E. Montague, of the “Manchester Guardian,” one of the ablest journalists of the day, has joined the Sportsmen’s Battalion for service at the front. Mr. Montague is not what would be called a “sportsman” in the usual sense, but he is a first rate climber, familiar with most of the Swiss snow-peaks and with the Westmorland and North Wales rock climbs, and keeps himself fit at home by tennis, cricket, and cycling. He is close on, if not already over, the age limit for service, but his physical activity is that of a much younger man. He was already in the Manchester special constables. Mrs. Montague is the only daughter of Mr. C. P. Scott.

January 6, 1915

Hull Daily Mail

LOCAL GOLFER JOINS THE SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION.

Photo by Boak, Bridlington.

Mr Henry Matthews is one of the latest to join the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers. He is a well-known young member of the Newland Golf Club, having in a short time earned many laurels with his club. He was one of the youngest golfers to win that splendid trophy, the Hamworth-Booth cup, last year, and this year created a surprise at the Newland Opening Meeting by returning a remarkable score of 7 up on bogey, despite his handicap being pulled two a few days before. He also has the reputation of being one of the longest drivers in the district. He has held his position in the team matches, which he considers is one of the most sociable sides of golf. He is very keen on athletics and open air, and very enthusiastic on non-party politics. He hopes that more golfers will join this battalion.

[...]
Punch

A Step in the Right Direction

Join the Sportsman’s Battalion, Royal Fusiliers

Colonel-in-Chief – THE KING.

Officers Commanding –

1st Battalion: COLONEL VISCOUNT MAITLAND (His Majesty’s Bodyguard)

2nd Battalion: COLONEL A. de B. V. PAGET (His Majesty’s Bodyguard)

Both Battalions are sanctioned and authorised by the War Office, and afford a splendid opportunity for 2,000 British Sportsmen – Stockbrokers, Engineers and City men to take a step in the right direction and join their brother sporting-men in arms.

Age 19 to 45.

Hotel Cecil, London

E. CUNLIFFE OWEN, C.M.G., Chief Recruiting Officer.

Show the King’s enemies what British Sportsmen are.

January 2, 1915

Dundee, Perth, Forfar, and Fife's People's Journal

THE SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION.

The special effort which has been made during the past few days to obtain local recruits for the Sportsmen’s Battalion has had a very encouraging result, the ranks of the battalion having been increased by a number of recruits, who include professional and business men and skilled artisans. Two pipers have also been secured, and are exceptionally welcome as future members of the pipe band.

The success of the recruiting effort has encouraged the promoters of the battalion to extend for another few days the opportunity that is being offered to Dundee men to join this excellent unit of the forces. Men who can play brass instruments are asked for, as they are need to form a brass band, while there are vacancies for more pipers. For everyone eligible for service, however, and who desires to help the country during the period of the war, the Sportsmen’s Battalion holds out special inducements.

The First Sportsman’s Gazette – No. 2

CHRISTMAS IN THE CAMP.

By Our Special Correspondents.

I.—CHRISTMAS MORNING.

I have spent many queer Yuletides—one in Samoa, another in a lumber camp in B.C., another in a German hospital in Africa—yet I think I shall remember more vividly than all of them this last Christmas at Hornchurch. The gaily decorated huts; the visitors; the groaning tables of good cheer; the genial conviviality of officers and men; toasts and cheers, sport and sword dances, champagne and girls—when I think of these things I am amazed. Men from the East and West; men who have run great business houses, financed powerful enterprises, built and mined and sapped in all quarters of the globe; lawyers, doctors, journalists, engineers,—all these were content to remain in little tin huts singing a few songs, drinking the health of present comrades and absent friends. And all for King and country, and that queer chivalry which is characteristic of our race!

Early in the morning the men were astir, cleaning, sweeping, preparing the place for visitors. Everyone lent a hand. There were no hut orderlies on Christmas Day. By eleven o’clock all was ship-shape and the visitors were beginning to arrive.

Dinner! In most of the huts this exceeded the power of pen to adequately describe. Turkeys, game-pies, hams, beef, Christmas puddings, sweets, champagne, coffee, cocktails—a menu as complete as it was satisfying.

The Colonel came round between 1 and 2 o’clock, accompanied by the Adjutant, the Medical Officer, the Quartermaster and others, not omitting McCluny our popular piper. Toasts were given and the loving cup passed from hand to band. This was a very successful part of the day’s entertainment for some of the younger officers.

AVANTI.

II.—CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS IN THE HUTS.

Several of the huts were most originally and artistically decorated for the festive season. Huts No. 1a, 13, 15, 19, and the Abode of Love were among the most admired. It would be extremely hard to decide which of them should be awarded the place of honour, but Hut No. 1a certainly was A1. The table decorations in this hut were very elaborate; the piled arms in the centre of the table lending a military aspect to the festive board. The Walrus and the Carpenter were present at the banquet and did ample justice to the oysters,

In Hut 15 the mottoes were exceptionally choice, and among the most noticeable were: —

“All is not beer that’s bitter.”
“Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.”
A soldier’s countersign, “Nothing to come.”

Hut 19, otherwise known as Harmony Hall, looked very bright and gay with its Christmas bells and festoons of many colours, on which were hung Chinese lanterns. The popularity of our Regimental Sergeant-Major was testified by the motto “Merrick the Meritorious.” We noticed over the door the grim legend “We are Hundertakers.”

G.B.C. & J.W.R.M.

III.—THE CONCERT AND DANCE.

The great tussle in the football match, fully described in another column, had scarcely concluded, or rather, been postponed when, as if by magic, the rifle range was filled with visitors.

It was, unfortunately, impossible to find room for all who besieged the entrance.

The concert, due to commence at 4 o’clock, opened with a seasonable song, “Blow, blow, thou winter wind,” by Corpl. Gille, which justly merited the round of applause it received. Then Sergt. G. Almond gave a cornet rendering of “The Flight of Ages,” which was much appreciated, and as an encore, he excelled himself in that well-known song “Until.”

Special mention must be made of Pte. Ewart’s sympathetic singing of “A Little Grey Home in the West.” Pte. Ewart, who is a well-known professional singer, possesses a voice of rare charm, and his singing on this occasion did not fail to create a deep impression. Although called back several times for an encore, Pte. Ewart was unable to respond owing to lack of time.

Undoubtedly the most appreciated item of the programme was the Colonel’s sword dance, which was positively great, and astonished every member of the audience. There is no doubt about it, Lord Maitland is a superb dancer.

Other artistes included Privates Chilmayne, Pollard, Hadden, Curie and Davey, the irrepressible Sergeant Noyes, and Sergeant Reece. The stewards were Sergeant Jourdain and Private Davey, and the accompanists Privates Turner and Chilmayne. The committee are greatly to be congratulated on the complete success of all their arrangements.

There remains only the ball to describe. Everybody was there; everybody danced; everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves; everybody wants another ball. That is practically all there is to say on this subject, unless we mention the fact that several officers distinguished themselves, made speeches in the supper room, and were chaired round the hall. Long live Christmas!

EYE-WITNESS.

FOOTBALL TEAMS.

No. 1 Right-Flank Company’s Team.

Goal.	Kirtain, Kent County.	? W. Kirton (SPTS/937)
Backs.	Higgins, Queens Park Rangers (Capt.) Steele, Bath City & Carlisle United. Bentley, Halifax Town.	Dennis Higgins (SPTS/435) ? Fred J. Steele (SPTS/108) ? J. Bentley (SPTS/475)
Half-Backs	Williams, Bristol Rovers (Vice-Capt.) Walker, Kent County. Farr, Leominster.	Louis Williams (SPTS/261) John Phillip Farr (SPTS/478)
Forwards.	Lewis, Swansea. Bates, Leeds City (Secry.) Fatt, Ilford. Hughes, Llandrindod Wells. Emann, Antwerp University.	? G. V. Lewis (SPTS/359) W. E. Bates (SPTS/919) Charles Henry Fatt (SPTS/1093) Leon Eugene Eeman (SPTS/280)

GOLF NOTES.

On Boxing Day a Golf Match had been arranged between a Battalion side and a side representing Romford Town. But, unfortunately, the weather was so inauspicious that most of the games had to be abandoned after the ninth hole. The only players who went right round were G. V. Lewis and his partner, Lewis winning his match by 1 up, after being 2 down and 4 to play. That hard and stalwart Scottie, W. G. Buchan, carried for Lewis and undoubtedly encouraged his man. The games were played on the Romford Club’s ground at Gidea Park, and the Battalion Team included the Adjutant (scratch), Lewis, the Hon. B. Butler, Hodd, Toogood, Stevenson and Bretherton. Hodd is a well-known golfer and the brother of Miss Hodd, who has won championships in archery, tennis and golf, an unsurpassed record for a woman. Toogood, who also won his game, is a noted professional. The Hon. B. Butler, who was all square at the turn, but abandoned the game at the 9th hole, is a clever amateur, while Bretherton is a plus 4 map and the winner of many scratch prizes,

MAINLY About PEOPLE.

Notes concerning members of the Sportsman’s Battalion.

Boys, Graham (Corporal).—Actor and professional singer. Lieut, in 1st Herts Territorials for six years. On the outbreak of war Corporal Boys applied to rejoin his old regiment, but there were no vacancies. Has visited and acted in many Continental towns. Went to Paris with Philip Carr’s company to open the Little English Theatre. It is interesting to note that Philip Carr himself is now serving with the Manchester Regiment as an interpreter. Corporal Boys has two brothers in the Army, one of whom is a doctor. His sports are lawn tennis and billiards.

Driver, G. D. (Private).—An Irishman and a Quaker. Well-known tennis player and umpire at Wimbledon; is a mechanical engineer, and, a member of the London Stock Exchange. Private Driver has travelled extensively.

Holloway, W. S. (Private).—Bedford. A mining engineer who has visited and lived in most countries, particularly in the Far East. He was for some years General Manager of the British Mining Concessions in Korea, and was in that country during the Russo-Japanese war. When the present war broke out Private Holloway was in Hungary.

Lewis, G. V. (Private).—A real sportsman who has hunted, shot and fished in many parts of the world. Won the Freshers’ Heavyweights at Cambridge (Trinity). Plays an excellent game of golf, and has gone in for archery. Private Lewis carried off the Trinity handicap at tennis with A. F. Wilding in 1904. Has lived in California for ten years, and travelled widely in Egypt, South America, Canada, Palestine, etc.

Maw, F. D. (Private).—Tonbridge and Crystal Palace School of Engineering. Is a civil engineer and director of several important companies, his interests being mainly in commercial and industrial railways and the manufacture of tiles. Private Maw was at one time captain of the well-known Kenley football club. His hobbies are fishing, shooting, and tennis. In company with a group of coal owners he has been accused in the press of providing a Zeppelin base in the Chiltern Hills, an accusation which, needless to say, he has had no difficulty in refuting.

Moore, C. A. (Private).—Master-mariner; has lived on the sea for over twenty years, commencing his career on the old Worcester when he was thirteen years old. Has been round the Horn eight times. His hobby is yachting, and his one trouble is a vague doubt as to the possibility of ever making an old sailor into an old soldier.

Nevill (Private)—No information forthcoming at present. Believed to be a relative of Gaby Deslys.

Osborne, E. (Private).—King Edward’s School and Masons. Has had a varied life in the tropics as a merchant in rubber, oils, ivory, etc., most of the time in the German Cameroon district. His business interests extend all along the line of the new Cameroon Railway, and he is the only Englishman who has travelled from one end of the line to the other. Private Osborne’s hobbies are motoring and elephant hunting.

Vincer, E. (Private).—Marine Engineer. The only Englishman in modern times who has been into the bull ring in Spain or elsewhere and killed his bull in open fight. This was at Carthagena in the summer of 1913, and was in reply to a challenge from the local athletes, who averred that no Englishman would have the courage to engage in a bull fight. We hope to induce Private Vincer to relate the full story in a subsequent issue.

Worship, N. (Private).—Rugby. A tea planter; has resided in Ceylon for upwards of twenty-two years; shoots and rides well.

THE HOSPITAL.

It might seem at first sight unnecessary to describe so familiar an institution. But a Military Hospital is not like an ordinary hospital. It has its special rites, like the Quartermaster’s Stores; and the Pay Office. Before being admitted into a Military Hospital you have to go sick. You must go sick at a certain specified hour. This does not necessarily mean that you must be sick. But you must go officially sick at a certain time, generally about 9 a.m., no matter what time you really began to feel sick or ill. This rule is relaxed in serious cases, such as broken leg, cholera, etc., when you may go sick at any time. Soldiers who go sick are formed up in a waiting-room, stripped to the waist and with bare feet. Care must be taken at this stage to prevent Go sick developing into Be sick. A soldier is allowed to attend the hospital, without being actually admitted, and may be given “Medicine and Duty ’'’—that is to say he must go on with his duty but be filled up with medicine, or he may be given “light duty.”

An officer who “goes sick” must go to hospital or be confined to his room; in any case he cannot use the Mess whilst he is officially “sick,” even though that term may only cover an attack of neuralgia or a bad toe. It is thought that this is due to a mistaken idea of the term “sick,” and that the clerk who drew up the King’s Regulations years ago quite naturally thought that an officer must not be sick in the Mess, though it would be an excess of refinement to prevent a man being- sick in a barrack-room. Consequently the anomaly has crept in that an officer who goes “sick” must be a whole-hogger, and not show himself outside his quarters. The natural result of this rule is that the officer who goes “sick,” say for a bad knee, becomes really ill from eating cold and scrappy foods left over from the Mess table, and so finally has to be admitted into hospital, suffering from varied complications. An agitation was set on Toot a short time ago to get the new clerk at the War Office, who is so fond of altering the King’s Regulations, to get the officer placed on the same footing as the man as regards attending hospital. After careful consideration, however, he decided, after consultation with the General Officer in charge of “Operations ” at the War Office, that the experience gained by the Medical Officers in the treatment of these unusual maladies was too great to be thrown away on insufficient grounds. The officers, therefore, will have to continue going thoroughly sick for the good of the Service.

The food at a Military Hospital is prepared and apportioned according to a fixed code of laws, called Diets. All have to obey the Diet Law; even the Medical Officers themselves cannot afford to break it in favour of any patient, without incurring the wrath of the local Superior of their Sect.

There are various diets, such as chicken, fish, meat, vegetables, etc., etc, "It is absolutely forbidden to mix the diets. Thus chicken diet includes potato chips, and vegetable diet includes cabbage, beans, etc., etc., as well as potatoes; but the patient cannot have cabbages with his chicken, as he can only enjoy one diet at a time, even if the longing for cabbages should send him into a rapid decline.

SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

During the week the Battalion Association Football Club has played several matches. The Competition for the Commanding Officer’s Cup took place on Christmas Day. In the morning two ties were played, No. 1 Company meeting No. 4, and after a fast and hard game, No. 1 defeated No. 4 by 5 to nil. The Referee was Regt. Sergt-Major Merrick. The second tie was worth watching and for a time neither side could gain any advantage. No. 2, however, 'lasted well, and despite the splendid half-back play of Lieut. Hayes and Private Littlewort for No. 3 Company, they gained a fine victory by 3 goals to nil. The Referee was Private F. C. Buxton.

At 2.30 p.m. on Christmas Day the struggle began for the Cup in the final tie. At the match between No. 1 and No. 2 Companies, which was' attended by Viscount Maitland and the Officers, both teams gave a fine exhibition of fast, vigorous and clean football, and so evenly were the teams matched that after twice extra time the match resulted in a draw (one all). In such a game, where all played so well, it would be invidious to make any distinctions. The Referee was Private Littlewort.

On Saturday the Battalion played Clapton, the winners of the Amateur Cup. The Clapton ground was covered with miniature lakes, which caused the (game to be rather slow, and after the very hard games on Friday the Battalion Team did not start with the usual dash, being 2 goals down at half time. In the second half the Battalion Team, like real sportsmen, rose to the occasion and played with great vim and cleverness, Clapton during this period rarely getting beyond the halfway line, Lieut. Hayes and Private Littlewort proving a serious stumbling block to the Clapton forwards. Hendren scored from a penalty for a bad foul near the post on Bramley, and a few seconds from the finish, from a fine burst by all the forwards, ably assisted by the backs, Bramley headed into the Clapton goal, making the game a draw. Score: Clapton 2; Sportsman Battalion 2.

It is expected that with the consent of the Commanding Officer the outstanding tie for the Maitland Cup will be played at an early date in, the New Year, when both competing teams can play at full strength.

On Saturday, January 2nd, the Battalion Team' play London Caledonians at Tufnell Park, and January 9th, Dulwich Hamlet, at Dulwich.

The Hon. Secretary would like all members to pay their subscriptions at an early date.

THE CONNING TOWER.

ITEMS OF NOTES AND NEWS.

The Gazette wishes heartily to congratulate Sergeant Signaller J. Taylor on the splendid record achieved by his family in connection with the King’s forces. He himself is an old Scots Guardsman, temporarily attached to the Sportsman’s Battalion, and has five sons serving either in the Army or the Navy. Two of them are in the Royal Field Artillery; one is serving on H.M.S. Lion; another on H.M.S. King George V.; and one is in the trenches with the London Scottish. This we believe, is a record, difficult to equal—if it can be equalled—by any other battalion in the British Army.

Can anyone solve the following? My first is a cape; my second a captain; my whole a village.

Private W. E. Starkey has two sons serving in the Army, one of whom is now in the trenches.

Hut 20 is to be congratulated (or commiserated) on the number of its members who have recently been commissioned. There are Lieutenants Hillcoat and Taylor, who have remained with our own battalion; Lieut. G. M. Brown, now of the Gordon Highlanders, and Lieut. C. L. Green, of the Essex Regiment.

Privates Ritchie, Steedman and Kemp, have recently journeyed over 3,000 miles from the Malay States to join the Sportsman’s Battalion. We understand that they have been associated in business and travel for very many years, and we sincerely hope that they will all use the return halves of their tickets from Berlin. Good luck to the Three Musketeers !

We congratulate Sergeant C. Denton upon his recovery from a very acute attack of bronchitis.

Our second list of notable men who have joined our ranks is not yet complete, and is therefore held over for the week.

Mr. and Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen demonstrated their continued interest in the battalion by coming down to the camp on Christmas Day.

Lance-Corporal Rice is to be congratulated on the fact that of all the Gazette’s agents he was the most successful.

The following label attached to a Christmas parcel (which fortunately reached its destination) strikes us as distinctly original. It runs : —

          Ralph Beard, Esq.,
                    Box 16,
                              Public School Batt.,
                                        The Camp,
                                                  Horn castle.

THE LOOK-OUT MAN.

ANY COMPLAINTS.

Dear Mr. Editor,

Permit me a few pertinent words. I am a Scotchman who has lived for ten years in the States. I joined the Sportsman’s Battalion exactly seven weeks ago. So far I have received a pair of trousers too tight for me, a tunic too large, half a set of underclothing (the most essential part missing) and no badges of any kind whatever. When I visited some friends in London a few days before Christmas, they were convulsed with merriment at my appearance, and said that if the others in the Battalion were fitted out in a similar fashion the Germans would be annihilated when they saw us.

Another point, Mr. Editor, during my stay here. I have on three occasions been detailed to fatigue work in the canteen; and I think it is nothing- short of a scandal that men from the battalion should be compelled to scrub floors, etc., for a private contractor, while his own employees stand by and watch. On the same principle why not detail a few of us to clean the floors of the White Hart ?

Finally, to my Americanised instincts the method of dealing out coal adopted by the Sportsman’s Battalion seems most stupid and unwieldy. Instead of allowing the hut orderlies to fetch coal in: boxes of varying sizes, why not arrange with a coal merchant to deliver a standard quantity per week to each hut on specified days ?

I won’t trespass on your valuable space much further, except to say that in my judgment the men in the battalion are just the finest crowd I’ve struck in my wanderings. The only thing that’s wrong is the method and the organisation, and I guess old England will have to get a move on if she wants to win this blamed war.

Yours,

ADMIRER OF YANKEE METHODS.

[Editor’s Note:—We are not responsible for the opinions of any individual contributor. We would advise our Yankee friend to exercise patience, a very useful virtue in the trenches. There are many units who have been in training equally as long as we have, and haven’t even a shoulder strap between them. With regard to canteen fatigues and coal issues, we will express no opinion this week, but we may have occasion to refer to them later.]

January 1, 1915

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.