London Evening News
1st and 2nd SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION
ROYAL FUSILIERS.
Colonel-in-Chief .. .. THE KING
2000 Sportsmen wanted from the upper and middle classes
At Once.
30 Friends joining together will share the same hut.
Age 19 to 45.
Commanding Officers:
1st Battalion - COL. VISCOUNT MAITLAND (His Majesty’s Bodyguard).
2nd Battalion - COL. A. de B. V. PAGET (His Majesty’s Bodyguard).
Head Office: HOTEL CECIL, LONDON, W.C.
Chief Recruiting Officer: E. CUNLIFFE-OWEN, C.M.G.
Dundee Evening Telegraph
The Sportsmen’s Battalion.
The Sportsmen’s Battalion is calling for three or four pipers, and although Dundee and district have provided a goodly number of masters of the war pipes it should be possible to get another quartette of pipers for this crack corps. There seems to be an idea that the Sportsman’s Battalion is composed of millionaires. But this is erroneous. There are wealthy men serving as privates in the corps. but there are professional men, and men who have hurried home from distant lands and have given up good positions and incomes in order to join the Sportsmen’s Battalion. All that is asked for is that recruits shall be fit men and “white men” – that is men who will make good pals and be prepared to train and when the time comes, as it will come soon, to do their bit. The Dundonian member of the S.B. who is in Dundee is ready to give full information concerning the corps.
Dundee Evening Telegraph
The Sportsmen’s Battalion.
A Dundonian who has hurried home from India to do his bit in the big struggle is to visit Dundee this week to engage in recruiting for the Sportsmen’s Battalion. Fit men not over 45 years of age are eligible for this special corps, of which Lord Maitland is the leader, and Dundee should provide some good sportsmen fit for active service in a crack corps. One of Lord Kinnaird’s gamekeepers has joined the battalion to serve as piper and fighter.
Arthur Kinnaird, 11th Lord Kinnaird, was President of the Football Association for 33 years, and played competitive cricket past his fiftieth birthday. He lost two sons in the First World War.
Manchester Evening News
STALKING AND SOLDIERING.
The Chief Scout’s Advice.
The 1st Sportsman’s Battalion have not been long in starting a regimental paper, and if the first number is a fair sample of what can ordinarily be done by them their weekly “Gazette” promises to be as bright and interesting as any publication of its kind. Among the contributors is Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Robert Baden-Powell, who naturally concludes that the members of the Sportsman’s Battalion must include many big game shooters and backwoodsmen, and he emphasises the great value in war of the arts of stalking and tracking, woodcraft, and marksmanship. “Experiences of the present campaign,” he writes, “show that more than ever is it desirable for his own sake and for that of the country, that every man should have the training of the scout. The opportunities for individual enterprise are frequent—each man has to be not only a good shot but also a good stalker in order to get his chance of a shot; some thousands of those reported ‘ missing ’ would be fighting in the ranks to-day had they had a trained eye-for-a-country. The splendid work done by our ‘observation’ men creeping to forward positions, sometimes a thousand yards to the front, with their telephones, means stalking ability of a high order; much of our success in trench fighting is due to night-attacks by small groups of men accustomed to find their way in the dark—and noiselessly; in a hundred and one ways does scouting come in towards efficiency for modern fighting. Yet it is a thing that can not be picked up from books; it can only be imparted by those who have practised it in the jungle. I cannot exaggerate the importance of your recognising your present exceptional opportunity when there must be so many practised instructors, and so many keen and ready pupils in your ranks. Don't neglect the chance.”
The Ballarat Courier
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION
"TO BERLIN VIA HORNCHURCH."
BENDIGO, Tuesday.
Mr Frank Hill auctioneer, of Bendigo, and a prominent member of the Bendigo Jockey Club, has received a letter from his brother. Mr H. Hill, who has enlisted in the Sportsman’s Battalion in England.
The battalion, he says, consists of 1200 men, the age limit being 45 years. It is a mounted force, and the conditions provided for men able to ride and shoot well. The battalion was given an enthusiastic send-off in London when leaving for its camping quarters at Hornchurch, Essex. A London paper, referring to the departure of the battalion, stated that the temperament of the men was suggested by the van in the transport bearing the words “To Berlin via Hornchurch”.
THE COMMANDING OFFICER AND THE ADJUTANT.
Colonel Viscount Maitland and Capt. H. J. H. Inglis.
These two officers, to whom the Sportsman’s Battalion already owes so much, need no introduction to the readers of the Regimental Gazette, whose Editor wishes to take this opportunity of placing on record his admiration for the careful thought and organisation which have made our first weeks of training so conspicuously successful. The committee at the same time wish to express their thanks for the assistance and encouragement which have been given them in bringing out this first number of our Battalion journal.
Lord Maitland’s career as an officer in the Scots Greys and Scots Guards is too well known to call for repetition here. During the South African War the Colonel served as an Adjutant of cavalry, subsequently commanding the City of London Yeomanry for seven years. He is a member of the King’s Body Guard, and among his decorations is that of Officier d’Academie de France. Lord Maitland is a very fine rider, an enthusiastic polo player, and a good shot. He is reputed to be one of the best billiard players in the army. In younger days he often played for the M.C.C. at cricket. When asked to express his opinion of the First Sportsman’s Battalion, the Colonel replied, “ I am proud to command them, and I consider that we can justifiably call ourselves one of the corps d’elite of Kitchener’s Army, by reason of our high average of physical hardihood, our fitness, and our enthusiasm. The discipline on the whole is excellent, and I believe we shall give a good account of ourselves when we eventually reach the firing line.
I only hope the men will not forget the question of esprit de corps. Many of them are qualified for commissions and could render their country great service as officers, but on the other hand, if the battalion is ever to reach the front we must stay and work together, in the spirit of sacrifice that has been so nationally conspicuous since the outbreak of war. Death may wait for some of us out yonder in Flanders or Germany, but it will be death on the field of honour, where Field Marshal and private are one in a bond of common trial and fellowship.”
The Adjutant, whose cheeriness rarely deserts him even amid the trying and arduous duties which accompany the business side of military organisation, re-echoed the Colonel’s sentiments on this and other matters. Capt. Inglis possesses a genuine —almost proprietary—admiration for the battalion. In the course of his duty it may occasionally fall to his lot to grumble or be arbitrary, but behind it all he recognises the personal sacrifice, the patriotism, and the underlying chivalry of the men who have come from all quarters of the globe to play their part in this epoch-making struggle.
Capt. Inglis has many sporting qualifications for membership of a battalion such as ours. He has held the Championship of Scotland at Badminton (men’s doubles) for the last three years. Further, last year he gained the mixed doubles and the Open Championship of Scotland. His other games and sporting pastimes include Soccer and Rugby, fishing and shooting, golf, lawn-tennis, and billiards.
The First Sportsman’s Gazette and all its readers sincerely hope that when we march back to the Coal Hole from Berlin, Lord Maitland and Capt. Inglis will still be leading us.
JOHN MERRICK.
A Personal Appreciation.
The Battalion Sergeant-Major is a leader of men who has achieved success because of sterling qualities and not by reason of bounce and bully as is unfortunately so often the case in all spheres of energy. A ready wit; perfect control; an inexhaustible fund of dry but good-natured satire; a quick and sympathetic understanding; and, to use one of his own expressions, “keenness and ginger" — these are the things which have enabled John Merrick to win through to the highest non-commissioned rank in the British Army, and which will yet carry him further in his chosen profession. Merrick entered the army in 1890, joining the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment. From
1891 to 1901 he served in Malta and India, being invalided home in the latter year as the result of an attack of dysentery. During those ten strenuous years he had attained to the rank of sergeant. On arrival in England he joined the home battalion then stationed at Shorncliff, proceeding again to Malta in April, 1904. In 1906 he became Colour-Sergeant or, as it is now termed, Company Sergeant-Major, and in the same year returned from Malta to Dover. On the 22nd July, 1914, Merrick was discharged to a pension and soon after took up a position as caretaker to the Kent Territorial Force Association at Maidstone. His retirement was not to last long, however, for on the 10th October, 1914, he returned to the colours as a member of the Sportsman's Battalion with the rank of Company Sergeant-Major. His promotion to the rank of Regimental Sergeant-Major is dated 25th November—a promotion as popular in the battalion as it is well-earned.
Sergeant-Major Merrick possesses many military and athletic distinctions. In 1894, at Lucknow, he qualified as an instructor in gymnastics and fencing, and in 1898 as an instructor in swordsmanship. In 1896 he was the best man-at-arms (dismounted) in India, winning the three following events: — (a) sword v. sword; (b) bayonet v. bayonet; (c) bayonet (dismounted) v. sword (mounted).
Merrick has represented his regiment at all sports including cricket, football, hockey and tug-of-war, while of late years he has filled in his time as a well-known referee in the Kent district.
When asked his opinion of the Sportsman's Battalion, Merrick replied, “They are gluttons for work and streets ahead of the ordinary recruit in peace time, both as regards keenness and ability to assimilate instruction. Their progress exceeds all my anticipations, and I am proud to consider myself a member of the battalion."
ABOUT PEOPLE.
Notes concerning members of the Sportsman’s Battalion.
Alexander, A. P. (Quarter-Master-Sergeant).— Joined the Manchester Regiment in 1882, and after only three months service had attained to the rank of full sergeant. He was one of the first N.C.O.'s in the British Army to obtain a certificate for minor tactics and military typography, and claims to be one of the few men left who saw a whole regiment march out of barracks for guard duty. This was in the time of the dynamite outrages when the Law Courts, Westminster Palace, and other public buildings were guarded continually by soldiers. These were arduous times for Thomas Atkins, and men were often on guard duty three times every week. Alexander has seen service in India and Malta. He was the first man in Aldershot to learn the new physical drill (1887), and he can remember the present Kaiser’s father riding down the lines at a brilliant review of troops. In 1888 he left Aldershot for Tipperary (It's a long long way), and lived in barracks there which had been designed and built for Hong-Kong, the plans having been interchanged. In the Tipperary barracks every room had 32 windows, and curious to relate it was Col. A. G. H. Church, cousin of our own Capt. Church, who secured the bricking up of 16 of them. Alexander was in Tipperary during the celebrated State trials of 38 M.P.'s when the troops guarded the streets, each man having 20 rounds of ball ammunition. He has seen further service in Cork, Kinsale, Preston, the Isle of Man, and Stirling Castle. For nearly three years he was on the recruiting staff at Manchester, .and was the second successful recruiter in the district.
Cole, T. (Quarter-Master-Sergeant).—Has served in the Suffolks, and during the South African War in the Mounted Infantry; was wounded twice in skirmishes and transferred to the New Makuland Border Scouts as a transport-sergeant. On his return to England he joined the Royal West Surrey Regiment (4th Battalion) which he left on the formation of territorial units, becoming Organising-Secretary of the Lambeth National Volunteer Reserve. Cole is the senior Scoutmaster in Lambeth, and his troop was the only troop in London present at King Edward's funeral. He has been a scoutmaster for 6 years, and twenty of his boys are now serving in the forces in different capacities. On the outbreak of the present war he joined Capt. Whiffen in a recruiting campaign at Lambeth Town Hall, from thence proceeded to Camberwell, and was the first man to be sworn in at Whitehall on the formation of the Sportsman’s Battalion.
The Officers of the First Sportsman’s Battalion
Cooper, P. H. (Sergeant).—Harrow and Trinity. Sergeant Cooper is an Anglican clergyman. On the outbreak of war he was in Switzerland, and was held up there for a month. Joined the Public Schools Special Corps at Epsom; transferred after three weeks’ training to Sportsman’s Battalion. Interested in many forms of sport, the chief of which is hunting with Beagles. Sergeant Cooper believes that about twenty per cent, of the men in the battalion will not stand the training, and that the remainder should be given two or three weeks’ rifle practice, and sent to the front immediately.
Darley-Crozier, F. (Pte.).—The son of Major- General H. Darley-Crozier. He has had a varied life as a tropical planter, chiefly in tea, rubber,, cocoanuts, vanilla, cloves and cardamons; has lived abroad for sixteen years in Ceylon and the Federated Malay States. Three of his brothers hold commissions at the present moment, while one of his brothers—a retired officer living in South Africa— is also probably serving. Private Crozier is a good shot, having often pulled down deer at 400 yards in rough country. It is interesting to note that Crozier’s father was the first engineer officer in the British Army who obtained a commission by examination, after the abolition of the purchase system, while his grandfather, Captain Francis Crozier, F.R.S. was 2nd in command of Franklin’s fatal 1845 expedition. When Franklin died, Capt. Crozier assumed command of the remnant of the expedition until he too perished amid the Arctic snows. In this connection it may be noted that as Private Crozier was marching a month ago from the Hotel Cecil to Hyde Park he entered into conversation with the man who happened to be by his side, and curious to relate Crozier was at the time wearing a ring which had been presented to his grandfather (Capt. Crozier of the Franklin expedition) by the Marquis of Downshire, the grandfather of the man with whom he was conversing. The two men had never previously met. Now they are serving together in the Sportsman’s Battalion.
Dunn, A. E. (Lieut.)—A well-known traveller and publicist; late Mayor of Exeter. Ex-M.P. Lieut. Dunn, who is a linguist, joined the Sportsman’s Battalion as a private, but has recently been given his commission in the 2nd Battalion.
Ewan, F. W. (Private).—At an early age went to India and remained in Calcutta for over fifteen years. Joined the Calcutta Light Horse. Has visited many training camps in this country, India, and South Africa, and is of opinion that, with the exception of perhaps “Roberts Heights,” in Pretoria, “Grey Towers” is the best he has seen. Private Ewan’s only regret seems to be that the Sportsman’s Battalion is not mounted.
Marsden, E. L. (Sergeant).—An old Tonbridge boy who has played cricket and hockey for Middlesex, travelled much in Africa, Canada and Russia, contributed articles to the Sportsman and Badminton, and worked on the Stock Exchange.
THE CONNING TOWER. ITEMS OF NOTES AND NEWS.
It might interest our readers to know that the correct regimental badge is a united red and white rose within the garter and surmounted by the crown. In each of the four corners is a white horse. The uniform is scarlet with blue facings. The headquarters of the regiment are at Hounslow, and the normal strength is four regular battalions, three battalions of special reserve, four territorial battalions, and one cadet corps. The King is the Colonel-in-Chief.
Brigadier-General Sir Hugh Stewart wishes to convey to the Sportsman’s Battalion his keen regret that such a fine body of men is not serving in the brigade which he commands at Bristol.
Sergeant Cummings, of the Grenadier Guards, who is one of the most famous walkers in the world, contributes to this number an article entitled “Walking as an Exercise.” Other contributions from his pen will be “A Definition of Walking,” “ How to become a Champion Walker,” and “Why Walking is beneficial to a Sprinter.” Sergeant Cummings, in addition to being a great athlete, has made a big name for himself in sporting journalism.
We hear that Private James Broughton, the Battalion Kaiser, has received several indignant letters from a lady who claims to be his lawful spouse, and that he has had some trouble in convincing her that it is a case of mistaken identity. That is the worst of being a public man whose photographs are scattered broadcast over the country. Still it is rather remarkable that two men exist in England with the peculiarly mobile and beautiful cast of countenance possessed by our friend Broughton, and, as the ladies say when their husbands arrive home with the dawn, “we have our suspicions.”
The Committee are very grateful to Sir Robert Baden-Powell for his kindly message to the Gazette and to the Battalion generally. What a treat it would be if the Chief Scout could come down either to review us or deliver a lecture!
We learn with interest that the Rt. Hon. F. E. Smith, M.P., visited the camp on Saturday, December 12th, accompanied by his brother, Mr. Harold Smith, M.P. They were shown over the camp by another brother, Private Sydney Smith, who is a member of our own battalion.
On Sunday, December 13th, Private F. Hardie, of Hut 18, was married at St. Asalphs, Greenwich, a large contingent from his hut attending at the church. Subsequently at a reception held in the house of the father of the bridegroom, Private Sydney Smith delivered an eloquent speech. Prior to his leaving the camp Private Hardie had been presented with a silver cigarette case, subscribed for by the members of his hut. The short honeymoon is being spent at Brighton. Our congratulations to the happy couple.
On Christmas Day there is to be a camp concert in the afternoon and a Regimental ball in the evening, the latter to be held in the Institute. A strong committee is arranging the programme, as also that of the New Year’s Eve ball. We understand that tickets, including admission for two lady friends, will be three shillings; tickets admitting one person only will cost eighteen pence.
While going to press we learn that a Battalion Golf team, containing three officers and five men, is to play a Romford team shortly. The Adjutant and Lieutenants Roberts and Hayes are included in the Battalion side.
F.M.S. and Straits men are asked to communicate with No. 909 (Hut 1a).
We congratulate Lance-Corporal C. G. Brett on obtaining his commission in the 2nd Battalion.
SPORTSMAN’S RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB.
A meeting was held on the 11th November, Lieut. Philip Suckling in the chair, to form a Rugby Football Club.
The attendance was not particularly good, but the keen men were present. Colonel Viscount Maitland was elected President and Colonel Paget Vice-president and Hon. Treasurer. Pte. Lyster Secretary, and Pte. Harris Acting Treasurer.
Most of the officers of the battalion kindly subscribed to the Club as honorary members, and Lieut. Suckling offered a silver cup, to be played for by 'inter-company competitions. The “Daily Express ” kindly sent the Club a ball.
At the subsequent meeting, held on the 26th November, a sub-committee was formed, consisting of one representative for each company:—Ptes. Williams, Henri, Hopkins, and Nicholson were elected to represent Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 Cos. respectively.
The members of the sub-committee at once set to work, and a fair number of good players were found, so that after several trial games, on Saturday last 3 and 4 Cos. played 1 and 2, the latter side winning by a try.
Nos. 1 and 2 Companies seem to be the strongest at present, and it is for the committeemen of 3 and 4 to see that their sides are better represented in the future.
Any man desiring to play should apply to his respective committee man, or to the Hon. Secretary, Pte. H. N. Lyster in Hut 30, who will be pleased to give him a game every Saturday.
At present only one pitch is available, but a second and better ground has been promised for rugby on the new drill ground, and this will be marked as soon as enough players are available.
It is up to all rugby men, past and present, to help the Committee in making the Sportsman’s Rugby Football Club a success.
An inter-company match will be played on Saturday, 19th instant, and a match against a Londen team is arranged for December 26th. Members wishing to play should send in their names as soon as possible.
The Sergeants of the First Sportsman’s Battalion
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB.
The Commanding Officer (Viscount Maitland) having generously presented Silver Medals and a Silver Cup to the Club, a Competition for the same will take place on Christmas Day between the Football Clubs attached to each Company of the Battalion. The Cup will be competed for on the knock-out principle. A Draw will be made to decide the Clubs that are to play each other in the first round. The first round games will be played on Christmas morning, first tie 10 to 11 a.m.; second 11.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. The final tie on Christmas Day, afternoon at 2.30 to 4 p.m. All matches will be played on the Battalion ground. The Colonel is also giving a small replica Cup to each member of the winning team.
The Hon. Secretary wishes to draw the attention of the Battalion generally to the fact that owing to the large initial expense in connection with the formation, equipping, and working of the Battalion and the four Company Football Clubs, it is earnestly requested that all members of the Sportsman’s Battalion interested in Sports, and especially Association Football, will become members of the Club, either playing or Honorary—the subscription is nominally two shillings, but larger subscriptions will be received with thanks.
It is expected (with the consent of the Commanding Officer) that a number of Battalion matches will be played against several well-known clubs during our stay in Hornchurch Barracks.
BATTALION ORDERS, PROMOTIONS, AND APPOINTMENTS.
The following temporary commissions have been given in the First Sportsman’s Battalion since Dec. 1st, 1914:—H. A. Taylor (2nd Lieut.), A. St. H. Gibbons (Major and 2nd in command, G. P. Roberts (2nd Lieut.), E. Cragg (2nd Lieut.), N. A. L., Cockell (2nd Lieut.), B. A. de Bourbel (Lieut.), F. H. Cox (2nd Lieut.).
The undermentioned officers and men have been transferred from the 1st to 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion:—2nd Lieut. A. H. Jackson, Lieut. P. Elwell, Pte. W. Maughan, Pte. A. E. Dunn, Quarter-Master and Hon. Lieut. H. H. Enderby, Lance-Corporal M. C. Young, Lance-Corporal C. G. Brett.
The First Sportsman’s Gazette congratulates Lieuts. H. E. F. Richardson and E. A. Winter on their recent promotion; also Sergt.-Major H. H. Enderby, the son of our late Quarter-Master.
It may be of interest to note that Mr. Rose, of Guy’s Hospital, attends the Camp Hospital every Monday at 2 p.m., and that any man wishing to avail himself of his services will only be charged a nominal fee. All names of intending consultants should be given to the Orderly-Sergeant of the Hospital before 12 noon each Monday.
Two notes of warning are contained in the Orders for Sunday, 13th December, 1914. The first refers to the fact that no wooden grating placed in position by the Pioneer Sergeant may be removed except by special authority of the Officer Commanding. The second reads as follows:—“All men of the Battalion are particularly warned that under King’s Regulations they are on no account to communicate in any way with Higher Authorities, except through the proper channel, i.e., the Battalion Orderly Room.”
The Committee of the Hornchurch Chess Club invite men of the Battalion to the club at North Street Schools, Hornchurch, any Thursday evening (Christmas Eve excepted).
NOTABLE MEN WHO HAVE JOINED THE SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION.
Albany—World’s Champion Sculler. Bates—Yorkshire County Cricket XL. Benjamin, N. H.—Well-known racing man; his father was the owner of Wild Aster. Broughton, James—Celebrated walker and athlete. Has walked 17 miles in 3 hours 5 minutes. Barton—Captain Southfields Hockey Club. Burton, H.—Well-known comedian. Day, R. B.—World’s Champion Runner. Dillon, Charlie—Comedian. Evans—Represented Wales v. England at Amateur Soccer. Fraser, G.—Late manager Waldorf and Simpson’s. Fenton—Well-known Runner. Hayes—Surrey County Cricket XI. Hitch—Surrey County Cricket XI. Kingswell—Cambridge Soccer Blue. Kendall, Richard—Actor; brother of Miss Marie Kendall. Littlewort—West Norwood and Glossop (soccer). Mercer—Sussex Cricket colt. Just gained his cap in Sussex Football League. Mitchell, E. G.—Well-known amateur walker. Oxberry, H.—Comedian in Fred Karno’s Company. Spurway—International footballer. Sandham—Surrey County Cricket XI. Stacpoole, Lieut. R. de Vere.—Cousin of the famous novelist. Smart—Amateur Golfer. Smith, Sydney—Brother of the Rt. Hon. F. E. Smith, M.P. Terry, F. W.—Devon water-polo champion. Whitelaw—Running blue. Yorke, The Hon. Bernard—Son of Lord Hardwicke. Well-known sportsman and big game hunter.
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION CONCERT, Drill Hall, Hornchurch.
On Thursday evening, December 17th, Sergeant Noyes arranged a concert in the Drill Hill at Hornchurch, in aid of the funds, of the Hornchurch Ladies’ Working Party for the provision of Comforts for Soldiers and Sailors. The hall was filled with officers and men of the battalion, their friends, and all the well-known people in the locality. The programme was excellent, many well-known professionals in our ranks generously giving their services. The artistes included Privates, Brown, Hodden, Howarth, Bates, and Davey, in songs grave and gay. Lance-Corporal Beeson and Sergeant Arnold distinguished themselves on the cornet, while Sergeant Noyes demonstrated once more his ability as a raconteur. Sergeant Reece sang that fine old song, “The Blue Dragoon,” with spirit and gusto. Dramatic recitations were delivered with intensity and quick power by Privates Curwen, Steele, and Winchcombe. But the two most popular items on the programme were those of Corporal Wharton and that favourite comedian, Charlie Dillon. The former, during the evening, sang at least half-a-dozen songs, the most amusing of which was that in which he cleverly impersonated a country curate, while Private Dillon’s references to drill and brawn and sundry other regimental matters convulsed even the Colonel, who was sitting in a front seat with Lady Maitland and the chairman, Mr. Thomas Gardner, J.P. Other performers included Corporals Gille and Moir and Bugler Picken. Among the officers present were Dr. Hill, Majors Gibbon and Richey, Capt. Holmes, Lieutenants Winter, Stacpoole, Roberts and Foy. The Vicar of Hornchurch and Mr. W. Varco-Williams, J.P., represented the organisers of the Hornchurch Ladies’ Working Party.
Glasgow Daily Record
SLOW RECRUITING IN GLASGOW.
DRAMATIC APPEAL FROM THE TRENCHES.
Recruiting in Glasgow cannot be said to be brisk, although a slight improvement was reported yesterday. At the Army Recruiting Office, Gallowgate, 59 men enlisted, as compared with 76 on Friday of last week.
Yesterday only half a dozen recruits came forward to join the Sportsmen’s Battalion. Captain Westhead, who is in charge of the recruiting for this battalion openly expresses himself as disappointed at the result of this second visit to Glasgow. He has only enrolled 19 recruits since he reopened his office at the Central Station Hotel on Monday.
The office will be open to-day, but will close for good at 6 p.m.
“The complaint of the ‘Daily Record,’ ” he stated, “that recruiting, generally, is not so brisk as the needs of the situation call for, is borne out by my experience this week.
“Probably there are many eligible men who think at this season of ease and a holiday. What of the men in the trenches? Will there be a holiday there? It would seem difficult to bring the situation really home to the minds of the manhood of the nation. Here is an extract from a letter written by a private direct from the trenches:-
“ ‘We are sitting on the edge of bomb-proof trenches. All our company’s officers are either wounded or dead. If there is a man skulking to preserve to himself a few years of life, let him imagine us burying our dead and setting our teeth as we face Maxim fire galore, rifles innumerable, and shells by the hundreds. And still we stick on unrelieved! We want men to fill the gaps! We want men to relieve men – men that need shaving and re-booting. And I make this appeal because I am with those fighting the fiercest on the German flanks.”
The following are the details of recruiting in Glasgow available last night:-
| […] | To-day | Yesterday | Inc. | Dec. |
| Sportsman’s Battalion . . . . . . . | 6 | 5 | 1 | - |
[…]
Surrey Mirror Evening Post
CRICKETERS ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
A list has just been published of county cricketers on active service. The names of thirteen international cricketers appear among those who have joined the Colours. Surrey cricketers on active service comprise: – […] Hayes, Hitch, Smith, and Sandham (Sportsman’s Battalion attached Royal Fusiliers)
Dundee Courier
DUNDEE RECRUITS FOR THE SPORTSMAN BATTALION.
Colonel Maitland, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Sportsman Royal Fusiliers, is desirous of securing 200 Scotsmen to bring his battalion up to strength. Private James McRitchie, who is a native of Coupar Angus, is making a tour of Dundee and district with the view of obtaining recruits. Yesterday Private McRitchie was in attendance at Dundee, when he secured about half-a-dozen names of men who were willing to join.
Dundee Evening Telegraph & Post
COMMANDER OF SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION
Wants Scotsmen to Join the Regiment.
The sportsmen of Dundee and district have an excellent opportunity of securing admission to the crack regiment, 1st Battalion Sportsman Royal Fusiliers.
Private James McRitchie, of the battalion, who is a native of Coupar Angus, is making a tour of the district with the object of securing 200 recruits to bring the battalion up to strength to be ready for active duty.
Colonel Maitland, who is in command, wants Scotsmen, and Private McRitchie has been sent on the mission of obtaining the required men. To-day he was in attendance at Lamb’s Hotel, Dundee, interviewing men who wished to join. The battalion has in the ranks many of the finest exponents of all kinds of sport – cricketers, footballers, scullers, &c. Two of the privates, it is interesting to note, are each worth £100,000¹, and yet they take their turn at scrubbing the floors and doing the necessary work about the barracks, which are situated at Grey Towers, Hornchurch, Essex.
They are all strapping men, many of them being six feet 3½ inches, and the average is 5 feet 9 inches.
Colonel Maitland is also desirous of getting a pipe band. They already have two pipers, but they want a full pipe band.
¹Approximately £10,000,000 today.
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION.
Coupar Angus Native Recruiting in Dundee.
Mr James McRitchie, a native of Coupar Angus, is recruiting in Dundee to-day for the Sportsman Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, the City of London Regiment. He is desirous of getting 200 recruits from this district.
The Glasgow Herald
THE SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION.
Another appeal is being made to sportsmen in Glasgow and the West of Scotland to join the Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The regiment, which has been recruited from a fine class of men of more than average height and of good physique, is now in camp at Hornchurch, in Essex. Authority has been given to raise 250 additional men, and for that purpose Captain Westhead, who was in Glasgow six weeks ago, has again opened a recruiting office at the Central Station Hotel, where he hopes to remain until the end of this week. On the occasion of his last visit he succeeded in enlisting about 70 men, who are now being trained in one of the companies of the battalion. As far as possible recruits who are drawn from a particular district are being kept together. The minimum standard of height required from those who desire to enlist is 5ft. 6in., and the chest measurement should not be less than 36in. The battalion is open to men between the ages of 19 and 45. A good beginning was made yesterday with recruiting. In addition to those who joined were a number of inquirers, through whose efforts a considerable addition may be made to the contingent in the course of the week. It should be clearly understood that the men who join the Sportsman’s Battalion receive their full equipment, as do those who join any other unit, from the military authorities. Owing perhaps to the fact that a number of men who enlisted expressed a desire to provide their own uniform and were naturally permitted to do so, an impression seems to have got abroad that all men who join the Sportsman’s Battalion must provide their own outfit. That is entirely erroneous. All that is asked of recruits is that they attain the necessary standard of physique and are men of intelligence. The battalion prefers men who have lived a healthy, open-air life, and appeals especially to old-time athletes or athletes of the the present day.
Glasgow Daily Record and Mail
Two professional footballers were among the first to sign attestation forms for the Sportsmen’s Battalion at the Central Hotel, Glasgow, yesterday. Captain Westhead considers the response for the first day of his second recruiting visit to the city as quite good as he could hope for. But there is plenty of room for many more, and an increase of the number of recruits for his special battalion would be welcomed by him.
Liverpool Daily Post
OFFICERS WANTED IN SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION.
There are vacancies in the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which is now recruiting at the Hotel Cecil, London, for a second in command and two majors. Retired officers of the Regular Army, including the Indian Army, under fifty-five years of age, or experienced officers serving with other units wishing for a transfer, should apply to the Officer Commanding, Hotel Cecil.
Western Times
THE AGE LIMIT FOR MILITARY SERVICE.
To the Editor of the “Western Times.”
Sir, – At several recruiting meetings recently held, speaker after speaker has definitely stated that the age limit for those desiring to serve their country as soldiers of the king is 38. In other words, those over the age of 38 must remain quietly at home, since such are too old to wear his Majesty’s uniform and fight their country’s battles in the field. You will be glad to hear this is not the case.
Lord Kitchener has given special sanction to a Company of the historic Royal Fusiliers to recruit fit men up to 45 years of age. This Company is popularly known as “The Sportsman’s Battalion.” One complete Battalion has already been formed, and is in camp at Hornchurch, in Essex. Another is in course of formation. Those who have already joined the Second Battalion are at present drilling at the Hotel Cecil, the London Headquarters of the Battalion, and will proceed to their new camp after Christmas.
While the Sportsman’s Battalions are well known in the North, the Midlands, and the Home Counties, they are not so well known in the West. To remedy this, and thus bring to the knowledge of the men of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall such a unique opportunity for service, a special recruiting effort is at present being conducted with considerable success. All sportsmen and those interested in sport, and all those who enjoy an outdoor life, are particularly suitable for enrolment. Serving in the ranks at present are authors, actors, artists, architects, clerks, doctors, engineers, farmers, lawyers, merchants, ministers, shop assistants, students, and others. The ages of our recruits range from 19 to 45, and the names of many of England’s best athletes appear on our muster role. A special of the Second Battalion is the number of football players who have enlisted.
An impression seems to have gone abroad that recruits are expected to contribute towards the Battalion funds. This is quite wrong. Our recruits are soldiers of the Regular Army, and as such receive the pay, and their wives and dependants the same separation allowance as other soldiers. A generous kit is also provided unless a recruit specifically desires to provide his own. The uniform is the khaki uniform of the Regular Army, each man being measured and fitted individually.
Men joining locally will have the option of proceeding to London at once or remaining in the West until after Christmas, and those electing to proceed to London can obtain the usual Christmas leave and railway pass.
Any enquiries addressed to me will be promptly answered, and a booklet containing detailed particulars of the Corps., together with application forms, will be forwarded to anyone intimating a desire to receive same.
Yours fathfully,
A. EDWARD DUNN (Lieut).
Western Recruiting and Enquiry Office,
Castle House, Castle-street, Exeter.
14th December, 1914.
Glasgow Daily Record
Captain C. G. Westhead is back again in Glasgow seeking more men for the Sportsman’s Battalion.
Instructions have been received from the War Office that 300 men are to be added to the 1st Battalion, which had been completed some time ago, and that a 2nd Battalion is to be raised.
Only men of the best physique are available, and men up to 45 years are accepted. The minimum eight is 5 feet 6 inches, and the chest measurement 36 inches. The 1st Battalion is commanded by a Scotsman, Lord Maitland, son of the Earl of Lauderdale, and of the men already obtained, about 25 per cent., it is interesting to note, are Scotsmen.
Captain Westhead will be in attendance for a few days from to-day at the Central Station Hotel to interview applicants.
Capt. C. G. Westhead, recruiting officer for Sportsman’s Batt.
London Evening News
Sportsman’s Battalion Marching through London.
British Sportsmen
Here is a chance for Varsity Men, Old Public School Boys, and all British Sportsmen up to 45 years of age, to serve their King and Country with their brother Sporting-men. Join the
Sportsman’s Battalion
Royal Fusiliers
Colonel-in-Chief – THE KING
The War Office has now called for a second battalion of this splendid corps. There are hundreds of Sportsmen fit and ready to serve – able men who have fitted themselves for the hard life of a soldier by vigorous pursuit of sport.
How to Join.
A special increase of 500 men per Battalion over and above the usual 1,100, having been asked for by the War Office, there are now vacancies for this number in the 1st Battalion. For 1st Battalion apply C.O., Hornchurch Camp, Essex. Other candidates apply in person or in writing to Chief Recruiting Officer, Indian Room, Hotel Cecil, London for Enrolment Form.
Sportsmen from 19 to 45 Years of Age – Join To-Day.
Pay at Army Rates. Financial obligation optional.
Show the King’s enemies what British Sportsmen are.
The Glasgow Herald
THE SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION.
A further opportunity is being afforded in Glasgow for enlistment in the Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers. The battalion is one of the most attractive units which are being raised for active service, and it has already obtained a large number of men of a very fine type, which are now undergoing training in the South of England. Only men of a high standard of physique are eligible, and the class who are specially invited to join are sportsmen and others who have been accustomed to an out-of-door life, such as gamekeepers and ghillies. The 1st Battalion attained full strength some time ago, but since then instructions have been received from the War Office to secure an additional 300 men and an entire 2nd Battalion. Lord Maitland, son of the Earl of Lauderdale, is in command of the 1st Battalion, and the commander of the 2nd Battalion is Colonel Paget. Captain C. G. Westhead, who is in charge of the recruiting, was recently in Glasgow, and on that occasion he was successful in making a large number of enrolments. He has now returned to the city, and from to-day will be in attendance at his office in the Central Station Hotel for the purpose of interviewing men who are desirous of enlisting. His visit will probably be limited to a few days, and it is therefore hoped that all who wish to avail themselves of the present opportunity will do so without delay. The minimum height is 5ft. 6in., the chest measurement 36in., and the age limit from 19 to 45 years. In addition to men for the ranks Captain Westhead is endeavouring to obtain a pipe-major and six pipers.
The Bellman
The Sportsman’s Battalion has recently gone into training, receiving a rousing send-off as it marched through London on its way to entrain for its quarters in Essex. As its name implies, the corps is composed of men familiar with all kinds of outdoor sports. Fox hunters and cricketers, boxing experts and football players are soldiering shoulder to shoulder with Canadian baseball players and gentlemen jockeys. This “hard-as-nails” battalion. as it has been called, ought to give a good account of itself in active service.
Photograph of Pte. Sidney Smith with Brothers
From the book ‘Frederick Edwin, Earl of Birkenhead: the First Phase' by his son, Frederick Winston Furneaux Smith. The book was published in 1933. The photograph was probably taken on December 12th, 1914, as the Sportsman’s Gazette reported later that month:
“We learn with interest that the Rt. Hon. F. E. Smith, M.P., visited the camp on Saturday, December 12th, accompanied by his brother, Mr. Harold Smith, M.P. They were shown over the camp by another brother, Private Sydney Smith, who is a member of our own battalion.”
Hull Daily Mail
REV FRANK EDWARDS, OF HULL, FOR SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION.
The Rev Frank Edwards, who passed at Hull City Hall Recruiting Depot for enrolment in the 2nd Sportsmen’s Battalion being formed in London, for service at the front, is identified with all sorts of sports. He is a good all-round athlete, and has played football with several well-known teams in Wales, and in his regimental team. A native of South Wales, he became associated with the South Wales Borderers, with which he served as chaplain during the South African War. He had the distinction of being appointed captain on the field by Lord Roberts, the Commander-in-Chief, a signal honour, for bravery when acting on despatch duty. He has passed the medical test at Hull, and will now present himself in London at the headquarters of the Battalion, which is composed of University men, big game hunters, and men who have been connected with sports of different kinds. The London Sportsmen’s Battalions are stated to have been granted by the War Office an extension of the age limit. The Rev Frank Edwards has been in charge of Brunswick Wesleyan Church, Hull for over two years.
Hull City Hall was opened for recruiting on September 4, 1914.
Lethbridge Herald
British Athletes at Front
Many Famous Men on Roll of Honour – All Lines of Athletic Endeavor on Firing Line – Unique Battalion
[…]
Distinctly Athletic
One of the unique organizations is the Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, which is now a complete infantry unit in the regular forces. The battalion is up to war strength, and is remarkable in many ways. It has colors distinct from the regiment of which it is a part. It was organized through the efforts of a woman: Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen carried through the idea from the start, and the cost of the organization was privately borne. Every member of the battalion is an athlete or sportsman, and many of the members enjoy civil distinction of some importance. It is expected that the Sportsman’s Battalion will develop into a firstclass fighting force.
Western Times
APPEAL TO FOOTBALLERS.
To the Editor of the “Western Times.”
Sir, - Will you kindly make known, through the medium of your paper, the arrangements which we have made for attracting footballers to this Second Sportsman’s Battalion, now being raised on War Office authority?
A special effort is made to keep friends, who have similar interests, together. Each hut in camp houses thirty men, and, if friends would enlist in batches of thirty, I should do my best to keep them under the same roof.
It is also my intention to have the very best possible football teams, so as to ensure a good game for Saturday afternoons.
Details and full particulars will gladly be given at the Head Recruiting Office, Hotel Cecil, Strand, London, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, or at the local Enquiry and Recruiting Office, Castle House, Exeter, when Lieuts. Dunn and Perkins, officers of the Company, will be glad to give any information.
The Corps will be part of the Regular Army, with pay at Army rates.
Directions, referring to recruiting, for both Sportsman’s Battalions, must be authorised by me, and come from the Hotel Cecil, Strand, to avoid complication and confusion.
I am, yours faithfully,
G. CUNLIFFE-OWEN,
Chief Recruiting Officer.
Hotel Cecil, Strand, London, December 7th, 1914.
Nottingham Evening Post
THE SPORTSMEN’S BATTALION.
A COSMOPOLITAN CROWD.
The cosmopolitan character of the Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers is commented upon by Private E. P. Thornley, a former Nottingham sporting journalist, who is in barracks in Essex.
“In the two months or so we have been training,” he says, “we have attained such proficiency as in the ordinary way would have been attained in from six to nine months. Of course, many have broken down in the process.
“We are full of notable personalities, including M.H.H.’s, cricketers, footballers, racehorse owners, scullers, walkers, runners, golfers, actors, and others, all full privates; indeed, we are a most cosmopolitan crowd.
“The other Sunday morning I was swabbing floors in the canteen alongside a millionaire. Ludicrous experiences of this kind are of everyday occurrence.”
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.
Aberdeen Journal
The Sportsman’s Battalions.
Sir. – Great confusion has been caused by unauthorised persons writing to the press in connection with the 1st and 2nd Sportsman’s Battalions.
Will you kindly make the fact clear in your paper that the Hotel Cecil, Strand, London, is the only officially recognised office for both battalions.
I have sent an official representative to Edinburgh and Exeter, but all applications for enrolment for either battalion must be made in person or in writing to the head recruiting office here. – Yours, etc,
G. CUNLIFFE OWEN.
Chief Recruiting Officer.
Hotel Cecil, Strand, London
December 5, 1914
Devon Exeter Gazette
Sportsmen Wanted
FROM THE WEST
TO JOIN NEW CORPS.
Devonians pride themselves on being sportsmen, and over and over again they have proved themselves adepts in every branch of sport, but now the call is made to them to lend a hand in a sterner game, that of joining hands with our brave fellows who are busy on the Continent smashing the might of Prussian militarism, so that never again shall the Kaiser and his War Lords threaten the peace of the world. Away up at Hornchurch, the “Hard-as-nails” Battalion is busily training in order to be fit to take the field with the other units of the new armies when Lord Kitchener considers the opportune moment has arrived. To those who may not have heard of the “Hard-as-nails” Corps, we may mention that this is the nickname given to the Sportsman’s Battalion, a force which will prove its worth when it takes its place on the battlefield. Within its ranks are sportsmen of all classes between the ages of 19 and 45, and its members include authors, actors, doctors, ministers, merchants, farmers, architects, engineers, students, clerks, and shop assistants. Everyone is keen on his work, and animated with but one desire – that of serving his King and country. The Battalion is affiliated to the Royal Fusiliers, and is as much a unit of the Regular Army as any regiment of the line. The appeal to sportsmen to to join the corps has been so successful that the first battalion, under Colonel Viscount Maitland, is complete, and a start is now being made with a second battalion, under the command of Colonel Paget. Among the officers of this battalion is Lieut. Dunn, better known, perhaps, as A. E. Dunn. His love for the West Country naturally led Lieut. Dunn to hope that among the members of the 2nd Battalion will be found many of the sportsmen of Devon and Cornwall, and, in order to bring the matter prominently before the two counties, he is holding a recruiting campaign in the West. In appealing to Devon and Cornish sportsmen to form a special Western Company of the 2nd Battalion, Lieut. Dunn is not asking them to join a force about which he knows little, for he joined the 1st Battalion in the early days of the movement as a private, and for two months did his drills and fatigues like any other Tommy, and remarks that feels all the better for his experience.
Well, who is going to be the first to enlist as a result as a result of the new appeal! Sportsmen, from the very nature of their calling, are so trained as to understand the meaning of sacrifice and playing the game, and the present opportunity gives them the chance of proving to the world that sport makes a man of anyone. The fact that friends joining together, and, when the right time comes, will fight together, is sufficient to prove that congenial comradeship will be found in the corps, while those who have relatives – wives, children, mothers, fathers, or other kith and kin – dependent upon them can rest assured that their dear ones will be well looked after while they are away serving their country. But the appeal which is now addressed to West-Country sportsmen is made upon the highest grounds of all – “When duty calls or labour, be never wanting there.” All down the ages the men of the West have always sprung forward as one man at their country’s call to do or die in her cause, and we are confident that the sportsmen, to whom this appeal is addressed, will, in their imagination hear the stirring roll of Drake’s drum calling them to their post of duty, and come forward in a solid mass to swell the army which is gathering from all parts of the Empire, in response to the call of the Motherland in her hour of need.
Naturally, many men who are eager and willing to join will answer, “I am quite willing. I recognise my duty, but there are many details of business to which I am bound to attend before I don the khaki, and while I am doing this the Battalion may be full.” This difficulty has been fully recognised by headquarters, and Lieut. Dunn has been authorised to state that, in order to meet cases of this description, recruits may undergo their preliminary training for the first few days or a fortnight locally before proceeding to headquarters. This will naturally give business men ample opportunity of settling their affairs before joining the Battalion. At Hornchurch they will find that every provision has been made for their comfort, and they will have the satisfaction which comes to anyone when he realises the fact that he has done his duty. For the next fortnight recruiting offices will be opened at Castle House, Castle-street, Exeter, and Lieut. Dunn will be pleased to give any information to those who may be interested. A prompt response should be made, however, as already 300 or 400 members have joined the second Battalion, and if the West is to be well represented there must be no delay.
Evening Telegraph
Cricketer and Footballer Enlists.
E. Hendren, the Brentford outside left and Middlesex County cricketer, has joined the Sportsman’s Battalion and gone into camp at Hornchurch. No objection to his joining the forces was raised by the club, although they will receive a severe blow if he is unable to play for them. It is expected, however, that he will be available for Brentford whilst stationed at Hornchurch.
Exeter Plymouth Gazette
OBEY YOUR KING AND COUNTRY’S CALL
TO-DAY.
Shall Drake’s Drum beat in Vain?
MEN OF DEVON
Do Your Duty and Do It Now.
YOU are not too old. The Sportsman’s Battalion if the Royal Fusiliers welcome all fit men from 19 to 45 years of age. YOUR Comrades will be Congenial. Serving in the ranks of the Sportsman’s Battalion are Authors, Actors, Doctors, Lawyers, Ministers, Merchants, Farmers, Architects, Engineers, Students, Clerks, and Shop Assistants.
THOSE you leave at Home will be Provided For. In addition to pay, Separation Allowances are made, not only to Wives and Children, but to Fathers, Mothers, and the dependants of the soldiers.
YOU Will Not Be Lonely. Friends joining together will be kept together.
All particulars can be obtained at the Local Headquarters of the Sportsman’s Battalion, CASTLE HOUSE, CASTLE STREET, EXETER. Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Seeking information commits you to nothing.
Western Times
A SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION
Efforts 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 his ambition to get a West-country Company. He recognizes the love of county, and believes that when they know that they will be able to work together, with West-county 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 recognised that while in some instances 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 an office has been opened at the Castle House, Castle-street, Exeter, continuing open for a month. It is hoped and believed that 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 had financed and made the business arrangements for the Sportsman’s Battalion.
Daily Telegraph
Men of the 1st SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION at Hornchurch, Essex. All are Sportsmen.
A Chance for British Sportsmen
Hunting-men, Golfers, Cricketers – in fact every line of Sport is represented in the first Corps of the
Sportsman’s Battalion
Royal Fusiliers
Colonel-in-Chief – THE KING
The War Office has now called for a 2nd Battalion. As the 1st attained its full strength in three weeks – all Varisty men, Old Public School Boys – men who are hardened to the soldier’s life by strenuous pursuit of sport should enlist at once in this splendid corps.
Sportsmen from 19 to 45 Years of Age – Join To-Day.
Candidates should in the first instance apply in person or in writing to the Chief Recruiting Officer, Indian Room, Hotel Cecil, London, for Enrolment Form, which, when duly approved at Headquarters, can be presented at the nearest Recruiting Office, when candidate will be immediately examined and attested.
Pay at Amy Rates. Financial obligation optional.
Show the King’s enemies what British Sportsmen are.
Mining and Scientific Press
Two days ago I went to the Hotel Cecil to see the Sportsman’s Battalion, which assembles at that famous hostelry. More particularly I went to see my friend J. H. Curle, the author of “The Gold Mines of the World,” a writer well known on both sides of the Atlantic, and a former special contributor to the Press. The battalion consists of such men as himself, over age according to the recruiting requirements, but fit for military service and anxious to fight for their country. From 10 to 15 per cent of those now in the battalion are too old or otherwise unfit, but the rest are first-rate material. Curle tells me that they have come from every corner of the map. He himself had just returned from Guiana, another in his section hailed from Trinidad, another from the Argentine, a fourth from Singapore, and a fifth from the Gold Coast. Among those in this battalion, which is attached to the Royal Fusiliers, are several mining men. J. H. Curle, W. S. Holloway, F. P Bray, A. G. Bevan, G. R. Nicholas, and W. H. Rundall. They have now gone into camp at Romford, in Essex, to prepare for active service. Curle has a high opinion of his comrades; he says that he would go with them anywhere. They will give a good account of themselves, no doubt.
NorthEastern Gazette
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION
The 1st Sportsman’s Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, being now in camp, and having been pronounced by a prominent military authority as “second to none in Lord Kitchener’s Army,” Mr and Mrs Cunliffe-Owen have been officially authorised by the War Office to raise a second Battalion. It affords a splendid opportunity to sportsmen, University men, and old public school boys to join the colours.
Those wishing to join from any part of the United Kingdom can do so without difficulty and without the expense of coming to London if the following instructions are carefully carried out: – Write E. Cunliffe-Owen, C.M.G., Chief Recruiting Officer, Hotel Cecil, Strand, London W.C. for an enrolment form, which should be filled up and returned to him. Having been stamped by the recruiting officer and returned to the applicant, the latter can present it at the nearest recruiting office in his district, anywhere in the United Kingdom, where he can then be medically examined and attested. He will then be sent under warrant (i.e., free of charge) with the necessary documents to the Hotel Cecil, for final approval.
The age limit is 19-45, the minimum chest measurement 35½ inches, and the minimum height 5ft 5ins.
Assistance is heartily invited from any of the public, whether able to join or not. The time and expense of raising such a corps is extremely heavy, and as the cost is only partially refunded by the War Office, donations will be gratefully acknowledged. Cheques should be made payable to E. Cunliffe-Owen, Sportsman’s Battalion, and crossed National Provincial Bank, South Audley-street. All amounts will be publicly acknowledged through the Press.
Hull Daily Mail
SECOND SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION, ROYAL FUSILIERS.
The 1st Sportsman’s Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, being now in camp, and having been pronounced by a prominent military authority as “second to none in Lord Kitchener’s Army,” Mr and Mrs Cunliffe-Owen have been officially authorised to raise a Second Battalion. It affords a splendid opportunity to sportsmen, University men, and old public school boys to join the Colours.
Those willing to join from any part of the United Kingdom can do so without difficulty and without the expense of coming to London if the following instructions are carefully carried out:
Applications should first be made personally or in writing to E. Cunliffe-Owen, C.M.G., Chief Recruiting Officer, Hotel Cecil, Strand, London W.C. for an enrolment form. The age limit is 19-45, the minimum chest measurement 35½ inches, and the minimum height 5ft 5ins. Assistance is heartily invited from any of the public, whether able to join or not.
Donations will be gratefully acknowledged. Cheques should be made payable to E. Cunliffe-Owen, Sportsman’s Battalion, and crossed National Provincial Bank, South Audley-street. All amounts will be publicly acknowledged through the Press.
The Daily Telegraph
THE FOOTBALLER’S CHANCE.
TO THE EDITOR OF “THE DAILY TELEGRAPH.”
SIR – Without entering into the controversy as to whether football should cease or not, may I point out that there is an honorable alternative for the man who ought to serve his country and yet must play and talk football – namely, to join the 2nd Sportsman’s Battalion Royal Fusiliers, the battalion which is now recruiting at this hotel.
The corps already contains well-known footballers, and friends joining at the same time, who have interests in common, can be kept together, live in the same hut, and so on. They need not altogether sacrifice their love of sport while training for the great international now being played in Northern France.
Provided the applicant is a gentleman and thoroughly fit, expense need not stand in his way, for he is not asked to pay for anything. The age limit, specially extended in this case by the War Office to 45, will attract many who are willing to serve, but unable to enter any other corps.
The battalion is an infantry one, and, of course, part of the Regular Army. – I am, yours faithfully,
E. CUNLIFFE OWEN, Chief Recruiting Officer.
Hotel Cecil, Strand, W.C., Nov. 28.
Grantham Journal
Official sanction has been received for the formation of a second Sportsmen’s Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, and sportsmen, University and old Public School boys are invited to join, by first applying to Mr. E. Cunliffe Owen, Chief Recruiting Officer, Hotel Cecil, London.
The Indianapolis Star
ROMANCE OF WAR LOST IN TRENCH
Officer Gives Remarkably Vivid Picture of Life at Front in Sodden Ditches Under Shell Fire.
ORDINARY MEN ARE WANTED
False Conception of What Is Going on Leads to Ranks Being Filled With Wrong Kind of Soldiers.
LONDON, Nov. 28. – Something of the inner feelings and impressions of the men actually engaged in the trenches at the front are contained in the following extracts from a letter sent to a friend in London by an officer with the British expeditionary force.
“Sitting here and reading the English papers that arrive, one can not help feeling that England, at any rate, has not yet succeeded in banishing the spectacular and romantic conceptions of war, which no longer bear any resemblance to the actuality. The papers still give the impression that war is an affair of dash and clash. Incidents are invented, like the charge of the Bengal cavalry. Other incidents, true in themselves, but isolated and not characteristic, such as the engagement of the London Scottish, are made to convey a picture of the whole battle.
[…]
Kind of Men Needed.
“This false conception of what is going on creates a false picture of the soldiers that are wanted. I read of the Sportsmen Battalion, all athletes and so forth. All very nice if individual prowess were in question. But it is not. What is wanted is ordinary men trained to discipline and trained to shoot, and plenty of them – men who can be held in not to shoot until the proper moment; not men who are going to whoop and slash and kill two Germans at one stroke.
[…]
London Evening News
SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION. – RECRUITS are now being accepted for the second battalion; age 19 to 45. – Sportsmen, University men, Old Public Schoolboys, &c., should apply at once Chief Recruiting Officer, Hotel Cecil, between the hours of 10 and 5.
London Evening News
BRITAIN’S SHOW CAMP.
Although War Office sanction for a second Sportsman’s Battalion was only received on Saturday[1], two hundred men have already applied for enrolment at the headquarters at the Hotel Cecil.
The first battalion are now in huts at Hornchurch, which is called the “show camp of Great Britain.”
The estate upon which the men are encamped was a private park of eighty-five acres, including a mansion, which is now the officers’ quarters.
This place was owned by the father of the battalion’s first recruit[2], and Mrs. Cunliffe Owen, who was the originator of the battalion, got permission for the men to encamp there.
The War Illustrated
Sportsmen of Peace for the Grim Game of War
After an inspection in Hyde Park, London, by their colonel, Lord Maitland, the Sportsman’s Battalion marches out to entrain for their camp. Many noted sportsmen and athletes have joined its ranks.
A RESPONSIBLE German Paper recently complained that the British carried the spirit of sport everywhere, and looked at everything from a sporting point of view. She has found that our fighting men are sportsmen, and she will that our sportsmen are warriors – equal to, and better, than the disciples of culture.
The Sportsman’s Battalion of Lord Kitchener’s army owed its inception to the efforts of Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen, and there was a rush of recruiting that speedily filled up its ranks. Its camp is as Hornchurch, in Essex, where it is getting the necessary initiation in drill, discipline, and the practice of arms.
The battalion is attached to the Royal Fusiliers, and it consists of picked men and trained athletes, many of them at championship rank. Two of the companies consist solely of giants over six feet tall. They have already been nicknamed the “Hard-as-Nails,” and we may expect them to justify this sobriquet.
Officers of the Sportsman’s Battalion. On the left, Viscount Maitland; in the centre, Captain H. J. J. Inglis, adjutant; and on the right, Lieutenant Enderby, quartermaster.
With the men of the Sportsman’s Battalion in camp at Hornchurch. A professional cricketer, a professional singer, an angler, and a City merchant assist in gathering firewood. In the upper picture on the right a Cambridge University Blue carries a log in performing the same necessary task.
Unknown
Then and Now
MEMBERS OF THE SPORTSMAN’S BATTALION
The above cartoon, which is reproduced in “The men of Great St Mary's Cambridge in the Great War”, is a fictional reworking of the photograph in the War Illustrated newspaper of November 21st. In the cartoon, each of the recruits is shown in the typical garb of his civilian profession or calling. From left to right, they are: W.E. Bates, SPTS/919 (professional cricketer); unidentified, possibly A.B. Wharton, SPTS/6 (professional singer); C. Armstrong, (angler) SPTS/936; unidentified (City merchant).
Whitstable Times
WHAT WE HEAR
[…]
THAT Mr. Weekes, of the firm of Messrs. Strachan and Weekes, the engineer responsible for the Whitstable sewage scheme, has joined the Sportsman’s Battalion of the new Army and has been appointed a pioneer sergeant.
