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The History Of The Prince Of Wales' Civil Service Rifles

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THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES’ OWN CIVIL SERVICE RIFLES

THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES’ OWN CIVIL SERVICE RIFLES

To William Manning Esq r . M.P. Lieutenant Colonel Commandant , By the courtesy of the Governor and Company of the Bank of England, the possessors of the original print. The uniform is similar to that worn by the Somerset House Volunteers of the period. London: Published, August 30th, 1804, by John Wallis, Jun., 16, Ludgate Street. Frontispiece. THE HISTORY OF THE PRINCE OF WALES’ OWN CIVIL SERVICE RIFLES PRINTED BY WYMAN &amp; SONS LTD., FETTER LANE, E.C., FOR P.W.O. CIVIL SERVICE RIFLES, S

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NOTE BY THE EDITOR

NOTE BY THE EDITOR

These pages have been put together under pressure of the desirability of placing their contents without further delay in the hands of a public virtually limited to Regimental members past and present, their relatives and friends. They do not aim higher than setting on record the unvarnished chronicles of several generations of volunteers who have never yielded place to any in their pride and love of regiment. Before the close of the last century the story of the Regiment’s thirty years’ existenc

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PLATES1

PLATES1

1 It might be explained that the photographs here reproduced were not selective but rather those which were at hand available for publication. A larger collection of portraits might have been secured had there been more time....

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SKETCH MAPS

SKETCH MAPS

HISTORY OF THE CIVIL SERVICE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS 2 This history, up to the year 1891, was written and published in that year by Lieut. (now Lt.-Col.) Edward Merrick, C.S.R.V. He has brought his narrative down to 1909 for the purpose of this volume. For the purpose of tracing the first authentic record of Volunteers connected with the Civil Service, it is necessary to call attention to the raising of the Loyal Volunteers of London in 1798. About that year, when we were at war with France and Spain,

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Somerset House Volunteers, 1798.

Somerset House Volunteers, 1798.

The Somerset House Volunteer Association consisted only of two companies of light infantry, under the command of Walter Sterling, Major Commandant. The Captains were J. Stewart and W. Harrison. The corps was not to go out of the district of Somerset House and St. Mary-le-Strand, but with its own consent....

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Bank of England Volunteers, 1798.

Bank of England Volunteers, 1798.

Among those who would have cause for anxiety at such a period would naturally be the Governor and Directors of the Bank of England, and certainly they showed great public spirit. They headed a voluntary contribution to the revenue in this year, with a subscription of £200,000. They also raised from their employés a corps of volunteers, 450 strong, to protect the Bank. This corps was under the command of Thomas Whitmore, and Rowlandson tells us that it was presented with colours on 2nd September,

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Volunteers of 1802.

Volunteers of 1802.

In this war-scare, which far exceeded in its intensity that of 1859, 420,000 Volunteers were enrolled in a few months—many more, in fact, than the Government could or ever did arm. The Civil Service were represented in this body by two corps: the Excise Corps, which in 1804 was 576 strong, under the command of Lord George Seymour, and the Customs Corps, about 300 strong. In the same year (1804), the Bank of England had a corps of 433, under the command of William Manning, and a supplementary cor

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Disbandment.

Disbandment.

At the signing of the general treaty of peace in 1814, the joy of the country at what it believed to be the conclusion of its long and exhausting wars, was shown by the haste with which the Volunteers were at once disbanded. The Corps of the Civil Service shared with others in votes of thanks passed to them by both Houses of Parliament, and letters from the Commander-in-Chief (the Prince Regent) were received, thanking each corps for its valuable services. From the records already referred to, w

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General Meeting at Audit Office.

General Meeting at Audit Office.

The Volunteer Force of to-day, as everybody knows, sprang into existence in the year 1859, and was occasioned by the warlike attitude of the Emperor of the French and the blustering threats of his generals. The notable circular of the Secretary of State for War to the Lords Lieutenant, which called the Volunteers into existence, was dated 12th May, 1859, and on the 18th May a meeting, which had been formally convened “to take into consideration the formation of a Rifle Volunteer Corps from the M

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First Attempts at Formation.

First Attempts at Formation.

The desire, however, of the Audit Office Meeting was that special favour should be shown to Civil Servants, so it was decided to express the views of the meeting in the following letter, which was despatched, not to the War Office, but to the Prime Minister himself, Earl Derby: “Audit Office, 20th May, 1859. “ My Lord ,—I have the honour to transmit to your Lordship a copy of the Resolutions passed at a meeting of gentlemen of the Audit Office, held on the 18th instant to take into consideration

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Audit Corps Formed.

Audit Corps Formed.

Forthwith, at a general meeting held in the Audit Office on the 10th November, it was resolved, “That it was desirable that a Sub-division of not less than forty effectives be at once formed in the Audit Office, and that other departments be invited to co-operate by raising Companies or Sub-divisions with the view of promoting the formation of a Brigade.” From this time forward enthusiasm and hard work were the order of the day. A circular letter to other Government Departments was issued, and t

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Other Corps Formed.

Other Corps Formed.

The Auditors were not to be left long in sole possession of the military arena of the Civil Service, for Corps were being rapidly raised in the Post Office, Inland Revenue, Customs, Whitehall, and Admiralty. An unsuccessful attempt was made to raise a Corps in the British Museum. Almost all of these Corps date their origin from the circular issued from the Audit Office, inviting the co-operation of their department. So rapidly were they organised, that towards the end of December, 1859, they app

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First Council Meeting.

First Council Meeting.

This first meeting of the Council was held on the 7th January, 1860. The following members were present, as the first chosen representatives of their divisions, and to them may be justly attributed the title of “The Fathers of the Regiment”:— Captain F. A. Hawker, Audit Office Corps, in the chair. Lieutenant Vine, Audit Office Corps. Captain Harrington, Post Office Corps. Mr. T. Angell, Post Office Corps. Mr. W. Willis, Admiralty Corps. Mr. A. Brady, Admiralty Corps. Mr. F. B. Garnett, Inland Re

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Title of Corps.

Title of Corps.

The first proceeding of the Council after electing Mr. Francis Taylor, of the Audit Office, its secretary, was to resolve that the amalgamated corps (now found to consist of 658 effective and 410 honorary members, and stated to be “daily increasing”) should be called the “Civil Service Rifle Brigade.” The Admiralty representatives suggested the “Crown Rifle Brigade,” but their amendment was not received with favour....

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Uniform.

Uniform.

The Council next launched into the important subject of uniform, a subject of which the details occupied their attention at several successive meetings, and in regard to which some of the members displayed great energy. Apparently unmindful of the terrors of a military tailor’s bill, each attended the meeting in the pattern of uniform that he individually recommended. Mr. Tom Taylor was one of these energetic members, and to him it appears that the regiment was indebted for the pattern of most o

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Customs Corps Secede.

Customs Corps Secede.

The Customs had, from the first, shown an inclination to fall off. It appears that, being a strong corps, they considered they were entitled to be represented on the Council by more than two representatives. With an expression of regret for their withdrawal, “more especially on a matter so trivial,” the Council accepted the loss; and when the authority for the amalgamation was ultimately received from the War Office, it referred only to the 27th Middlesex (Inland Revenue), the 31st (Whitehall),

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Prince of Wales.

Prince of Wales.

At its second meeting, the Council had decided upon the important step of inviting the Prince of Wales to accept the Honorary Colonelcy of the Regiment. They were induced to take this step by the hopes held out to them through Mr. George Alexander Hamilton, Secretary to the Treasury, to whose influence the success of the application was mainly attributed; for by the beginning of May an intimation was received that, with the sanction of Her Majesty and the Prince Consort, His Royal Highness had g

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Chaplain.

Chaplain.

The first Staff appointment which the Council succeeded in filling was that of Chaplain, offered to, and accepted by, the Rev. Charles Kingsley, afterwards Canon Kingsley....

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C.O.

C.O.

The important post of Lieutenant-Colonel or Commanding Officer was not so easily filled. It was offered first to Sir E. Lugard, and afterwards to Lord West, but both were unable to undertake the duties. At length, at a meeting held on the 15th May, on a proposition of Captain Mills, the Council decided that Viscount Bury be invited to take the command of the regiment. This application proved more successful, for although Lord Bury had connected himself to a slight extent with the “Artists’” Corp

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Adjutant.

Adjutant.

The appointment of an Adjutant also caused difficulty. A committee consisting of a few members of the Council was elected to consider the applications for the post. The choice of this committee fell upon Captain Ennis, who was a member of the Corps, and Captain-Commandant of the Inland Revenue Companies. Captain Ennis had at one time been in the “Hussars.” The War Office, however, refused to accept Captain Ennis as Adjutant, on the ground that he was over fifty, and that his service in the army

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Surgeon.

Surgeon.

With the authority for the appointment of Captain Ennis to the Adjutancy came also that of Dr. Spencer Smith to the post of Surgeon. This gentleman resigned only a few years ago, after a service of 24 years. In the early days his office was by no means the apparent sinecure it has since become, for it was the duty of the Surgeon, or the Assistant Surgeon, to attend at the range whenever target practice was held, and for the zealous and kind manner in which this duty was carried out, at great sac

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Major.

Major.

The War Office, at that time, required that Majors of Volunteer Corps should have served in the Army, so that it was not until April, 1861, that the post of Major was filled by the appointment of Major Leslie (late Captain 1st Life Guards). With this exception the formation of the Regiment may now (June, 1860) be said to have been complete. It was composed as follows:...

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Composition of Corps.

Composition of Corps.

These numbers scarcely convey a correct impression of the hold which the corps had secured upon the Civil Service. It must be remembered that, in addition to the effective strength as given above, there were at least 500 honorary members including many who occupied leading official positions. These were individuals who were debarred by age or other reasons from drilling, but who, nevertheless, were quite as enthusiastic in advocating the new “movement” as their more active comrades in the ranks.

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First Battalion Drill, &c.

First Battalion Drill, &c.

This parade was in plain clothes and without arms, but in the following week the regiment mustered in uniform and under arms. Captain Ennis (afterwards Adjutant) took the command at these drills. The following week the regiment was ready for its first “march out.” This notable event was held at Wimbledon, amidst torrents of rain, and is commemorated by a sketch made by Captain Angell, a photograph of which hangs in the Orderly Room. The expense of this march was defrayed by a collection of ten s

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Musketry Instruction.

Musketry Instruction.

The arduous duties carried out by these Volunteer Musketry Instructors certainly entitle them to especial mention. At their head was Captain Du Plat Taylor, assisted by Ensign Campbell and Battalion Instructor Halliday. The first Company Instructors in the order of merit in which they passed their examination were: Every available place in the neighbourhood of Somerset House was occupied nightly by squads practising “position” and “aiming” drill, and by August, Captain Du Plat Taylor was able to

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Queen’s Review.

Queen’s Review.

Two events of the year 1860 must not be omitted. One was the first grand Volunteer Review before the Queen, in Hyde Park, when the Civil Service, under Lord Bury, formed part of a brigade under Lord Ranelagh. In reference to this event Lord Bury states, “The behaviour of all ranks on the ground was steady and soldierlike, and the general appearance presented by the Regiment was all that could be desired.” Another was the celebration of the Prince of Wales’ birthday by an inspection at Somerset H

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Dramatic Performance.

Dramatic Performance.

Perhaps the most interesting of these gatherings is an Amateur Dramatic Performance, held at the Lyceum Theatre, wherein the corps exhibited an array of talent, of which it might justly feel proud. The performance was so successful that it was repeated. The following is a copy of the programme: PRINCE OF WALES’ OWN Civil Service Rifle Volunteers. HONORARY COLONEL, H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, K.G. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL, VISCOUNT BURY, M.P. On WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1861, WILL BE PERFORMED, FOR THE SECON

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Regimental Ball.

Regimental Ball.

A Regimental Ball was also given at Willis’s Rooms, in aid of the same object. In the list of the Lady Patronesses are the names of: The Duchess of Manchester. The Duchess of Wellington. The Countess Russell. Viscountess Palmerston. Viscountess Bury. Lady Elcho. Mrs. Gladstone....

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Band.

Band.

The Band, on behalf of which so much energy was expended, was composed of 25 members, the greater number of whom were amateurs. It appears to have been in an excellent state of efficiency, as it gained prizes at various band contests, which it was then the fashion to hold. It was under the charge of an energetic and capable bandmaster, Mr. J. Moirato Davis; but very valuable assistance was rendered to its efficiency by Mr. W. P. Jones, of the Audit Office. Its annual cost to the regiment appears

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Subscription Fund.

Subscription Fund.

As there was no Government grant in those days to assist in defraying the expenses of the corps these had to be met entirely by voluntary contributions, and the subscriptions of members. The Council issued a circular asking for assistance from the whole of the Civil Service. Subscriptions flowed in liberally. In the Inland Revenue and Whitehall Divisions alone the subscriptions in the first year exceeded £1,000....

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1861. First Easter Monday Review.

1861. First Easter Monday Review.

The opening of the year 1861 was marked by the first Easter Monday Review. This was held at Brighton. Some difference of opinion was displayed by the various Volunteer Commanding Officers as to the advisability of holding this review. Lord Bury opposed the idea. He expressed his opinions on the point in a Regimental Order to the following effect:— “I do not think the proposed expedition judicious in a political point of view. I think it inconsistent with the purely defensive character of the Vol

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1862.

1862.

Little else of importance occurred to mark the year 1861, so we will pass at once to the second Easter Monday Review, which ushered in the drill season of 1862. By this time it would appear that Lord Bury’s views had changed, for the regiment not only attended the Review, but in a Regimental Order, in which he praises the steadiness of the battalion on that occasion, Lord Bury states—“It is an honour to have taken part in such a day.” Another event of this year was a review by the Duke of Cambri

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1863. Prince of Wales’ Challenge Cup.

1863. Prince of Wales’ Challenge Cup.

At the commencement of the year 1863, the Prince of Wales showed his interest in the Corps by presenting it with a Challenge Cup of the value of 100 guineas. The nominal right to hold this cup for a year is still annually shot for; but it is customary for the Commanding Officer to retain it in his own custody. This was the year of the Prince of Wales’s marriage, and on the 7th March the Regiment took part in the parade of the Metropolitan Volunteers in Hyde Park, on the arrival of the Princess A

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Adjutants: Captain Adair, 1862-3. Captain Lombard, 1864-1886.

Adjutants: Captain Adair, 1862-3. Captain Lombard, 1864-1886.

It has not yet been mentioned that Captain Alexander W. Adair was appointed to the Corps as Adjutant, in May, 1862. Towards the close of this year (1863) he resigned, and with the opening of 1864 we form the acquaintance of one who has left an indelible mark on the history of the Civil Service Rifles. On the 17th March, 1864, Captain Graves C. Swan Lombard (late of the 16th Regiment) was appointed Acting Adjutant, and for the long period of 22 years from this date his name appears at the foot of

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1864.

1864.

The year 1864 is noted for two events of importance. The first was a Review in Hyde Park, when the “Civil Service” formed part of a brigade under the command of the Prince of Wales. The second was an Inspection of the Regiment by the Prince on the 15th June, at Somerset House. A letter from the Prince to Lord Bury was afterwards published in Orders, in which His Royal Highness stated that both he and the Princess, who accompanied him, were much gratified by the Inspection. The events of one year

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Shooting of Period.

Shooting of Period.

A few words about the shooting of the period. “H” Company appears to have been the best shooting Company at this time, whilst “C” Company stood by far the lowest in the list of marksmen. Private E. Plasket was evidently the “crack” shot of the Regiment. Lord Bury’s name also figures well in Regimental Competitions. In 1865 he headed the 3rd class scores with 72 out of a possible 80—a score which even in these days of Martinis would be treated with great respect....

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Majors.

Majors.

In 1865, Members of the Regiment for the first time filled the post of Major, the two senior Captains, Hawker and Du Plat Taylor, being promoted....

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1866—Bank of England Company.

1866—Bank of England Company.

An important event in the history of the Corps occurred in 1866, in the formation of a new Company, composed of members of the Clerical Establishment of the Bank of England. The Bank had as yet taken no active part in the Volunteer movement; but the Directors, following the traditions of their predecessors of the last century, were very favourably inclined towards it. It was with little difficulty, therefore, that Mr. Kingsmill, to whose energy the formation of the Company was principally due, s

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Camp at Wimbledon.

Camp at Wimbledon.

In the Orders of 1866 we find the first notice of a Regimental Camp, to be held at the Wimbledon Meeting. These were the days when Wimbledon was the only camp—a huge Volunteer “picnic,” suggestive of camp bonfires and unlimited festivity. It was certainly the first experience which the Regiment appears to have had in camp life. In the Order giving details, one of the most prominent paragraphs recommends members to bring sheets and a corkscrew !...

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Major Du Plat Taylor.

Major Du Plat Taylor.

In April, 1868, Major Du Plat Taylor resigned. Major Du Plat Taylor had from the first been one of the most prominent and energetic officers of the Corps. He had a strong desire, which he expressed in a circular issued in 1864, to raise a third Company in the Post Office, and then to form a separate battalion under his own command. Although not successful in this very questionable scheme, he now resigned in order to take command of a new corps (the 49th, now the 24th Middlesex), raised from the

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1871.

1871.

The next events of importance occur in the year 1871. This was a period of some military excitement, caused by the Franco-German War. The old Enfield rifle was called in, and the Snider breechloader issued to Volunteers....

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School of Instruction.

School of Instruction.

Schools of Instruction for Volunteer Officers were instituted by the Army authorities. These supplied a want that had been much felt, as much by the “Civil Service” as by other Corps; for although the more energetic Officers occasionally obtained permission to be attached to a Regiment of Regulars for a short period, the instruction thus obtained does not appear to have been very thorough. Indeed, the blunders of Commanding Officers, eccentric words of command, and suchlike, form the staple comm

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Major Hawker.

Major Hawker.

In this year (1871) Major Hawker resigned. On his resignation he was entertained by the Regiment at a dinner given in his honour at St. James’s Hall; and, in a special Regimental Order issued for the occasion, he was thanked by Lord Bury for the services which he had rendered the Corps. His vacancy was filled by the promotion of Captain Mills. We now approach a period when a greater variety was displayed in the annual military programme of the Corps. Camps of Instruction were instituted—the firs

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50th Middlesex Formed.

50th Middlesex Formed.

In 1875 a new Corps (one of the last formed in Middlesex) was raised from the porters and subordinate establishment of the Bank of England. After the disbandment of the Bank Volunteers in 1814, the Directors still considered it advisable to train a certain number of their employés to the use of arms, to be employed, if necessary, for the defence of the Bank. Their porters and messengers were specially selected with a view to this purpose, and arms and uniform were provided by the Bank. The year

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Dramatic Society.

Dramatic Society.

In 1876 a Regimental Dramatic Society was inaugurated with great éclat . Although the Corps was unable to boast of such noted names as were seen on the programme of its performance of 1861, yet there was found to be an abundance of dramatic talent in its ranks. Moreover, some of the celebrities referred to gladly gave their services to their old Corps. Mr. W. S. Gilbert personally superintended the rehearsals for the production of one of his own plays, “On Guard,” which was selected for the open

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Major Currie.

Major Currie.

In 1879 Major Currie resigned. The Regiment had benefited much by Major Currie’s services. Lord Bury having suffered from bad health about this period, Major Currie for some time carried out the duties of Commanding Officer, and earned for himself much popularity in the Corps. His post was filled by the promotion of a brother Director of the Bank, Captain A. G. Sandeman, of K Company....

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Lord Bury.

Lord Bury.

Mention should not be omitted of the fact that at this period (1878-80) the Corps had the gratification of seeing its Commanding Officer (Lord Bury) occupying the post of Under Secretary of State for War. In this capacity he presided over a Committee appointed by Government to investigate and report on the requirements of the Volunteer Force. There is no doubt that the more generous treatment which the Force has received from Government of late years is owing in a great degree to the Report of t

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Title Altered.

Title Altered.

In 1880 a scheme for re-numbering the Middlesex Corps was adopted by the War Office. Many of the Corps formed in 1860 had become defunct or had been amalgamated with others. The “Civil Service,” from the 21st, thus became the 12th Middlesex. A few years later, when the territorial system was arranged, they were classified as the 5th Volunteer Battalion of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, but this title has not yet been adopted....

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21st Year.

21st Year.

In 1881 the Volunteer Force celebrated its coming of age, and Her Majesty marked the event by reviewing her “citizen soldiers.” The English Volunteers mustered in Windsor Great Park, on the 9th July, 1881, and marched past their Sovereign. A few weeks later the Queen proceeded to Scotland, and reviewed the Scottish Corps at Edinburgh. The “Civil Service” decided to celebrate their arrival at maturity by a grand dinner of past and present members. The Prince of Wales graciously consented to presi

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Change of Rifle.

Change of Rifle.

In 1885 the Snider Rifles were called in and Martinis issued to Volunteer Corps. For a few years before this, a limited number of Martinis had been lent to each corps for the use of men who shot for the Queen’s Prize at Wimbledon. (The rifles of the “Civil Service” were again changed in 1890 for Martinis of a later pattern, with which the sword-bayonet was issued in lieu of the bayonet of the old type.)...

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Adjutants.

Adjutants.

In 1886 Major Lombard retired from the post of Adjutant, having served to the full limit of age allowed by the War Office Regulations in force on his appointment. The Corps now came under the operation of the rule at present in force, by which an officer on the Active List of the Army is appointed for five years only, when he returns to his regiment. Under this rule Captain A. G. S. Beadnell, of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, was appointed, vice Major Lombard....

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Jubilee Year.

Jubilee Year.

The Volunteer “events” which marked the Jubilee Year of 1887 will ever make it memorable to those who took part in them. The Civil Service Corps were fully represented at each of these—The Royal Procession to the Abbey; the March Past the Queen at Buckingham Palace, when the Corps had the honour of being led by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales; and last, but not least, the gigantic Military Review at Aldershot. On the last-mentioned occasion, in order to parade at the early hour of four in the morning

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Wimbledon Ranges.

Wimbledon Ranges.

No history of the Corps could be accepted as complete which omitted an account of the Wimbledon Ranges; for it is around them that, with many of us, the pleasantest memories of volunteering life will cling—some of its sweetest triumphs, and also, perhaps, some of its keenest disappointments. Here we have endeavoured to learn, with more or less success, how to bear the pride of victory, as well as the sting of defeat, with that impassive demeanour which is held to become the well-bred Briton. The

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The Flagstaff.

The Flagstaff.

A noteworthy object on the Wimbledon Range is the flagstaff. This is 153 feet high, and has the reputation of being the tallest flagstaff in England of one piece only. It is known as the “Douglas Pine,” and is the product of Vancouver’s Island. It was presented to the London Scottish in 1872 by an old member of the Corps, who had settled on that island and felled it on his own land. The recruit is usually informed that it took two ships to bring it over; the explanation that one ship brought it

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Wimbledon Camp.

Wimbledon Camp.

The “Civil Service” was among the earliest of the Metropolitan Corps which formed its own private camp at the great rifle meeting, and from 1864 to 1885 the dark blue flag with its Prince of Wales’s Feathers was always to be seen flying in its own peculiar corner of the enclosure. This unbroken record of nearly a quarter of a century was not obtained, however, without some trouble. In the early days, when camping out was a novelty, and Wimbledon afforded the only means of enjoying that novelty,

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Shooting.

Shooting.

To pass from Wimbledon and to remark briefly on the shooting records of the Regiment is an easy digression. The “Civil Service” has never yet had the good luck to provide the winner of the Queen’s Prize, and this fact is sometimes thrust forward by the thoughtless to detract from its merits as a “good shooting Corps.” A simple computation will show that, with 200,000 Volunteers to shoot for it, a Corps of 600 strong will have done its duty if it wins the prize once in 333 years! But members of t

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The Aldershot Drills.

The Aldershot Drills.

The Aldershot Summer Drills appear to have been instituted when the Autumn Manœuvres, held in 1872-3, were discontinued. The “Civil Service” first sent a detachment to Aldershot in 1875, and from that date, with but few exceptions, they have annually sent a Company. This Company has been almost always attached to the Provisional Battalion commanded by Colonel Du Plat Taylor, of the Post Office Volunteers. Of all the efforts taken to instil a military training into the Volunteer none perhaps have

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Camps of Instruction.

Camps of Instruction.

Aldershot may have been instrumental in giving us a leaven of good soldiers, but nothing has had so great an effect in changing the conditions of our Volunteer life as the Camps of Instruction. As the greater part of Battalion drills are now done in Camp, it is hardly possible for a member, as was the case in old days, to make himself efficient by toddling round the quadrangle at Somerset House; and this change has almost banished from the ranks the individual generally described as the “old-fas

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The Old Deer Park.

The Old Deer Park.

Here the Corps has encamped every year since, 3 and, indeed, it would be difficult to find a more advantageous camping-ground. Interesting in its associations as one of the oldest Royal Parks in England, originally attached to Richmond Palace, it gives for drill purposes an extensive area of slightly undulating parkland, ornamented with picturesque groups of trees, among which are some patriarchs so venerable as to make one imagine that they might have looked down upon the grand tournaments held

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Change of Uniform.

Change of Uniform.

Other views now prevailed, and out of 300 who answered the circular addressed to them, and who expressed any opinion at all in the matter, 220 were in favour of a change. After a considerable time had been taken in arriving at a decision, it was resolved to discard the dark grey for a very light grey, retaining the Royal blue facings and the black belts of the old uniform. The sanction of the Honorary Colonel and of the War Office having been obtained, the change was carried out at the commencem

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Resignation of Lord Bury.

Resignation of Lord Bury.

At the close of the Inspection referred to (held in the Camp in the Old Deer Park, Richmond) Lord Bury, in a few earnest words, regretfully bade farewell to the Regiment in which he had spent so large a period of his life, and with which he expressed a hope that his family would henceforward be always connected. He then formally handed over the command to his successor, Major and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Mills; and, with an outburst of hearty cheering in his honour, the Civil Service Corps to

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Staff Promotions.

Staff Promotions.

On the resignation of Lord Bury, and the appointment of Lieutenant-Colonel Mills to the command of the Regiment, Captain and Honorary Major J. J. Cardin, of the Post Office, was promoted to the post of Major; and it is doubtful if in the whole history of the Corps can be recorded any more popular promotions than these two....

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Building of Head Quarters.

Building of Head Quarters.

There remains now but one more event to chronicle in order to bring this brief category to a close, viz., the building of a Regimental Headquarters. Ever since its formation the only apology for a Headquarters which the Corps possessed consisted of a single room, kindly lent by the authorities of the Exchequer and Audit Department, in which the business of the Regimental Staff was conducted. It had been felt for some time that the satisfactory condition of the Corps justified an effort being mad

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1892.

1892.

In 1892 the Headquarters Building was formally opened. The Prince of Wales, as Honorary Colonel, had announced his intention of performing the ceremony, but was prevented by the lamentable death of the Duke of Clarence which occurred in January, and the duty was carried out by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught. The event was followed by a succession of “At Homes,” dances, and other festivities to give the Regiment a house warming in its new home. The home itself was much appreciated, and at once bega

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1893.

1893.

The Regiment now entered upon an era of rising strength and vigorous efficiency. Officers keen to learn found in Captain Barton an Adjutant who was as keen to teach. Parties on outpost work, road sketching, military topography, etc., were soon to be found ranging the outskirts of London and of any other place where the Civil Service were encamped, and the result was seen in after years, when the Army List recorded a far higher list of qualifications in “extra subjects” to the officers of the Cor

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1894.

1894.

In 1894 the Earl of Albemarle, the Regiment’s first Commanding Officer, died, and Colonel Viscount Bury succeeded to the title. The Corps attended the Easter manœuvres at Windsor in this year, when its Commanding Officer secured for it the much appreciated privilege of being quartered at Eton College. In July, 1894, Lieutenant-Colonel Cardin (Senior Major) resigned after a period of thirty-four years’ service in the Corps. The vacant post was filled by the promotion of Captain and Honorary Major

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1895.

1895.

On the 25th May, 1895, the Prince of Wales held an inspection of the Regiment at Chelsea Barracks. The parade strength was 719 Civil Service, and 93 Bank of England (25th Middlesex). The Prince, who wore the new light grey uniform of the Corps, presented the first issue of the Long Service Medal to 40 officers and men. The Officers’ Volunteer Decoration had been bestowed in 1892 on 17 officers (retired and serving) of the Corps, with the Prince’s own name heading the list. The shooting of the Re

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1896.

1896.

In 1896 Captain G. Lamb, Leinster Regiment, was appointed Adjutant in the place of Captain Barton, whose time having expired, returned to his regiment. It was with great regret that the Civil Service parted with this officer....

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1897.

1897.

1897 was the year of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Unlike the Jubilee of 1887, when the Metropolitan Volunteers turned out in their full strength to line the route, battalions were now restricted to two companies of 25 file each. The Civil Service Companies were commanded by the two senior captains, Major Miall and Captain Merrick. At the great Royal Naval Review at Spithead, the “H” (Admiralty) Company under Captain Danter had the unique experience of providing a Guard of Honour in the

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1898. “Prince of Wales’ Own.”

1898. “Prince of Wales’ Own.”

In February, 1898, the Prince of Wales honoured the officers by attending a Mess Dinner held at the Whitehall Rooms. Responding to the toast of his health, the Prince complimented Lord Albemarle on the efficiency of the Regiment, and spoke warmly of the pleasure it gave him to remember how long he had been its Honorary Colonel—the oldest Colonel, he thought, in the Volunteer Force. It was announced shortly afterwards that the Regiment was to be called “The Prince of Wales’s Own.”...

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1899.

1899.

Facilities were now being given for Volunteers to do as much training as possible with regular troops, and the Civil Service took advantage of this during the Easter period. In 1898 a strong detachment were quartered at the Albuhera Barracks, Aldershot, and in 1899 the whole Battalion were accommodated at the Inkerman Barracks, Woking, with the 2nd East Surrey Regiment. In reporting on outpost operations carried out on the latter occasion, the Brigadier said: “The outpost work was good. The plac

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1900.

1900.

The City Imperial Volunteers returned home in November, and were given a tumultuous welcome as they marched through London on the afternoon of Saturday, the 21st November. The route was lined by all the Metropolitan Volunteer Battalions; and so enthusiastic was London to welcome its “heroes” that it was with the greatest difficulty that the route could be kept clear. Unfortunately, Lord Albemarle had been attacked with fever at Cape Town and was unable to embark, thereby missing the welcome acco

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1901. Field Army Brigades.

1901. Field Army Brigades.

On the 22nd January, 1901, Her Majesty Queen Victoria died. The Regiment was informed in due course that the King would honour it by continuing to retain the position of Honorary Colonel. In April, 1901, the Regiment lost its Commanding Officer by the promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel the Earl of Albemarle to the command of the Norfolk Volunteer Infantry Brigade. Colonel Tytheridge, who had temporarily commanded during the absence of Lord Albemarle in South Africa, now succeeded to the command. Th

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1903.

1903.

In 1903 Brigades were re-organised, and the Civil Service, with the Queen’s Westminsters, London Irish and 2nd London formed the 23rd Brigade under Colonel Jerrard. This officer held training camps as follows: 1903.—Shorncliffe. 1904 and 1905.—Sway (New Forest). 1906.—Shorncliffe. About this time the Regiment effected certain changes in its uniform with the view of making it more suitable for work in the field. The helmet was altered to a shape which was perhaps less artistic, but gave greater c

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1902.

1902.

Captain B. J. Majendie, King’s Royal Rifles, was appointed Adjutant in November, 1902, vice Major Lamb, retired. Captain Majendie’s experiences in the South African war had been somewhat unique and unfortunate. Whilst accompanying a troop of cavalry sent out as a patrol from Ladysmith on the day that war was declared, the party were surrounded and captured by the enemy and held prisoners in Pretoria until that place was taken by General Roberts in the following year. Captain Majendie was the fir

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School of Arms.

School of Arms.

To the latter institution a word is now due. Ever since the Headquarters had been opened, the athletic youth of the public offices in London had been attracted to this excellent training school in their midst. During the winter months the building was thronged to overflowing on “School” nights with perspiring youth in flannels, as class after class followed each other in unceasing relays for hours. Organising, directing and instructing this untiring energy were Danter, Brett, W. H. D. Clarke, Wh

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“Daily Telegraph” Cup.

“Daily Telegraph” Cup.

In 1902 the Corps secured an honour for which it had striven for many years, and which, although as a rule honourably placed in the strenuous competition, it had never yet succeeded in obtaining. This was the Daily Telegraph Cup for marching and shooting, competed for at the Home District Rifle Meeting by teams from most of the battalions of regulars and volunteers in the district. And now, under the leadership of Captain F. J. Brett, supported by Sergeant W. H. D. Clarke, it was won four years

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1904.

1904.

In 1904, Colonel Tytheridge resigned and the Earl of Arran, late Captain, Royal Horse Guards, was appointed Commanding Officer. Captain and Hon. Major E. Merrick and Captain R. G. Hayes were promoted Field Officers. At the end of 1906 the Field Army Brigades were abolished, as preparations were then being made for a much greater call upon volunteers than that entailed by the existing scheme of Home Defence. Troubled by the incessant cry for economy in military expenditure from their supporters o

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The Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907.

The Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907.

The Territorial and Reserve Forces Act was passed in 1907, by which the Force might at once become an integral part of the Army on a threat of war. The Brigade Camp of 1907 held at West Tarring, near Worthing, was therefore the last camp of the Civil Service Volunteers. Before the summer training camps of 1908 were formed, the Corps had been disbanded and re-enrolled, the grey uniform had been discarded, and a new khaki-clad battalion of Territorial soldiers of the King, 800 strong, stood ready

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15th (Co. of London) Battalion, 4th London Brigade.

15th (Co. of London) Battalion, 4th London Brigade.

The Battalion, under the title of the “15th (County of London) Battalion the London Regiment,” was placed in the 4th London Brigade of the 2nd London Division, the brigade being constituted as before (the old “Grey Brigade”), and still under the Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the Scots Guards Regiment. The first training camp of the Territorial Brigade was held at West Down, Salisbury Plain, from August 2nd to 16th, 1908, Colonel Inigo Jones, Scots Guards, in command. The Civil Service were by fa

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1908.

1908.

In August, 1908, the Earl of Arran found himself compelled, with regret, to resign the command. Notwithstanding the fact that his former military experience had been entirely that of a cavalry officer, Lord Arran had, by his personal efforts, kept up the high standard of steadiness and efficiency in drill to which the Battalion had attained, and his popularity as a Commanding Officer had never been exceeded by any. It was with sorrow that every member of the Corps heard of his decision to resign

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1910.7

1910.7

7 From this point to the outbreak of war the annals are continued by Captain Bell, late Civil Service Rifles. The commencement of the training year saw the duties of Adjutant taken over by Captain Fitzclarence of the Royal Fusiliers, an officer of wide experience and one who had had some previous knowledge of the working of a force recruited under the voluntary system. From his first appearance on parade his popularity was assured, and he ably seconded the efforts made by Colonel Willoughby to b

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1911.

1911.

The Easter Training this year took place at the Guards’ Depot at Caterham. The opportunity thus afforded to the officers and non-commissioned officers of the Battalion to see the course of instruction through which a recruit of the Regular Army had to pass was most valuable. The Battalion was called on to furnish a number of detachments in connection with the Coronation festivities this year, and acquitted itself well throughout. The Major-General in command of the Division expressed his entire

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1912.

1912.

This year saw the old pattern Slade-Wallis equipment replaced by the Mills web equipment. The change was much appreciated and every one felt that with the supply of the new pack and haversack it was no longer necessary to rely for essentials on the kit-bag, and that, as a consequence, the mobility of the Battalion was greatly increased. A feature of the year was the Whitsuntide outing arranged at Bisley for the purpose of drill and musketry. The detachment was favoured by good weather and had th

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1913.

1913.

A review of the London District Territorial Troops by His Majesty the King took place in Hyde Park on July 5th, 1913. The Battalion was well represented. The annual camp was held this year at Abergavenny in South Wales. The Battalion had never before been called on to proceed so far afield for its training, and the visit to Wales was looked forward to with eager anticipation. The Brigade arrived at Abergavenny on Sunday, July 27th, and soon got to work on the programme laid down. The first week

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1914.

1914.

All other events of the year 1914 were dwarfed by the outbreak of the war with the Central Powers and the embodiment of the Territorial Force. As every one recollects, the call was sudden. The Battalion was carrying out the programme laid down for its peace training, and had actually arrived at Perham Down Camp, Salisbury Plain, for its annual camp training. Its stay there was but short—in fact, only a matter of hours—and it found itself back in London within twenty-four hours of having left it.

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1st Battalion Civil Service Rifles By Captain P. Davenport, M.C.9

1st Battalion Civil Service Rifles By Captain P. Davenport, M.C.9

9 Appointed 2nd Lieut., 11th June, 1915; to France, December 24th, 1915; acting Captain, 1917; Adjutant, 27th June, 1917.— Editor....

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INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

A few words on the manner in which the story of the 1st Battalion was written will not be out of place, and may help to explain the delay in producing the book and the obvious errors of omission which have been committed. When the Battalion went to France two diaries were kept at headquarters—the War Diary, in which were recorded all the military exploits of the Battalion, and the Regimental Diary, which contained all the “personal gossip” in the Regiment, as well as accounts of tours in the fro

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CHAPTER I “17TH OF MARCH MEN”

CHAPTER I “17TH OF MARCH MEN”

At the annual dinner in London on St. Patrick’s Day the survivors of those who constituted the original 1st Battalion of the Civil Service Rifles commemorate the historic day on which the Regiment first sent a Battalion on active service—the 17th of March, 1915. It was hardly realised when that Battalion went to France that it would soon become the highest of distinctions in the Regiment to be described as a “17th of March man,” but this distinction is fully recognised now, and he is a much envi

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CHAPTER II GIVENCHY AND FESTUBERT

CHAPTER II GIVENCHY AND FESTUBERT

On the 7th of April the Battalion left for Bethune and the forward area. The villagers gave the men a very hearty send-off, for the Civil Service Rifles had thoroughly captured the hearts of all at Cauchy, who had done their best to fête their heroes overnight. After sleepy Cauchy, Bethune was voted top hole. The shops in the old town were quite Parisian, and every one indulged in dainty but unsatisfying gateaux and steaming bowls of hot chocolate. For the bon viveurs there were excellent dinner

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CHAPTER III A “BON WAR”

CHAPTER III A “BON WAR”

The inhabitants of the little mining village of Les Brebis displayed little or no surprise when they were called from their beds in the middle of the night to greet the Civil Service Rifles on their arrival from Sailly Labourse—another mining village where a peaceful week had been spent after Festubert. The natives of Les Brebis were now quite accustomed to being awakened at all hours of the night to receive new lodgers, for their houses were the billets of the Battalion in reserve to the front

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CHAPTER IV LOOS AND THE SPINNEY

CHAPTER IV LOOS AND THE SPINNEY

A return was made to the trenches at Maroc on the 1st September, when it was found that the war had livened up considerably during the three weeks’ absence at La Beuvrière. The aerial torpedo made its first appearance to the Battalion, and to judge from the following letter home from a member of “B” Company, caused some consternation:— “When we first took these trenches over from the French there was hardly a shell or a bullet all day. Now Hell is let loose. The very first morning we were introd

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NEW SONG OF HIAWATHA.

NEW SONG OF HIAWATHA.

It was agreed by all that this gem should not be lost to the world, and it was reproduced some months afterwards in the Hazeley Wail , a magazine published by the 1st Battalion wounded who had returned to the Reserve Battalion. Hopes were now raised by rumours of another period in Corps Reserve and a return to Lillers, but the Division was not destined to leave without a little excitement, for in the early hours of the 15th of February, the last day at Loos was heralded by the blowing of a big m

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CHAPTER VI NOTRE DAME DE LORETTE

CHAPTER VI NOTRE DAME DE LORETTE

The new area proved to be the northern end of the famous Vimy Ridge, which the Battalion approached by easy stages, for although the Division took over the “Carency Sector” of the line on the 13th of March, it was not until the 10th of April that the Civil Service Rifles went into the front line. The interval had been spent in reserve billets in the French huts in Bouvigny Woods, in the partially deserted village of Villers au Bois, the wholly deserted village of Carency, the fully inhabited and

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CHAPTER VII VIMY RIDGE, 1916

CHAPTER VII VIMY RIDGE, 1916

On a gloriously sunny afternoon in May, a man was dozing outside his hut in the pretty little woods at the village of Camblain L’Abbé, where the Civil Service Rifles were billeted in Brigade Reserve. The Brigade had just taken over the Berthonval sector of trenches on Vimy Ridge, and the Civil Service Rifles were to spend a week in what appeared to be the most delightful village they had visited in Northern France. It was one of those days when it feels good to be alive. The birds sang sweetly i

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CHAPTER VIII CALONNE RICOUART AND SOUCHEZ

CHAPTER VIII CALONNE RICOUART AND SOUCHEZ

It will be gathered from the foregoing that, in whatever light the operation on Vimy Ridge was regarded by the General Staff, to the Civil Service Rifles it was a battle of some importance, and the loss of so many of the leading members naturally plunged the survivors into something approaching deep depression as they trudged wearily back to Camblain l’Abbé on the morning of the 23rd of May. The Transport limbers were met at Villers au Bois, and many weary men were thankful to shed their equipme

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CHAPTER IX THE TREK

CHAPTER IX THE TREK

During its career in France, the Civil Service Rifles have frequently moved over long distances by route march—a practice known as “trekking”—but the great march of 1916 seems so to have dwarfed all other performances of a similar nature, that it is always referred to simply as “the trek,” and it is agreed by all who took part in it, that the trek was one of the most enjoyable experiences the Civil Service Rifles had during the war. At the same time the period was one of the most strenuous, the

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CHAPTER X HIGH WOOD

CHAPTER X HIGH WOOD

What a wonderful scene it was along the New German Road on the afternoon of the 14th of September—a never-ending transport column moving along in broad daylight, conveying ammunition and R.E. material for the big fight. An object of special interest to the Civil Service Rifles was one of the tanks which was passed on the road. The men studied it critically and expressed a pious hope that it would turn up all right on the day. Although the road was so crowded with traffic, there was little shelli

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CHAPTER XI EAUCOURT L’ABBE AND THE BUTTE DE WARLENCOURT

CHAPTER XI EAUCOURT L’ABBE AND THE BUTTE DE WARLENCOURT

The so-called camp in Bottom Wood was the essence of discomfort, but after a meal and a few hours rest, a welcome move was made in the evening of the 20th September to Albert, where one night was spent in deserted houses. The march was continued the following day, and the Battalion arrived at a tented camp in a wood just outside the village of Henencourt, where Corps Headquarters was situated in a magnificent château, the grounds of which were a replica of those of the Palace of Versailles. Ther

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CHAPTER XII A REST CURE IN THE YPRES SALIENT

CHAPTER XII A REST CURE IN THE YPRES SALIENT

To those whose memories of Ypres are only associated with thoughts of mud and slaughter, and who at the mention of the word “Salient” instinctively think of the horrors of Passchendaele, the Menin Road and Hooge, it will seem incredible that there was a time during the war when the Ypres Salient was peaceful and quiet, a place where Divisions, shattered on the Somme, came for recuperation. It was in such a state that the 47th Division found the Ypres Salient in October, 1916, and after what had

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CHAPTER XIII THE SALIENT IN WINTER

CHAPTER XIII THE SALIENT IN WINTER

Life in the Ypres Salient could now no longer be described as a rest cure, for in addition to increased activity on both sides in the line, the weather was of the real wintry type. The trenches, where there had been “water, water, everywhere,” had become ice-bound, and remained so for many weeks. Trench stores were often taken over by a C.S.M. who could scarcely see them through the ice, but who was told that he would “find they were all right when the thaw came.” To complete the wintry scene, s

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CHAPTER XIV THE MORINGHEM TREK

CHAPTER XIV THE MORINGHEM TREK

A long stay of eleven days in Dominion Lines ended with a return to the Support positions around Swan Château on the 8th of May, but only three days were spent here (during which time there were thirteen casualties, an unusually high number for the comparative safety of support positions) before the Battalion was relieved by the Poplar and Stepneys, and moved back to the village of Dickebusch for two days, before starting on the “Moringhem Trek,” the first affair of its kind since the memorable

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CHAPTER XV MESSINES—7TH JUNE, 1917

CHAPTER XV MESSINES—7TH JUNE, 1917

The Regimental Diary gives a detailed description of the career of the Civil Service Rifles from the time of leaving Dominion Lines on the night of the 3rd of June to the return from the trenches after the battle:— “Just before we started for the trenches at 10.0 p.m., the Bosche dropped a few big shells on the track near the segregated area, so it was felt that as we had to pass this point the war had started in earnest. Fortunately the whole Battalion passed this area without mishap, and the j

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CHAPTER XVI THE RENAISSANCE

CHAPTER XVI THE RENAISSANCE

Among the prominent events which may be regarded as landmarks or milestones in the career of the Civil Service Rifles in France, two have already been passed—Vimy Ridge and High Wood. The third milestone was one of a different character, but the arrival of Lieut.-Colonel F. W. Parish, M.C., to take command most certainly marked the beginning of a new phase in the life of the Battalion. As the pre-war Adjutant, Captain Parish had played a great part in the training of the Civil Service Rifles for

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CHAPTER XVII LAST DAYS IN THE YPRES SALIENT

CHAPTER XVII LAST DAYS IN THE YPRES SALIENT

As a sequel to overnight rumours, all officers were taken the next day to study a ground plan of the country from Passchendaele to Westhoek Ridge—an excellent model of what had now become the most famous battlefield on the western front. The parts which specially interested the Civil Service Rifles were the wood known as Nonne Boschen and Glencorse Wood. In the afternoon the N.C.O.’s were taken to see the model, and it was explained to them that they were soon to attack the positions in the two

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CHAPTER XVIII ANOTHER REST CURE. GAVRELLE AND OPPY

CHAPTER XVIII ANOTHER REST CURE. GAVRELLE AND OPPY

The long march to Steenvoorde—17 miles—was endured cheerfully by all ranks, who were overjoyed at leaving Belgium. It was felt that whatever the new area was like, it would not be worse than the experience of the past few weeks. What a tremendous change from the haven of rest of eleven months ago! There were many who would even prefer to go through the Somme experience of a year ago rather than return to the Menin Road. Those who had been left out as “non-starters” for the battle which did not t

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CHAPTER XIX BOURLON WOOD AND THE HINDENBURG LINE

CHAPTER XIX BOURLON WOOD AND THE HINDENBURG LINE

Two of the most serious checks to the 3rd Army advance on Cambrai were the villages of Bourlon and Fontaine Notre Dame, respectively at the north-west and south-east corners of Bourlon Wood. The latter village, too, was almost at the entrance to Cambrai on the Bapaume-Cambrai road. Both these villages had been captured towards the end of November, but were afterwards retaken. The Guards Division, who had preceded the 47th Division, accordingly attacked them again, and before the Civil Service Ri

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CHAPTER XX THE RETREAT

CHAPTER XX THE RETREAT

Although a big German offensive had been expected for some weeks, and elaborate preparations to meet it had been made during the winter months, there were few signs of the eve of a big battle when the Civil Service Rifles, after a two hours’ train journey from Etricourt, arrived at Winchester Valley late in the evening of the 19th of March, and relieved the 1st Berkshire Regiment (2nd Division) in Lincoln Reserve, the support line on Beaucamp Ridge, near Villers Plouich. The Poplar and Stepneys

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CHAPTER XXI MONTHS OF “WIND UP”

CHAPTER XXI MONTHS OF “WIND UP”

One night in Senlis was followed by a night in Hedauville, and then on the 9th of April, after a march to Acheux, the Battalion was conveyed by buses to the back area. The bus journey was pleasant enough at first, but on arriving at Beauval, where the troops were to have been billeted, it was found that all the accommodation had been allotted to other troops. The bus column halted in the main road outside the village where a draft of 600 other ranks was waiting to join the Battalion. The draft h

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CHAPTER XXII INTENSIVE TRAINING

CHAPTER XXII INTENSIVE TRAINING

Fortunately only one day was spent at Molliens au Bois, and on the 21st of June a bus ride took the Civil Service Rifles through Amiens and then round the country for a few hours, and back to Ferrieres, a little village about four miles from Amiens. The Battalion then marched to Guignemicourt, a village without any water supply, a real old-fashioned out-of-the-way country place, which seemed miles away from the war. The big château occupied by Battalion Headquarters was the property of a French

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CHAPTER XXIII THE GREAT ADVANCE

CHAPTER XXIII THE GREAT ADVANCE

A sensational change came over the military situation on the Divisional front during August, 1918. When the month opened, the front line Brigades were still holding the trenches outside Albert, and were kept in a state of readiness to meet a German attack. It soon became evident, however, that there would be no German attack from that quarter, for it became known on the 3rd of August that the Germans had withdrawn from Albert and the positions around that town, and by the end of the month the tr

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CHAPTER XXIV BACK TO THE COAL-FIELDS

CHAPTER XXIV BACK TO THE COAL-FIELDS

It is a far cry from the battle-field to the coal-field, but after the events narrated in the last chapter, the 47th Division returned to the area which it occupied during its first few days in France. On the 7th of September the Civil Service Rifles went by bus from the vicinity of Moislains to billets at Heilly, and after two nights in that once delightful village, entrained in the afternoon of the 9th for Chocques. The train journey took just over 12 hours, and it was consequently in the smal

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CHAPTER XXV THE ARMISTICE

CHAPTER XXV THE ARMISTICE

Although the inhabitants of Lille considered the war to be over—as it undoubtedly was so far as they were concerned—the guns could still be heard out on the Tournai road, and on the 30th of October the 47th Division left Lille and continued the pursuit of the enemy. The Civil Service Rifles marched along the Tournai road and spent the night at Chereng, continuing the march next day to Froyennes, a suburb of Tournai, where they relieved the 2/4th South Lancashire Regiment in the front line under

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CHAPTER XXVI HOME

CHAPTER XXVI HOME

Little remains to be said of the history of the 1st Civil Service Rifles in France, but before the story is closed mention should be made of a few incidents which stand out in the last few months before demobilisation was complete. After the concert at Tournai the Battalion once more marched out along the road to Brussels, but this time the route was along the lower road, and the troops were employed for a time in repairing the railway at Leuze. They were billeted in the little village of Pipaix

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PREFACE

PREFACE

This brief story of the 2/15th Battalion, London Regiment, is written, not as a specimen of literary art, but merely as a record of the work of the Battalion during the War of 1914-1918. It is compiled from rough notes in my pocket diary, and probably some of the events in the experience of others have been overlooked, and to these I offer my apologies. I have to thank Lieutenants J. L. Hutchinson, M.C., and T. H. E. Clark for their kindness and assistance in furnishing the notes for the greater

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CHAPTER XXVII FORMATION—TRAINING—IRISH REBELLION, 1916—AND DEPARTURE FOR FRANCE, JUNE, 1916

CHAPTER XXVII FORMATION—TRAINING—IRISH REBELLION, 1916—AND DEPARTURE FOR FRANCE, JUNE, 1916

During the early days of August, 1914, the Headquarters of the Civil Service Rifles at Somerset House was besieged by crowds of younger Civil Servants; either wishing to re-enlist in their old Battalion, or to start their military career in the Civil Service Rifles, which had been mobilised for Active Service. Many of them were able to gain an entrance into the 1st Battalion, but others were disappointed. From the latter the nucleus of a second line unit was formed, and eventually the War Office

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CHAPTER XXVIII FRANCE, 22ND JUNE, 1916, TO 19TH NOVEMBER, 1916—IN THE TRENCHES AT NEUVILLE ST. VAAST—BATTALION RAID—JOURNEY TO MARSEILLES.

CHAPTER XXVIII FRANCE, 22ND JUNE, 1916, TO 19TH NOVEMBER, 1916—IN THE TRENCHES AT NEUVILLE ST. VAAST—BATTALION RAID—JOURNEY TO MARSEILLES.

The journey to France was without incident; the train from Salisbury Plain arrived at Southampton Docks about midday on the 22nd of June, 1916, and after a few hours on the quayside the Battalion embarked on board H. M. Transport Connaught , the boat which only a few weeks before had brought us over from Ireland. Complimentary messages from the Embarkation Staff on the excellent and business-like behaviour of the Battalion pleased us. At about 10 p.m. we set sail, and the calm sea made the journ

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CHAPTER XXIX THE VOYAGE TO SALONICA—MALTA—SALONICA, 30TH NOVEMBER, 1916—JOURNEY TO KATERINA—OUTPOSTS AT STIPI.

CHAPTER XXIX THE VOYAGE TO SALONICA—MALTA—SALONICA, 30TH NOVEMBER, 1916—JOURNEY TO KATERINA—OUTPOSTS AT STIPI.

H.M. Troopship Transylvania , which was unfortunately sunk by torpedo a few weeks later, set sail from Marseilles at midnight on the 19th November. A rough sea was encountered, and it was afterwards learnt that a tidal wave had swept over the harbour that night, destroying a great amount of shipping. The next day all was calm, and the officers and men of the Battalion became accustomed to their new surroundings, and acquainted with the interior of this huge vessel. Boat drill was the novelty, bu

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CHAPTER XXX LEAVING KATERINA—TREK TO THE DOIRAN FRONT—KARASULI NIGHT

CHAPTER XXX LEAVING KATERINA—TREK TO THE DOIRAN FRONT—KARASULI NIGHT

On the 10th of March, 1917, reveille was at an early hour, and by eight o’clock in the morning the 179th Brigade had formed up in column of route together with the Artillery, Royal Engineers, Machine Gun Corps, and Army Service Corps detachments which had joined it since its arrival at Katerina in December, 1916. The whole town turned out to bid us farewell, and the local band played appropriate music in the market place. Flags decked the low-built houses of the town, and the people of Katerina

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CHAPTER XXXI ON THE DOIRAN-VARDAR FRONT—THE ADVANCE

CHAPTER XXXI ON THE DOIRAN-VARDAR FRONT—THE ADVANCE

A short description of the situation on the Doiran-Vardar sector of the Salonica Front will no doubt assist the reader to better realise the type of operations peculiar to this theatre of war. A few miles west of Lake Doiran was a mountainous ridge running north and south, about five or six miles long, known as “P” Ridge. This chain consisted of a series of five distinct peaks, the southern one, “Pip 5,” being about 800 feet high, while the remaining four progressively increased in altitude unti

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CHAPTER XXXII ALEXANDRIA, 23RD JUNE, 1917—ISMAILIA—BELAH—DESERT TRAINING—GAMBLI AND TEL EL FARA—EL SHAULTH—PREPARATIONS FOR THE PALESTINE OFFENSIVE

CHAPTER XXXII ALEXANDRIA, 23RD JUNE, 1917—ISMAILIA—BELAH—DESERT TRAINING—GAMBLI AND TEL EL FARA—EL SHAULTH—PREPARATIONS FOR THE PALESTINE OFFENSIVE

Alexandria was reached on the midnight of the 22nd June, 1917, and every one was pleased to get rid of the ever-present encumbrance on board troopships—the life belt, which brought back memories of the Transylvania . What a glorious sunrise we witnessed, the harbour with its white buildings gave us a feeling that we had at last again reached civilisation after our sojourn in the wilds of Macedonia. Disappointment, however, was keen when no leave ashore was granted, and only a few officers on dut

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CHAPTER XXXIII BEERSHEBA, 1917 (21ST OF OCTOBER TO 4TH OF NOVEMBER)—WADI WELFARE

CHAPTER XXXIII BEERSHEBA, 1917 (21ST OF OCTOBER TO 4TH OF NOVEMBER)—WADI WELFARE

The left flank of the Turkish line, which ran south-eastward from Gaza, formed a stronghold around the south-eastern outskirts of Beersheba. In the main scheme of the advance in Palestine the 60th Division was detailed to attack and take those trenches covering the Khalasa Road which ran from Beersheba on the south-west of the town. On the right of the Division were the 21st Corps cavalry regiment (½nd County of London Yeomanry) and they were ordered to make an enveloping movement simultaneously

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CHAPTER XXXIV KAUWUKAH AND RUSHDI SYSTEMS—ATTACK—SHERIA—MUNTARET—HUJ—NEJILEH—AND TO GAZA VIA SHERIA

CHAPTER XXXIV KAUWUKAH AND RUSHDI SYSTEMS—ATTACK—SHERIA—MUNTARET—HUJ—NEJILEH—AND TO GAZA VIA SHERIA

The position to be attacked was on the high ground at Khirbit Kauwukah, just north of the Beersheeba-Gaza Railway and south of Sheria. This was an extensive stretch of trenches about four miles long, which faced south-west from near Samarra Bridge to Abu Heirira on the Wadi Sheria. The left of this trench system was swung round forming a strong defensive flank facing south-east, and it was against this flank that the 60th Division was to make its attack. In front of our objectives stretched an o

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CHAPTER XXXV THE MARCH FROM GAZA UP COUNTRY—ENAB—THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM—TEL-EL-FUL—BIREH.

CHAPTER XXXV THE MARCH FROM GAZA UP COUNTRY—ENAB—THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM—TEL-EL-FUL—BIREH.

At Gaza the Battalion bivouacked just to the north of the town. “Town” was perhaps a complimentary term for Gaza at that time, for it was in a deplorable state. The proud town of the Philistines and the scene of Samson’s deathly triumph had been most thoroughly treated to every type of missile known to the British forces, from rifle bullet to the 12-inch naval projectile, and there was ample evidence of the efficacy of that treatment. Scarcely a whole wall remained, big gun emplacements built of

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CHAPTER XXXVI IBN OBEID—BETHANY—JEBEL EKTIEF—JERUSALEM—MUKMAS

CHAPTER XXXVI IBN OBEID—BETHANY—JEBEL EKTIEF—JERUSALEM—MUKMAS

The capture of the Bireh Heights, and driving the Turk towards Nablous, completed the capture of Jerusalem, as far as attacks from the north of the city were concerned, but on the east and south-east there was still danger. On the 1st January, 1918, after a night in Jerusalem, the Battalion was ordered to take up an outpost line to the south-east of the town from Sur Bahir just off the Bethlehem Road, running in a north-easterly direction via Khirbit Jubb er Rumm to Abu Dis, just outside Bethany

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CHAPTER XXXVII JERUSALEM—MUKMAS—JERICHO—ES SALT—WADI EL JIB

CHAPTER XXXVII JERUSALEM—MUKMAS—JERICHO—ES SALT—WADI EL JIB

On the 23rd of February the Battalion left Jebel Ektief, and after some discussion in the wadi near the transport lines, some companies chose the route via the Wadi Hindi, Abu Dis and Bethany, while others struck across country over a distinct track, supposed to be the remains of a pilgrims’ road to the Jordan, and thence along the main Jerusalem-Jericho Road, via Bethany. Which was the better route has not been decided, sufficient to say that the troops hated both. Rain poured down when we were

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CHAPTER XXXVIII EL HAUD—AIN ARIK—SURAFEND—KANTARA—ALEXANDRIA—JOURNEY TO ITALY

CHAPTER XXXVIII EL HAUD—AIN ARIK—SURAFEND—KANTARA—ALEXANDRIA—JOURNEY TO ITALY

On the 23rd of April, 1918, the Battalion marched south from Attara and encamped for the night just north of Ram Allah, near Lake Ballua. The march was carried out during the evening, and the bright weather made it enjoyable. On the two following days the journey was continued towards Jerusalem, and on the night of the 25th we halted at Shafat, a few miles north of the city. Rumours of another “stunt” across the Jordan were then confirmed, and on the night of the 27th the Battalion marched down

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CHAPTER XXXIX JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY AND FRANCE—RECONSTRUCTION—MOULLE—ST. SYLVESTER CAPPEL—MONT ROUGE—LOCRE—DRANOUTRE—MONT VIDAGNE.

CHAPTER XXXIX JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY AND FRANCE—RECONSTRUCTION—MOULLE—ST. SYLVESTER CAPPEL—MONT ROUGE—LOCRE—DRANOUTRE—MONT VIDAGNE.

On arrival at the pier at Taranto beach a short march brought us to our lines in the Base Camp. Only one day was spent here, and the following evening we entrained for France. During the day canteen stores were bought for the journey from the large Expeditionary Force Canteen, but no leave into the town was granted. Orders were issued for entraining that evening, and an amusing paragraph appeared to the effect that troops were requested not to refer to our gallant Allies, the Italians, as “Itali

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CHAPTER XL NEUVE EGLISE—MESSINES—HOUTHEM—WYTSCHAETE

CHAPTER XL NEUVE EGLISE—MESSINES—HOUTHEM—WYTSCHAETE

In the Neuve Eglise area the Companies were spread over a considerable area, the whole of which was under the direct observation from the German lines on Messines Ridge. “A” Company was in immediate support to the London Scottish, who were in the line on Hill 63, north of Ploegsteert Wood, while the remaining three Companies were dotted along the defensive line of trenches just east of the village of Neuve Eglise. The Battalion was under orders to garrison this reserve line should the Bosche mak

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CHAPTER XLI AMERICA CORNER—THE ATTACK—CROSSING THE LYS—BOUS—BECQUE—RONCQ—THE PURSUIT TOWARDS THE RIVER SCHELDT—PETIT TOURCOING—AVELGHEM—THE ARMISTICE—COURTRAI AREA—MARCH OVER DEVASTATED AREA VIA ARMENTIERES—BOESINGHEM—BASE DUTIES—THE END.

CHAPTER XLI AMERICA CORNER—THE ATTACK—CROSSING THE LYS—BOUS—BECQUE—RONCQ—THE PURSUIT TOWARDS THE RIVER SCHELDT—PETIT TOURCOING—AVELGHEM—THE ARMISTICE—COURTRAI AREA—MARCH OVER DEVASTATED AREA VIA ARMENTIERES—BOESINGHEM—BASE DUTIES—THE END.

On the 11th of October, 1918, the Battalion left their camp near Wytschaete and marched to take over the line at America Corner, about 1½ miles north of Wervicq. This relief entailed a long march of about 12 miles. The first part was done during the morning, when a halt was made under the cover of a small ridge about a mile west of Houthem. The weather was fine and the enemy artillery did not bother us on this part of the journey. On the way we passed two derelict British Tanks, relics of our ad

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Richmond Park.

Richmond Park.

After a short period the Battalion went into camp at Richmond Park with other third-line units of the 1st and 2nd London T.F. Divisions, under Brigadier-General C. S. O. Monck. Living together in camp made it possible to commence instilling into the men that sense of military discipline which is the first qualification of a soldier, and progress in this direction soon became apparent. At first the training was necessarily on somewhat elementary lines owing to various causes, such as the want of

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CHAPTER XLIII THE RECONSTITUTED BATTALION

CHAPTER XLIII THE RECONSTITUTED BATTALION

The first step towards securing the future of the Battalion may be said to have been taken when friends of the Regiment in 1918 approached authority with a view to the Prince of Wales assuming the Honorary Colonelcy, so long held by his grandfather, but it had been considered advisable to wait the termination of hostilities. In 1919, however, a letter was received from the Controller to his Royal Highness, stating that the Prince of Wales would accept the position. The appointment which followed

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APPENDIX I Regimental Plate

APPENDIX I Regimental Plate

17 In command of Infantry C.I.V., South Africa, 1900....

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After the War.

After the War.

Trooper G. H. Addison. Trooper C. S. Anderton. 18 Sergeant E. Baldrey. Corporal W. Bartholomew. Trooper F. R. Bell. Corporal J. Bird. Trooper E. Bryant. Lieutenant A. C. Carey. Lieutenant R. W. Cousins. Trooper K. V. Cowie. Trooper N. B. Cowie. Trooper W. R. Cunningham. Trooper R. H. Dailley. 18 Trooper W. P. Dean. Lieutenant D. Dewar. Lieutenant T. C. Fryer. 18 Sergeant H. S. Greensill. 18 Trooper D. Jervis. Sergeant S. Lloyd-Jones. Trooper R. McGregor. Lieutenant R. G. S. Miller. Quartermaster

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C.I.V.

C.I.V.

Lieutenant-Colonel A. A. C. Earl of Albemarle. Sergeant F. G. Ager. Sergeant H. J. Allen. Private C. O. Boot. Private T. P. Brett. Private S. W. Briggs. Private R. H. Buckland. Driver R. Burgess. Private E. D. L. Churton. Corporal A. S. Collard. Private G. L. Crampton. Private E. C. Crick. Private F. R. Cripps. Private R. A. Daws. Private A. J. Firth. Private H. Fisher. Private L. Franzmann. Private J. E. Gerahty. Private A. W. Gough. Private G. C. Grimsdale. Private A. G. M. N. Harper. Corporal

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Royal Irish Rifles.

Royal Irish Rifles.

Private E. A. O. Barnes. Private A. A. W. Buckstone. Private E. V. Chubb. Private S. Harper. Private E. W. H. Harrald. Private L. H. H. King....

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South African Constabulary.

South African Constabulary.

Private G. B. Anderson. Private R. A. Kelly. Private D. W. Prout....

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Royal Engineers.

Royal Engineers.

Sapper H. A. Mann. Lance-Corporal J. H. Reeves. Lieutenant P. Warren. Lieutenant W. J. Woolley....

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Army Service Corps.

Army Service Corps.

Private H. T. Bassett....

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Special Service.

Special Service.

G. R. H. Nicholls....

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Field Hospital.

Field Hospital.

Corporal T. L. Adamson. Private M. Cunningham. Private A. W. Haigh. Private E. B. Luck. Staff-Sergeant J. E. Newell. Corporal H. C. Robson....

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Royal Military Tournament Challenge Cup Winners.

Royal Military Tournament Challenge Cup Winners.

1901 Second-Lieutenant T. P. Hobbins (Foils). 1902 Lieutenant T. P. Hobbins (Sabres). 1907 Major F. J. Brett (Bayonets). 1909 Captain W. T. Kirkby (Foils). 1898 Physical Drill with Arms. 1900 Physical Drill with Arms. 1900 Bayonet Exercise. 1901 Tug-of-War (110 stone). 1903 Tug-of-War (110 stone). 1904 Tug-of-War (110 stone). 1906 Officers’ Bayonet Fighting Team....

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Royal Military Tournament (Army and Navy Championship Medals).

Royal Military Tournament (Army and Navy Championship Medals).

1907 Lance-Corporal A. P. Chalke, 3rd (Bayonets). 1908 Sergeant A. P. Chalke, 2nd (Bayonets). 1908 Private W. W. Marsh, 3rd (Sabres)....

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Royal Military Tournament Silver Medallists.

Royal Military Tournament Silver Medallists.

1895 Corporal C. W. Whitehurst (Bayonets). 1896 Sergeant C. W. Whitehurst (Bayonet and Lance). 1897 Sergeant C. W. Whitehurst (Sabres). 1897 Private T. P. Hobbins (Bayonets). 1897 Private T. P. Hobbins (Bayonet and Sword). 1898 Private T. P. Hobbins (Bayonets). 1899 Lance-Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Foils). 1899 Lance-Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Sabres). 1899 Lance-Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Bayonet and Sword). 1900 Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Foils). 1900 Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Sabres). 1900 Corporal T. P. H

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Amateur Championships.

Amateur Championships.

1899 Lance-Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Sabres). 1900 Corporal T. P. Hobbins (Foils). 1901 Second-Lieutenant T. P. Hobbins (Sabres). 1902 Lieutenant T. P. Hobbins (Sabres). 1908 Private W. W. Marsh (Sabres). 1909 Private W. W. Marsh (Sabres)....

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APPENDIX VI CASUALTY LIST.

APPENDIX VI CASUALTY LIST.

KEY: K. in A. = Killed in Action. D. of W. = Died of Wounds. D. P. = Missing; Death Presumed. Illness = Died of Illness. As P. of W. = Died Prisoner of War. 19 Drowned on H.M.T. Aragon ....

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“KEY.”

“KEY.”

List of Companies, showing Departments and Offices from which they recruited....

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Brought to Notice for Gallant and Distinguished Conduct in the Field.

Brought to Notice for Gallant and Distinguished Conduct in the Field.

This list necessarily includes the names of all officers serving with the Regiment, and of those officers who served with the Battalions overseas who joined from other Regiments. It is feared in some cases the rank shewn will not be correct. Apologies are tendered to whom they are due....

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LIST OF OFFICERS OF 1ST BATTALION ON LANDING IN FRANCE, MARCH, 1915.

LIST OF OFFICERS OF 1ST BATTALION ON LANDING IN FRANCE, MARCH, 1915.

Bt.-Col. A. M. Renny. Major R. Chew. Major H. V. Warrender. Capt. W. F. K. Newson. Capt. H. H. Kemble. Capt. A. E. Trembath. Capt. H. M. Crofts. Capt. R. J. S. Gold. Capt. G. E. Stokes. Capt. G. A. Gage. Capt. H. B. Farquhar. Lieut. J. C. P. Kinsman. Lieut. A. Roberts. Lieut. F. R. Radice. Lieut. T. H. Sharratt. Lieut. H. T. Lewis. Lieut. L. Davies. Lieut. R. Chalmers. Lieut. A. C. B. Benké. Lieut. J. C. D. Carlisle. 2nd-Lieut. H. J. Sutton. 2nd-Lieut. H. R. E. Clarke. 2nd-Lieut. B. Barnes. 2nd-

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