THE NATIONAL GUARD IN THE GREAT WAR THE FATHER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD Alderman SIR CHARLES JOHNSTON, Baronet Lord Mayor of London 1914-1915 JHE NATIONAL GUARD IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1918 BY A. E. MANNING FOSTER 1 1920 COPE & FENWICK LONDON Zbe ifatber of ^be IHational (5uarb Colonel SIR CHARLES JOHNSTON, Baronet Lord Mayor of London, 1914-1915 President of the Grand Committee of The National Guard, Hon. Regimental Commandant, C.L.N.G., AND Hon. Commandant of 5th Battalion, C.L.V.R. tTbis l&ook is 2)eMcatct) as a Token of Appreciation of his Patriotism and Zeal IN THE Service of his Country and the City of London, AND IN Remembrance of his Work as Founder, President, and Hon. Commandant of The National Guard FOREWORD THIS book owes its inspiration to the words of Lieut. -General Sir Francis Lloyd, for five years G.O.C. London District. " When the history of the Great War comes to be fully written," said the General, " ' The National Guard ' will have a page in that history." Every member of the National Guard can look back upon its five years' history with a certain glow of pride and measure of satisfaction. The Corps is a standing witness to the spirit of Volunteers in England and in London especially — the spirit which triumphantly carried this country through its time of crisis. From the furrow and the country-house, from the workman's cottage, the little villa of the clerk, the palace of the rich, the young men came streaming to the Colours at the time of Britain's peril. They had no liking for soldiering and assuredly no love for war. Peaceful by nature and training, they had asked only to be left to their work or their sport, and the Germans scoffed at the idea that out of such material an army could be trained which would face their well- trained hosts. From every part of our vast Empire these quiet citizens gathered for the bloody business of war, and showed themselves the finest soldiers in the world. That is the wonderful thing about it all — old Army, Territorials, Volun- teers, men from the backwoods of Canada, the cornfields of Australia, the mean streets of the East end of London — there was nothing to choose between them. Into the actual fighting-line the National Guard, as a body, was never called, although, had the occasion arisen, there is no doubt the Corps would have given a good account of itself. WHO shall measure the influence of the spirit of the Volunteers in those black days of the past before Conscription came in, when the Government was calling for men by the million to enlist voluntarily ? Some might laugh and jeer. But even the nicknames, which half in derision and half in affection they bestowed upon us, compelled thought. Could the young men stand aside when the " Methusaliers " with their grey beards and grey-green uniforms were trying to do their " bit," however small, in the great scheme of things, that bit might appear ? The example of the older men counted for something. ix Foreword AND then as time went on and the question of man power became more and more pressing, the value of the Volunteers received further recognition. New work of national importance was allotted to them. But quite apart from their direct work in the defences of London, in trench-digging, in guarding vulner- able points, in guarding prisoners of war and many other duties, the Volunteers were enabled to assist the active prosecution of the war overseas in two special ways. First by taking on work previously done by regular soldiers, thereby immediately releasing younger men for service abroad, and second by themselves joining up. The Roll of Honour published in the volume gives the names of the members of the National Guard who joined His Majesty's Regular Forces. It is no mean list and speaks for itself, while the fact that so many men who were trained to the use of arms in our ranks received commissions or took up responsible posi- tions in the Regular Army is an added testimony to the value of the National Guard. BUT apart from the work undertaken by us in common with other volunteer corps, there are two special achievements which will always stand to the special honour of the National Guard, since they are exclusively and uniquely National Guard work. First is the splendid Station work, the importance of which cannot easily be exaggerated. It continued for many months after the war was over, and in reckoning the achievements of the National Guard will never be for- gotten by the British Army or the Overseas Forces. A record of that work is given in the volume. Then there is the establishment of the Machine Gun School, which we owe to the public spirit of Mr. Ernest Nicks. This school of instruction, which was founded for the National Guard and the numerous voluntary instruc- tors in which were all National Guardsmen, has extended its sphere of influence far beyond the confines of our own organisation. Numerous officers and men of the Regular Army have availed themselves of its instruction. There were serving in France and elsewhere overseas a considerable number of old pupils of the School, and by its agency the National Guard has been in intimate touch with the actual fighting forces. Nor should the advantages of this school in training the rising generation in the persons of Cadets of Westminster and other schools be forgotten. IN looking back on the past five years it will occur to most of us that the National Guard has not only done notable work for the nation but it has done great good to us as individuals. The lofty and unselfish spirit which led us to X Foreword join up has been beneficial to us all. It may seem almost ridiculous even to mention the word self-sacrifice, since the greatest of the sacrifices we have been called upon to make are so trivial in comparison with those of our sons and brothers who have ventured and given all on the bloody battlefields of this war. But all the same and minimise them as you will, the sacrifices of men of middle age and of past middle age who have faithfully and conscientiously and of their own free will carried out their duties as National Guardsmen are not to be despised. And the spirit exhibited has had its effect upon character. We can never be quite the same again. We are better men, better citizens for our experience. MEN of middle age and past get into grooves. They become creatures of habit and routine. Many live drab, grey lives devoid of colour or excite- ment. They tend to become flabby or obese or lazy. They become old before their time. The National Guard has been a splendid corrective. Just as it has improved character so it has toned up the body and physical powers. It has given to many just the fillip they required, the spirit of excitement, of adventure, that gives zest to life. It has brought the oldest into personal touch with the youngest soldier. It has rejuvenated many and given them an added span of at least ten years of life. AND then there is the social side. New friendships formed, new associations acquired, a new sense of esprit de corps. It is good to know that these will be kept up by the various Old Comrades' Associations which have been formed in connection with the three Battalions. Those of us who are Freemasons have found in the National Guard Lodge, which will continue as a permanent memorial of the work of the National Guard, an opportunity of meeting, under pleasant conditions, many of our friends and acquaintances, of making new ones and of entertaining, on numerous occasions, soldiers and sailors from America and from all parts of the world. All these things have enlarged our horizon and added to our experience. A. E. MANNING FOSTER. 79, Davies Street, Berkeley Square, London, \\ . i. XI CONTENTS Foreword ..... I. Britain's Volunteer Armies II. Foundation and Early Days III. The First Year — 1915 IV. The Second Year — 1916 V. The Third Year — 1917 VI. The Fourth Year — 1918 VII. National Guard Roll of Honour VIII. Station Work .... IX. Machine Gunnery X. Chaplains ..... XI. Musketry Staff .... XII. Medical Staff and Ambulance Sectio XIII. Mechanical Transport Section . XIV. Engineers' Unit .... XV. Pioneers and Guides . XVI. Signalling Scouts XVII. Regimental Quartermasters' Departm XVIII. Cyclists' Section XIX. The Bands ..... XX. National Guard Magazine . XXI. Our Benefactors XXII. 4TH Battalion : — "A" Company " C " Company " D " Company xiii ent PAGE ix I 13 20 39 61 74 89 98 105 119 123 128 143 150 152 155 158 160 163 167 171 180 192 194 Contents XXIII. XXIV. XXV. XXVI. XXVII. XXVIII. XXIX. XXX. 5TH Battalion :^ "A" Company 203 " B " Company • 213 " C " Company 216 " D " Company 221 6th Battalion : — The Scottish Company ...... 228 The Station Company, Victoria .... 246 JJ 59 Euston .... 259 JJ 5J Waterloo .... 265 55 55 King's Cross and St. Pancras . 269 Sunday Parades . 273 Our Sergeants-Major . 276 The National Guard Lodge ..... 283 The National Guard and The " (juards " 290 The National Guard .AND The Air Force 291 Notable National Guardsmen ...... 293 List of Subscribers . . 301 Acknowledgments . 304 XIV The City Volunteers when George the Third was King A Volunteer of 1799 preparing for parade [Drawn by a Member of the National Guard] I. BRITAIN^S VOLUNTEER ARMIES THE STORY OF OUR CITIZEN SOLDIERS BRITAIN owes more to the volunteer spirit than any other countr\- in the world. It seems to be inborn in its people. It was this grand and forceful quality of patriotism which was the foundation, and aided so noblv in the up- building of our national greatness. Long before standing armies were dreamt of, our brave forbears of the far-back time were ever readv to defend their homes and country against invaders, let them come in what guise they might or with what intent. Every man was a volunteer for such service as this, and this inspiring influence, which has meant so much to our race through the ages, has always been maintained and always available through everv change of dvnasty and fortune, for the vindication of the rights of the realm or the liberties of the people. But we stand on a different national footing now to Volunteering. Condi- tions have changed utterly. One of the great truths that the late war demon- strated is that armies can be got together and put into active service and made thoroughly effective without the long apprenticeship and seasoning which formerly was supposed to be required for the making of men into soldiers. The pace of things has been accelerated since then, and Volunteering has changed and quickened with the rest ; but throughout the whole story of British Volunteering, London has invariably set an excellent example. London's trained bands attained a high degree of efficiency, being affiliated to the Honourable Artillery Company of London, which, in 1537, had received its charter from Henry VIII. , under the title of the " Fraternitie or Gylde of Saint George." These trained bands con- tinued until the middle of the seventeenth century to be the largest organised unit of the disciplined forces. IN 1757 the way was paved for the growth of an independent Volunteer force, an Act being passed in 1758 empowering the captain of a Company of Militia on active service to augment his Company by the incorporation of any number of volunteers. By later Acts, further powers were given in this direction, but it B I The National Guard in the Great War was not until 1782 that a Volunteer Service was established independently of the Militia and then it was more by way of experiment than anything else. After the outbreak of the French Revolution of 1793, however, and threats of invasion bv the French, a further Act for providing Volunteer Corps was passed. In 1798 armed Associations of Volunteers were formed, and so much was accomplished by the summer of 1799 that London presented the appearance of an immense garrison composed almost exclusively of Volunteers. At the time of the Peace of Amiens there were some 34,000 Volunteers serving, and the almost immediate failure of that Treaty caused the whole force of Volunteers to be revived, and in a few months it reached 380,000 or 3! per cent, of a population which already had a Regular Army and a Militia. In 1802 the Prince of Wales reviewed 4,734 Volunteers in Hyde Park. The Peace of Amiens was never full}- consummated. The negotiations dragged along and the Lord Mayor proclaimed it to the assembled Volunteers, handing each commanding officer a copy of the vote of thanks from the House of Commons and a letter of thanks from the King. The House of Lords followed suit, and the Court of Common Council resolved at the Guildhall on the 15th June to convev their thanks to the commanders and the rest of the officers and gentlemen of the several loyal Volunteer Military Associations for all their services, which the resolution set forth. From March, 1802, when the Peace of Amiens was ratified, to May 18, 1803, when the war with France was renewed, there was a temporary disbandment of British Volunteers, but on hostilities being resumed full advantage was taken of the experience previously gained and the Volunteer idea was expanded to a point of efficiency which gave heart to the country. The chief ports of the kingdom offered generous assistance, private individuals as well as public bodies contributing funds to clothe and arm battalions of Volun- teers. The defence of London was undertaken by its citizens with a public devotion that inspired similar action throughout the country. The Light Horse Volunteers, the Westminster Volunteer Cavalry, and the Surrey Yeomanry, were among the first bodies to come forward, and the city raised six troops of cavalry to co-operate with the Loyal London Infantry under the direction of the Lord Mayor. Other London Volunteer corps of the period were the St. George's Volunteers, the St. James' Volunteers, and the Bloomsbury Association Volun- teers. There was also a Water-Fencibles Association, consisting of watermen, for the defence of the Thames and for embarking troops and conveying them from London to points where they might be landed to oppose an invading enemy. 2 The National Guard in the Great War In an experimental test on August 24, 1803, the Hon. Artillery Company em- barked at Tower Wharf in vessels provided by the River-Fencibles and were landed at Woolwich. Thence they marched to Greenwich, where they re-embarked and were brought back to the Tower, the Lord Mayor accompanying the boats and barges under control of the Harbour Masters. THE INVASION OF ENGLAND THE enthusiasm in the provinces was fully as great as in London, and thus the Volunteer movement was kept alive during 1803 and 1804. On May 15 of the latter year, Napoleon, who had just been crowned Emperor of the French, proceeded to Boulogne to superintend the final details of his scheme for invading England. " Let us be masters of the Channel for six hours," he said to his Admiral of the Fleet, " and we are masters of the world." August, 1804, was the month fixed on for the invasion. Beacon light pans were erected on every British headland, and on the hills throughout the country? so that fire signals should flare up when the alarm of actual invasion had to be raised. But Napoleon's plans did not materialise either then or later, and when Nelson, on October 21, 1805, crushed the naval power of France at the Battle of Trafalgar, there was an end for over a hundred years of any attempt to invade the British Isles. After Waterloo, the citizen auxiliary forces lapsed into abeyance and so remained for forty years until the menace of a later Emperor of the French, Napoleon HI., had to be reckoned with, when a strong agitation began to show itself for the revival of Volunteer soldiers. Numerous rifle clubs sprang into existence, following the example of the Royal Victoria Rifles (established in 1803 as the " Duke of Cumberland's Sharpshooters "), which was the sole survivor of the old Volunteer Infantry of the davs of the first Napoleon, but had no official status. The time was ripe, however, for a thorough resuscitation of the Volun- teering idea, and in i860 there came into being the Volunteer system, which has continued, with modifications and variations, from that time to the present, the most notable of these developments having been the merging of the Volunteer force in the organisation of the Territorials, introduced by Lord Haldane in 1908, and still constituting the military grouping under w^hich the Volunteer auxiliary forces of Great Britain are held together. By this measure, as from April i, 1908, the Volunteer forces of the L'nited Kingdom and the Imperial Yeomanry were amalgamated, constituting a Second Line force which came under the control of various County Associations formed for that purpose, and was regional in character, each district recruiting one, and The National Guard in the Great War three of them two divisions each. These forces comprised divisions, mounted, brigades and army troops, with artillery and engineers for defended ports, and the equipment was carried out on the most modern lines with wireless, cable, air line, and telegraph companies, cyclist battalions, and so forth. Thus patriotism still found an outlet and national energy still flowed through the old Volunteer channels.. In recognising the county as the unit for administrative purposes, machinery was provided for the systematic utilisation of these activities. By contact with them through the County Associations, the Territorial Force acquired a more represen- tative character. THE TERRITORIALS AND this is what came to pass. The Territorial Force, maintained at a strength of well over 300,000 for the most part, was able to join up its activities with those of the regular army in a manner that can only be viewed with pride. Here again the old Volunteer spirit was splendidly maintained and exercised. There was no hesitation, no waiting for this or that ; the breach was entered at once, men volunteering to supply supplementary service and fill gaps wherever needed. At every possible point Volunteers went to the relief of regular troops, garrisoning the Mediterranean stations of Gibraltar, Malta, also Egypt, Cvprus, Suez, India, to allow of the regulars proceeding to the fighting lines. The mobilisation was splendidly carried out, and the achievements of the Territorials in this war constitute one of its brightest chapters. Mr. Asquith, as early as the month of October, 1914, was able to pay the force this handsome tribute : " No praise could be too high," he said, " for the patriotic and sustained efforts of the County Associations or for the quality and efficiency of the Territorial troops. It is a comparatively easy thing to make great efforts and sacrifices under the stress and strain which we are now experi- encing of a supreme crisis. The Territorials, without any such stimulus, in the piping times of peace, when war and the sufferings and the struggles and glories of war were contingent and remote, these men gave up their time, sacrificed their leisure, and not only in their annual training, but in thousands of cases, both of officers and men, devoted their spare hours to preparing themselves in the study and practice of the art of war. They have now been embodied for two months, and I am expressing the considered opinion of one of the most eminent generals when I say the divisions now in camp in various parts of the country completely justify their title to play any part that may be assigned to them, either in home defence, in the manning of our garrisons, or in the battle lines at the Front." 4 The National Guard in the Great War LONDON LEADS THE WAY LONDON, as always, set a magnificent example. The Honourable Artillery Company was early in the fray. They marched through the city in their proud manliness and vigour and we cheered them as they went. At Hooge, their first set engagement, they won the highest praise for their gallantry, and wherever else they served — in the trenches, in the firing line, or elsewhere — they proved themselves worthy of their centuries-old traditions. The London Rifle Brigade — the " Dandies " of the old days — fared forth for battle not long after, and in due course gained their guerdon of fame at Ypres, where Sergeant Belcher won his Victoria Cross. No wonder that the Bishop of London, in the solemn memorial Service in commemoration of those of the Brigade who had fallen, should say they were " the finest battalion God ever made." The 7th London Post Office Rifles (the 8th London), the Rangers (the 12th London), and the Kensingtons (the 13th London) also volunteered in large numbers and performed notable deeds. Commanding officers testified in the warmest possible way to the efficiency of the citizen soldiers, declaring them the equals of the best veterans of the regular army. The men of the London Scottish were roused to the utmost enthusiasm when they heard that they were to go to the front. General Allenby wrote to Sir Douglas Haig in the highest terms of approval after the battalion's baptism of fire at Ypres. " I wish to tell you," he wrote, " how magnificently the London Scottish have behaved. In discipline and tactical efficiency they have been up to the standard of the best regular troops. They made a great fight and accounted for hundreds of Germans." At Messines, at Zillebeke, at Wulverghem, and in all the great tussles that fell to them, they acquitted themselves with a bravery that could not be sur- passed. Then there were the other London Volunteers — the Civil Service Rifles (the 15th London), with their superb feats at Ypres ; the Queen's Westminsters (the i6th London), whose valorous deeds were specially mentioned by General French ; and the " Old Loyals " (the 23rd London), who captured three lines of trenches from the Prussian Guards at Givenchy. Yes, it is indeed a glorious record. And as it has been with the London Volunteers who have gone to the Front — whether in France or Flanders, at Gallipoli or in the Balkans, in Egypt or elsewhere — the story is practically the same. The British Volunteers stood level with the Regulars, and acquitted themselves at all points like heroes. 5 The National Guard in the Great War THE VOTXTNTEERS AT HOME IT is, however, with the work of tlie Volunteers at home, tlie worlv of tlie men debarred by age or physical disabilities from joining the Expeditionary Force, that this volume is chiefly concerned. The War Volunteers absolutely made themselves in 1914, and as in the case of their predecessors they seemed to spring from the ground. Topsy-like they " growed " in spite of every cold douche. They neither asked for, nor expected, one penny piece ; on the contrary money and to spare flowed in, arms and equipment, such as they were, seemed to arrive from nowhere, and a rough and perhaps to some extent unready collection of the most extraordinary lots were banded together as " Corps " or " Regiments." Without recognition from the War Office, without encouragement, these stalwarts came forward until there was built up a well-equipped army of Volun- teer citizens who were able to set free for active foreign service the many thousands of soldiers permanently kept in this country for the protection of our shores against possible invasion. The new Volunteer movement had to undergo many phases, and it was some time before it received anything in the way of official recognition. During 1914 and the early part of 191 5 the movement was in a state of flux. The qualifications for joining were nebulous and constantly changing. Of the original members many promptly eliminated themselves. Those who had previously served in the army, militia, yeomanry, or volunteers knew what to expect, but a large number for various reasons either resigned or vanished, although many of their names were retained for some considerable time. Some found themselves to be physically unfit, others of a sensitive nature could not stand the barrack-square facetiousness of their instructors, especially in public, many found the necessary time could not be spared. Thus, until 1916, when the War Office laid down something tangible and definite, a species of evolution helped to result in the survival of the fittest. During 191 5 fairly full musters could be reckoned upon on parade, as even the slacker elements were anxiotis to get over the recruit stage, while the over- zealous would always be in evidence as long as their zeal lasted. All were purely Volunteers, and as such gave more time and attention than many who later on joined by necessity or when definite duties were made obligatory. Field days and route marches, especialh' on Sundays, were noticeable features, and when trench digging was instituted, men, many of whom were quite unaccustomed to manual labour, willingly undertook the work. 6 DRILLING AT THE GUILDHALL The National Guard in the Great War Thev were compelled to wear a red brassard, which was taken to represent a mark of inferiority, and was distasteful to many, but this was met by a determina- tion that it should be lived down, and that some day the \'olunteers should be recognised as not altogether effete old " have beens " only fit for the shelf or the fireside. Bodies of men thus collected, with natural British instincts, having gained a certain rough discipline, proved that old views and old ideas, in fact orthodoxy (which learns nothing, neither can it forget), would avail little, adapted them- selves to modern requirements, and on lines little dreamed of officially. In 1915 Colonel Cobbett offered the services of the National Guard for the following duties : (i) Station Work ; (2) Entrenching ; (3) Guard Duty ; and after considerable delay, these services were finally accepted and work imme- diately commenced. At one time some 500 National Guardsmen offered themselves for service in France or anywhere else for any duty, clerical, professional, or even manual, an offer which was indeed politely declined. Although Volunteers were not called upon for active service abroad, they had the opportunity of testing themselves at guard duty and by standing to their posts during Zeppelin and air raids. RECOGNITION THE new year 191 7 saw the Volunteers established on a different footing, and the long hoped-for recognition granted, betokened in January by the appointment of H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught as Commander-in-Chief. Field-Marshal Viscount French, on his return to command the Home Forces, was quick to recognise the value and importance of the Volunteers. No one was more generous in his appreciation. He went all over the country to see for him- self what manner of Force had been created. In the House of Lords, on the intro- duction of the New Volunteer Bill, he paid a fine tribute to the old Territorials and the new Volunteers. At the inspection of the Volunteers in Hyde Park, Lord French said, " His Majesty the King values and appreciates his Folunteer Force as much as any other, and the War Office and the Government want their services." From this time forward there was no feeling of amateurism on the part of the Volunteers. They became part of the regular Forces of the Crown. The net of service was a wide one, bringing all British subjects over seventeen years of age who were not eligible for army seivice, while the age limit on the other The National Guard in the Great War side was extended so as to embrace practically all men capable of useful service. Conditions of service and medical qualifications were defined, and everything completelv readv for mobilisation. The defence entrenchments were well in hand, and in November a special call was made for members to do the duties of, and thus release, Regulars for overseas. 191 8 found the Volunteers equipped at Government expense, with ration and other allowances ; certainly the grants were ridiculously inadequate, but the Volunteers willingh" made up any necessary shortage ; they were recognised by Government, and that was as much as they expected. Fermentation was still showing signs of activity, and during the spring unreliable men who could or would not binei themselves for the duration of the war were ordered to go. Matters, however, not going quite as smoothly as hoped for on the Continent, the order was rescinded, old members were induced to rejoin and recruiting encouraged. While some members left to join the Colours others were added to the ranks as tribunal recruits, on being exempted from the regular service temporarily or permanently. Improvements could not fail to follow the decision of the authorities to stiffen the service with its Permanent Staff, and as far as possible every effort was made, and probably all things considered with good effect, to eliminate the weak and useless elements, and this was done in October, when a sweep was made of those who did not sign for definite service. This resulted in making the Volunteers a tangible and reliable asset for general home service ; or, in case of dire necessity, for such further duties as their ability and organisation \vould allow. Four years of Volunteering with the gate of the Passage of Janus open must have taught something. Individuals have learnt to know and appreciate their fellows, and undoubtedly friendships, at times of most unlikely personages, have been firmly cemented, and a mutual understanding arrived at, solely from the association of men with a common object. Elderly men have learnt they can shoot, march, and do guard dut\- in all weathers, or, if they have found the)- cannot, they have dropped awav. Young men have been impressed by their elders with a sense of duty, they have seen their masters and parents submitting themselves to real inconvenience, and the inclination to chaff has yielded to one of respect, and a desire to go one better. There has been no honour, no glory for the Volunteers, nor was any desired or expected. The War-time Volunteers were no pot-hunters, nor did they expect prizes, dinners, balls, or festivals of any kind. They paid their own way, and when necessary freely contributed towards the general expense. Thanks from their 9 The National Guard in the Great War fello\v-c()untr\ men would be distasteful, from officialdom unappreciated, but they would perliaps like the world to know that John Bull, Sen., even if past his prime, can still hold a rifle, and if the necessity arose he is ready to use it, without stand- ing on very much ceremony, waiting for permission, or many tj^uestions. 185 9— 1 9 1 8 troubling to answer too 1859 Mr. Thomas Edward Nalty in the uniform of the 40th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers. Mr. Thomas Edward Kalty, whose photo- graphs in 1859 and 1918 we give herewith, is probablv tlie oldest Volunteer. He celebrated his 80th birthday on November ig, igi8. His N'olunteering experience goes back to 1859, when he served in the 40th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers. He joined the National Guard at its foundation. His presence in the Guard was noticed by the King when the Battalions marched through the grounds of Buckingham Palace in March, 1915; and on the occasion of the Inspection by Lord Kitchener in November, 1915, the Field-Marshal remarked to the Lord Mayor when passing Mr. Nalty, " You have a fine old gentleman there." Mr. Nalty was also present at the Inspection by Lord French in June, 1916, when the Guard marched over the same ground as on June 23, i860, when Mr. Nalty was amongst the N'olun- teers inspected by Queen \'ictoria on that day. 1918 Mr. Thomas Edward Nalty in the uniform of the National Guard 10 COLONEL COBBETT, V.D., D.L. IVandyk, Ltd. Regimental Commandant of The National Guard Afterwards Commandant " B " Group National Guard City ot London Volunteers. Amongst the notable achievements o{ Colonel Cobbett was the raising of 10th County of London Battalion at a time when the Territorial Force was 60,000 under strength. Colonel Cobbett has since the earliest days of the National Guard, up to the final disbandment in 1920, given the whole of his time gratuitously to the Corps and his country. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 'll^ S THE NATIONAL GUARD ^ We had long joy of slumbrous days — 4^ Basked in the sunshine of our ease. ^ Until the dawn of War's red rays— 4^ Flashed on our city, land and seas. M^ ^ Then once again the clear call rang ^ Through storied tower and ward and shrine — 'i " To arms ! " — the old familiar clang, -m|»- " Leave you the feasting and the wine." '^t It was the call our London knew, '^^ Dim years ago when in her pride, ^^ She seaward hurried a corsair crew. Past Thanet, from the grey Thames tide. ^ ^ ^ ^ Down the fierce centuries that viewed *^|*' ^^ '''^ ^1^ The building of our heart's desire, ^\^ 5^ Each signal for the fray and feud, ''|^ 4^ Re-lit the dauntless civic fire. ^^ ^ And when the Mother of us all ^i^ •4*' Waged War beneath the Southern Stars, ^ Her London heard the bugles call — ^il^ 4^ Her train bands shared the brunt and scars. ^^ 2i. ^ c • 1 1 r J "^ ^ DO m tJic welter oi to-day, *i|^ ^ Though not upon the shell-torn field, '^'l*' 4^ We stand as brothers in the fray, ^i|> ^ And help to bear the Island shield. ^ R. C. Russell, ^^¥ of the' Nalioitiil Guard. '.^ 9^ ii^i^ij^t/j^yj^yj^y^uj^yj^ijj^vj^yj^Jb'i^ yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^vj^yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^yj^y^yj^vj^yj^yj^uj^yj^yj^yj^yi^'-'Jt 12 II. FOUNDATION AND EARLY DAYS ON December i6, 1914, the announcement of the formation of The National Guard appeared in the press. The National Guard was essentially a creation of the City of London. Its formation was due to the patriotism, energy and public spirit of its chief founder, the then Lord Mayor, Sir Charles Johnston, Bart. The idea of its inception was the work of more than one mind. Mr. Henry Bell, General Manager of Lloyd's Bank, and ]Mr. R. G. H. Boulton were certainly the initiators of the movement, but it was realised at once that for the Guard to succeed it must be established under the auspices of the Mansion House. As soon as the project was suggested to Sir Charles Johnston he threw himself with the utmost ardour into it and promised the whole official influence of the Mansion House to bring it into practical and successful operation. Sir Charles Johnston has, therefore, rightly earned the title of " The Father of the National Guard." Introduced, then, under the most favourable auspices to City men it was expected that a corps of a thousand strong might reasonably be anticipated. But the rush to join exceeded all anticipations. On the same day as the announcement of the formation of the National Guard for men over military age appeared in the Press, were published particulars of the German raid on the "fortified" seaside resort of Scarborough. The horror and indignation produced by the news of the killing of women, children and civilians, no doubt was partly responsible for the rush to join the Guard. For many days from early morning until the ofliice doors were forcibly closed at night, Number 99, Gresham Street, was besieged by enquirers and intending members. All sorts and conditions of men — men of all ages and from every class — flocked in. The work of coping with this rush and organising the business side fell upon Mr. Oswald Bell, the Secretary. The National Guard was very fortunate in having such a man in this position at its formation. Courteous, tactful, energetic and resourceful, Mr. Oswald Bell proved himself the ideal man for the position. But single handed he could never have coped with the pre- liminary work. Voluntary helpers stepped into the breach. Amongst them were Brigadier-General Abbott, Captain Burder-Dunning (Adjutant), Captain I. Watt, COLONEL R. K. RIDGEWAY, V.C, C.B. The Guard was fortunate in obtaining as military adviser. Colonel R. K. Ridgeway, V.C, C.B., an experienced and distinguished officer of long service. Colonel Ridgeway joined the Indian Staff Corps in 1872, passed Staff College in 1883, was D.A.Q.M.G. in 1884, and A.Q.M.G. Army Headquarters, India, 1895-98, A.A.G. Peshawar, 1898-1900. He was through the Naga Hill Expedi- tions of 1875 and 1879-80, and was mentioned in despatches. He received the Victoria Cross in 1879 and was made C.B. in 1905. The National Guard in the Great War Mr. G. B. Bayley, Mr. A. E. Haggart, Mr. W. R. King, and Mr. D. Jay. The conditions of joining were — Members must be 40 }ears of age and upwards, and be British born citizens. Neither neutral aHens nor naturaHsed citizens were to be accepted. Members must pay a subscription of ^^i per annum, and provide their own arms and uniform. THE GRAND COMMITTEE A GRAND Committee was formed, of which the Rt. Hon. the Lord ]\Iayor, Sir Charles Johnston, was Chairman, and Mr. Alderman C. A. Hanson (now Sir Charles Hanson, Bart.) was Vice-Chairman. It included the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild, G.C.V.O., the Rt. Hon. Lord Balfour of Buileigh, K.T., G.C.M.G., the Rt. Hon. Lord Swaythling, Sir John Purcell, K.C.B., Sir Edward H. Holden, Sir Herbert H. Hambling, Sir John Ferguson, K.B.E, Sir Richard Vassar-Smith, Sir James Leigh Wood, C.B., C.M.G. (now Lt. -Colonel), Captain B. Hansford, C.B., and Messrs. Henry Bell, F. A. Bevan, G. E. B. Bromley-Martin, F. Chaplin, W. F. Courthope, R. H. Cox, Maurice G. C. Glyn, H. H. Hart, A. Hoare, F. H. Hoare, R. M. Kindersley, R. G. H. Boulton, W. W. Boulton, G. W. Kemp, Frank Pitman, and C. C. Macrae. Composed of representatives from the Grand Com- mittee, various sub-committees were formed, namely Executive, Finance, and Military. THE BIRTHDAY OF THE GUARD BOXING Dav, 1914, may be regarded as the actual birthday of the National Guard. It was on that day that the members first met together at the Guildhall in response to the invitation of the Lord Mayor. It was essentially a business meeting. The Lord Mayor spoke for about five minutes. Then Colonel Cobbett told us what he expected of us, and before we realised we had begun, we were formed up into squads and put through the preliminaries of drill. Following the inaugural meeting of the Corps at the Guildhall active drill started on January i. Owing to the smart work of the Adjutant, Captain Burder- Dunning, and his assistants drill halls were found to accommodate some 1,500 members in fourteen days from the date upon which the Corps was first advertised. Drills were held at the Headquarters of the 7th Battalion London Regiment, Sun Street, at the Guildhall, at the Headquarters of the L.R.B. in Bunhill Row, while open-air drills were held in Clifford's Inn, City of London School Play- ground, and Temple Gardens. As is but natural the Corps in its early days came in for a certain amount of criticism. The chief point in this was the name. Objections were raised to its 15 MR. HENRY BELL General Manager of Lloyd's Bank and one of the original founders of the National Guard, Chairman of the Finance Committee, member of Grand Committee and Hon. Commandant of the old 2nd Battalion. The National Guard in the Great War being entitled, " The National Guard," and so when it was duly affiliated by the Central Volunteer Association its official title became " The City of London National Guard Volunteers," although to most Londoners it is— and always has been — simply The National Guard. The question of uniform also caused some discussion. Originally it had been intended to provide a dark blue jacket and trousers or breeches — -not so much a uniform as uniformity of clothing. But after the affiliation it was agreed to adopt the recognised grey-green of the existing Volunteer Training Corps. Owing to the generosity of a patriotic Scotsman in the person of Mr. Francis Bannerman, of New York, the Guard were equipped with Springfield rifles, which enabled the men, at an early date, to learn the handling of arms pending the time when they could be equipped with the more modern Lee-Enfield weapon. THE FATHER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD SIR CHARLES JOHNSTON, BARONET The Lord Mayor of the War "IF you ask me," said Sir Charles Johnston at the end of his year as Lord Mayor X of London, " of what I am most proud of having accomplished during my term, I should unhesitatingly reply, the establishment of that splendid body of men^the National Guard of the City of London. I rejoice to have taken the leading part in its inception and incorporation." Of the work done by Sir Charles Johnston, our first President, both as Lord Mayor and since, it is difficult to write in terms that to those not in a position not to know, would not sound like extrava- gant eulogy. Sir Charles was never a mere figurehead. He was a worker through and through. Not only was he with us day by day, a familiar figure at our route marches, our trench digging, our manoeuvres, our musketry and our parades, but put in any amount of real hard labour behind the scenes, constantly pulling strings for the benefit of the Guard, and attending without intermission the various and numerous meetings of the Grand Committee and various Sub- Committees of the Guard. The review by the King of the National Guard in the grounds of Buckingham Palace in the early days was due to Sir Charles Johnston, as were also the Church Parade at St. Paul's Cathedral in June, 1915, and the inspec- tion of the regiment by Lord Kitchener in November, 191 5. After his year of office Sir Charles Johnston remained Hon. Regimental Com- mandant of the Regiment, in which position he continued to work as hard as when he was Lord Mayor for the benefit of the Guard, c 17 The National Guard in the Great War Later when the Guard became part of the City of London Volunteer Regiment Sir Charles Johnston became Hon. Colonel of the 5th Battalion. After Peace was declared and the battalions disbanded, Sir Charles continued to show his interest in the organisation by becoming President of the 5th Battalion Old Comrades' Association, which position he now occupies. Sir Charles Johnston has always insisted upon the importance of preserving the name, " National Guard," and he is as rightly proud of his fatherhood of the force as we are proud to acclaim him as " Father." THE REGIMENTAL COMMANDANT COLONEL COBBETT, V.D., who was appointed by Sir Charles Johnston Commandant, came to the National Guard with a distinguished record. He was, in fact, one of the most highly qualified officers in the Territorial Force. His military experience goes back to 1871 when he joined the ist Surrey Rifles as a private. In 1905 he transferred to the 4th V.B. Essex Regiment, of which he became Colonel in command in 1907. In 1910 Colonel Cobbet raised and commanded the 7th Territorial Battalion Essex Regiment. Two years later he raised and commanded the loth Territorial Battalion County of London Regiment. In September, 1914, he raised the 2nd Battalion of the loth London and continued in command up to the expiration of his term of command, Decem- ber 14, 1914. On the notice of the formation of the National Guard, Colonel Cobbett applied to the Lord Mayor and was appointed Commandant. Colonel Cobbett continued in command of the National Guard throughout the whole period of its existence. When the Guard became part of the C.L.V.R., he was appointed Commandant " B " Group. To the National Guard he devoted throughout the whole term of its existence his whole time and energy. His services were entirely honorary and he put aside the pressing claims of a large business in order to carry on his duties. Endowed with a wonderful gift of personal magnetism he won the affection of every man in the National Guard. His intense enthusiasm, his unflagging and unwearying energy, were contagious. Every officer and man in the Guard was proud to serve under him. 18 Captain J. Burder Dunning Regimental Adjutant (afterwards Adjutant " B ' Group, C.L.V.R.) Captain I. Watt Adjutant, 2nd Battalion [afterwards Stii Battalion from start to finish} J. Rosser Assistant Regimental Adjutant M. Herepath Adjutant, 1st Battalion ADJUTANTS IN THE EARLY DAYS IPhotographs by Miles & Kaye, 54, Cheapside, E.C.] III. THE FIRST YEAR— 1915 THE FIRST ROUTE .ALARCH ON Januan' 23, 1915, the first route march of the Guard took place. Led by the Band of the Duke of Connaught's Hussars the Corps marched from the ]\Iansion House, where the Lord Mayor took the salute, to Hyde Park. Amongst those who took part in this first route march were several members of the Committee, including the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor, Colonel Ridgeway, V.C, C.B., Mr. J. C. Hanworth-Booth and Sir John Leigh Wood, C.B., C.M.G. The first parade of the Corps in uniform took place in Hyde Park on Saturday, March 6. It was witnessed by Queen Alexandra and Princess Victoria. INSPECTION BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING THE first red-letter day in the year's history was ]\Iarch 20, when, by command of the King, the Corps was permitted to march through the grounds of Buckingham Palace, and was inspected by the King. On this occasion the Corps numbered 47 officers and 2,046 rank and file. Four of the recruiting bands took part in the march, including the pipers and seven drums of the Scots Guards. The battahons assembled at the Mansion House and the Guildhall, and the route was by the Embankment and Horse Guards Avenue. On the terrace, overlooking the Palace gardens, was the King, who was attended by the Hon. Sir Derek Keppel and Major Clive Wigram, while the Queen and Princess Mary with members of the household were also present. Colonel Chambers was in command of the ist BattaHon, Colonel Sheldon- Hepworth, V.D., of the 2nd Battalion, and Company-Commander Stewart of the 3rd BattaHon. The motor transport section was under the command of Mr. (now Major) ShrapneU Smith. After the leading Compan)^ had given the salute, the Lord Mayor and Colonel Cobbett took their places to the right of the King. Colonel Cobbett 20 --..;. ^,.,-r, L:J., 15A, '.-'.^ Ljiid SUi^ LT. -COLONEL SIR J. LEIGH WOOD, C.B., C.M.G., Was closely identified with the National Guard since its formation. He was appointed Chief Staff Officer of the National Guard, which position he relinquished on receiving his Commission as Captain on the staff of the Quarter-Master-General attached to the Eastern Command. He was sub- sequently gazetted Lt.- Colonel. Colonel Leigh Wood received his C.M.G. for services rendered in the Boer War dispatches twice and Queen s Medal . In 1916 he was appointed Commander of the Order of Leopold II. by King Albert for services rendered to Belgium. [ Mih-s & Kaye MR. ROBERT G. H. BOULTON An energetic member of the Grand Committee of the National Guard, in the Initial organisation of which he took a leading part. His knowledge of finance and business methods was of the greatest assistance to the Guard in the early days. The National Guard in the Great War received the King's command to convey to all ranks His Majesty's entire satisfaction with the general appearance, marching and bearing of the battalions on parade. EASTER AND WHITSUNTIDE MANCEUVRES THE first Easter manoeuvres were held at Brighton, from April i-6, 1915. They were attended by 1,400 members, and some interesting and useful work was put in in the way of drill, manual exercises, marching and musketry practice. The day's work began at 9.30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. On Sunday the Regiment paraded at Arms Piled iriwto by Capt. J. Burder Dunning 8.45 for Church Parade, and marched to St. John's Church, Preston, where the Assistant-Chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Rosedale, preached, and the Lord Mayor read the lesson. Musketry was carried on at Saltdean every day except Sunday, between 100 and 150 men being put through every day at 200 yards range, second-class targets, 5 rounds deliberate, 3 rounds rapid. Some good scores were registered, ranging from 33 to 39 out of a possible 40. The Mechanical Transport Column, under Column Commandant E. ' hraj; nell Smith, did excellent work. On Wednesday, March 31, the Column, starting from the Guildhall, took 70 men down to Brighton, including the Dartford Cramimai School O.T.C. Band, which was kindly lent by the CO. The Transport Column The National Guard in the Great War also took the musketry squads over every day to Rottingdean, and brought them back. As chief Musketry Instructors, Captain Raven Hill and Company-Com- mander Coram did splendid work. THE Whitsuntide Manoeuvres, held at Brighton, May 21-24, g^^^ evidence of the progress made by men in the meantime. The number was smaller than at Easter, only between 500 and 600 men attending. A comprehensive programme of shooting and drilling was carried out. The members not detailed for shooting engaged each day in interesting work on the Downs in the form of Musketry Party parading at Brighton \Pliolo hy Mrs. Fiank M,-ai;^7, 11 .i,',-^cr Armourer-Sergt. Priest Scottish Company TADWORTH CAMP IN AUGUST, 1918 The National Guard in the Great War to the previous arrangements made by the (ieneral Staff of the London District, which, as usual, were so thorough and complete in every detail that all worry and trouble on arrival in Camp disappeared. The general effect of this care and atten- tion to detail beforehand was that every Officer and man knew exactly what to do on arrival in Camp. An advance party went down on July 31, consisting of the following Camp Officers: — -Adjutant Capt. I. Watt, 5th Batt., Quarter- master Lieut. W. L. Bayley, 4th Batt., Messing Officer Lieut. A. J. Andrews, 5th Batt., Lieut. J. Reed, Scottish Co., 6th Batt., 2nd Lieut. Gillespie, 6th Batt., and 24 N.C.O.'s and men from the three Battalions. Lieut. George Hughes, 5th Batt., who was in charge of the Officers' Mess, arrived on the same day with everv necessity for his department, including many extra bell tents, which added to the general comfort. Camp equipment was drawn on Wednesday by the Advance Party, the store tent was erected first, and all bedding, etc., stored safely from rain until distributed to the men's tents. A few other tents were erected for the accom- modation of the Advance Party. When kitchen gear arrived, the cooks got quickly to work, erecting Aldershot kitchens and preparing generally for their coming task. On Thursda\- the Advance Party got to work in good time, and long before the troops were due to arrive on Friday, everything was ready for their reception. There was a fair amount of rain, but thanks to the tents being pitched on dry ground, no one suffered through the little wet that came down. Every praise is due to Lieut, and Quartermaster Bayley for the way he got the camp stores out and administered his department. Lieut. John Reed, of the Scottish, who had apparent!}' been selected on account of his well known capacity for work to command the Advance Party, was most indefatigable, and did excellent work in erecting Camp. Regt.-Sergt. -Major F. R. Gulland was also deserving of the highest praise for the practical way in which he directed the erection of tents and striking and packing canvas at the conclusion of the Camp. Every credit was due to the cooks, and to the Messing Officer, Lieut. A. J. Andrews, for the very excellent manner in which the N.C. Officers and men were catered for. Cooking in Camp is always a troublesome job, especially in wet weather, when firewood is wet and will not burn. Some of our cooks had very little previous experience, but they were a complete success. The field cooking was done ex- clusively by the Battalion, the Sergt. Cook being Sergt. Hawkins, of the 6th Batt. The Composite Battalion of the 4th, 5 th, 6th Battalions National Guard was 78 The National Guard in the Great War brought to Camp under the command of Captain Gough on Friday and arrived at 9 p.m. Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett, V.D., and Captain I. Watt, who had been selected as Commanding Officer and Adjutant respectively, went to Tadworth with the Advance Party. The work consisted chiefly of Route marches. Protection on the march and at rest, Judging Distance, Extended order, and Attack and Defence work. The Rev. H. G. Rosedale, D.D., Chaplain, 5th Batt., visited the training ground and with the permission of Colonel Cobbett, gave a short address to the Battalion, which was very patriotic and military, and very much appreciated by all. The Battalion, after lunch, which was taken each day in the haversack, con- tinued operations and returned to Camp at 4.30 p.m. Monday was devoted to Advance and Rear Guards, Platoon and Company drill, Extended order and firing by platoons at pole targets. This practice proved to be excellent. Tuesdav was devoted to a concentration march and attack on an entrenched position held by the Guards, under the command of Lieut. -Colonel B. H. S. Romilly, D.S.O., Scots Guards, who were well posted in a strongly entrenched position, with a good supply of machine guns. The attacking division was under the command of Colonel Hon. W. P. Ruthven, C.M.G., D.S.O., General Staff, with Major H. J. Edwardes, Staff Officer for Volunteer Services, as Chief Staff Officer, and Captains F. Britten and Wynne Finch as Staff Captains. The first Brigade (Blue Force) attacking was under the command of Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett, V.D., with Captain I. Watt as Brigade Major, and Captain E. J. Trustram as Staff Captain. All were looking forward to this finish up of what proved to be a most instruct- ive and interesting programme. There was no waiting for Reveille on this occasion, the Camp was very much alive verv soon after 4 a.m., and thanks to the smartness of the cooks breakfast was ready at 5.30 a.m. The Battalion paraded in fighting order at 6.30 a.m., and marched to the position of concentration, where it arrived at 9.10 a.m. Captain Gough, previously second in command, was in command of the Battalion for the day, with Lieut. Gillespie, of the 6th Battalion, as /Adjutant. At 9.20 a.m., two Companies of the Central Battalion (Central Group, County of London V.R.) were sent on outpost duty, and at 10.15 a.m. a general advance was made. The defending Force opened fire on the attacking Force (Blue) at 11.45 ^•™- The advance was made through bracken, as high as the waist ; this, of course, made good cover for the advancing sections. The advance was in 79 The National Guard in the Great War artillery formation until effective range was reached, when sections deployed. The advance by sections was well carried out, attention being paid to proper use of covering fire. The firing line was halted on the southern lip of the valley, and a strong covering fire kept up till the arrival of the second line, which passed through and formed up for assault in dead ground. A smoke barrage was put up and both lines, forming one strong line, moved forward to the final assault. The position being carried, the cease fire was sounded and the units re-formed. The operations were witnessed by His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught and Lieut.-General Sir Francis Lloyd, K.C.B., C.V.O., D.S.O. His Royal High- ness, accompanied by Sir Francis, took the salute as the various Battalions marched past in column of route on their way back to Camp. This concluded the operation and in the evening the troops returned to London. Lieut.-General Sir Francis Lloyd had the Commanders of the attacking and defending Forces, Brigadiers, Brigade Majors, Staff Captains, and O.C.'s and Adjutants of Battalions assembled at Headquarters, where he went over the various phases of the operations. Special mention should be made of tlie real work put in— during advance and rear party duties— by Sergt. -Major Gulland, and the working squad from a certain renowned platoon who are always to the fore when work Is about. Lieut, and Quartermaster Bayley and his staff, to whom so much of the success of the Camp was due, were kept exceedingly busy. Lieut. Geo. Hughes received great praise from the CO. and all the officers for the splendid manner in which he catered for the Officers' Mess, of which Capt. W. Heptinstall Millar was the popular President. The following is a complete list of Officers who attended Camp : — Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett, V.D., Ofhcer Commanding ; Captain W. J. Gough, Second in Command ; Captain L Watt, Adjutant ; Lieuts. G. Hughes, Assistant Adjutant ; W. L. Bayley, Quartermaster ; Lieut. A. J. Andrews, Messing Officer ; Capt. Hugh Webb, Medical Officer ; Capts. R. Gurney Aslet, Irvine, W. Heptinstall Millar, C. R. Rintoul, and the Rev. Dr. H. G. Rosedale ; Lieuts. F. S. Bone, A. E. Bennetts, H. E. Bouch, J. F. D. Bowden, R. S. Chandler, W. G. Drew, A. C. Driver, Nicholson, G. S. Philip, J. Reed, F. J. Robinson, J. J. Simons, W. A. Waterlow, 2nd-Lieuts. G. Emerson, C. J. Gillespie, E. Hodgson, C. W. Pickering, A. J. Wall, S. Salmon. LIEUT.-COLONEL SHELDON HEPWORTH, V.D. ON the occasion of the retirement of Lieut. -Colonel Sheldon Hepworth from the command of the 5th Battalion in August, 1918, the following Battalion Order was issued : — 80 The National Guard in the Great War " By Lieut. -Colonel J. Sheldon Hepworth, V.D., J. P., Commanding. " Headquarters : 51, Calthorpe Street, W.C. I. " On relinquishing the command of the Battalion the Commanding Officer desires to place on record his sincere appreciation of the manner in which all ranks have supported him during his tenure of office. " All Officers and Non-commissioned officers have shown such a zeal in carrying out their duties that has resulted in bringing the Battalion to a high state of efficiency and to have rendered the task of the Commanding Officer in commanding the Battalion an easy one. " The Commanding Officer also desires to thank the Adjutant, Captain Watt, and the permanent stafT for the very efficient manner in which they have carried on their duties and supported him on every occasion, and he feels sure that his successor in command will be equally fortunate in having the same loyal and efficient support. " By order, "I. WATT, Captain, " Adjutant, ^th Battalion." LIEUT.-COLONEL SHELDON HEPWORTH'S FAREWELL ON August 24 the Battalion paraded at Headquarters and marched to Gray's Inn Square, where Lieut.-Colonel Hepworth addressed the Officers and Men. Colonel Hepworth, who spoke with great emotion, said that as he believed this was the last occasion on which he would be in command he took the oppor- tunity of thanking the Officers and men for their kindness to him during the period of his command. " It has," he said, " been a great pleasure and privilege to me to command this 5th Battalion. If you have the same regard for me that I have for you, you will understand what it means to me to leave you. It is a very great wrench to me to leave the Battalion." The Colonel paid a special tribute to the work of Captain Watt and referred especially to the attention given by that officer to detail. Captain Carey-Elwes, responding upon behalf of the Officers and Men, said, " All the Officers and Men of the Battalion feel that you have actedas a^father to each one. You have always had the interests of every individual one at heart. All of us are agreed that we have never served under a Commanding Officer so revered, and this is due, sir, to your personal qualities and to the sympathetic manner in which you have handled your Battalion. We have all tried to do our best to back you up." G 81 The National Guard in the Great War In conclusion Captain Elwes called for three cheers for Colonel Hepworth, which were given with great heartiness. LT.-GENERAL SIR FRANCIS LLOYD'S FAREWELL TO THE NATIONAL GUARD LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR FRANCIS LLOYD once again displayed his great interest in the National Guard by inspecting the Battalions on Saturday, September 28, 191 8, at Wellington Barracks. The Guard mustered over 1,000 Officers and Men. The three Battalions presented a very smart appearance as they marched into the Barracks Square, headed by their Bands. Each battalion had a number of recruits in mufti who marched at the rear. Colonel Cobbett, V.D., Group Commandant, was in Command of the three Battalions. The Commanding Officers of the three Battalions were : — 4th Batt., Lt.-Colonel Chambers ; 5th Batt., Capt. A. J. Cardell ; 6th Batt., Major McAllum. Major Edwardes, of the Headquarters Staff, was present. The National Guard was honoured by the presence of General Biddle, of the United States Army, who accompanied Sir Francis Lloyd in making the Inspection. The arrangements were carried through without a hitch, and reflected the greatest credit on all concerned, especially upon the Adjutants of the three Bat- talions. Lieut. George Hughes received the visitors, of whom there were a considerable number, amongst them being : Col. R. K. Ridgeway, V.C, C.B., Lt.-Col. Sheldon Hepworth, V.D., Sir Ernest Clarke, Mr. C. C. Macrae and many other old National Guardsmen and representatives of the Press. After the Inspection, the Battalions were formed in square, and Lt. -General Sir Francis Lloyd, who was mounted for the occasion, addressed the Officers and men. He said : " This Inspection to-day is an occasion of both pleasure and regret to me. Pleasure because I can never see the National Guard without regarding you with pleasure and astonishment, and regret because it is the last time I shall be in com- mand of you. I always look at the National Guard with astonishment, because it is very surprising that busy men in the hub of the universe, with all the claims of your various vocations, should have been able to arrive at such a pitch of excellence as you now display. When I see a soldier stand still on parade I know he is very far on the way of proficiency. The National Guard to-day presents a fine appear- ance. You are a splendid body of men, turned out admirably. I know how well and how hard you have worked. It has been hard work, unobtrusive work, but 82 [ Vandtjk. LIEUT. -GENERAL SIR FRANCIS LLOYD, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., D.S.O. Has always taken the greatest interest in the National Guard and been enthusiastic in his praise. He acted as Master of the National Guard Freemasons' Lodge, The National Guard in the Great War none the less very valuable work. You have worked on the Defences of London. You have helped the men on leave at the various London Stations. You have guarded vulnerable points and have learnt Machine Gunnery. " JFhe?i the history of this great zvar comes to he fully written the National Guard will have a page in that history. " You are Volunteers, and as Volunteers, you have exhibited the same splendid spirit that has animated the Wjlunteers in times past. Voii have refused to be denied in the greatest zvar that has ever been zvaged. " You were born during my command. I have watched your progress, and I am very proud of my connection with you. I shall carry away with me from this last parade a very happy remembrance of my connection with this great Force. I bid you Good-bye. May everything be well with you. JVhen the zvar is happily over, the Corps zvill, I hope, still go on and be a standing nwnunicnt to your zvork in titne of zcar.'^ Colonel Cobbett called for three cheers for Tieut. -General Sir Francis Lloyd, which were given in rousing fashion. THE ARMISTICE ON November ii, 1918, the Armistice was signed, amid scenes of the wildest rejoicing at home and abroad. After the Armistice had been signed the following Order of the Day was issued by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief to the Forces in Great Britain : " Now that an armistice has been signed by the last of the enemy powers, I desire to express my deep appreciation of the valuable work done throughout the war by all Ranks and all Services of the Forces in Great Britain. The training of officers and men for employment in the field armies, and the measures for defence against attack from the air and the sea, which were initiated by Field-Marshal Lord French, have during my tenure of Command been unremittingly and loyally carried out. Service in the Home Forces has been laborious and without those special compensations attaching to service at the Front, but its consistent and efficient performance was an essential preliminary condition to success in the Field, and all ranks may feel satisfied with the knowledge that they have faithfully done their duty." T RECOGNITION OF THE VOLUNTEERS HE following letter appeared in the Times of November 18, 1918 : — " Sir, — In the flush of victory there is a danger of forgetting those whose efforts have contributed so remarkably to the result. It has been a common thing to pour ridicule on those men who have so devotedly attached 84 The Last Trench: Sunday, October 27, 1918 Amongst the duties carried out by the National Guard, trench digging for the defences of London was always regarded as of paramount national importance. The photographs above, taken by Private J. B. Seymour, show the last Trench being finished by the National Guard on Sunday, October 27, 1918. The National Guard in the Great War themselves, first to the V.T.C., and, after its recognition, to the Volunteer Force. The high state of efficiency that the corps have reached has been borne testimony to by the G.Os.C. of the various districts in which the corps are located. In the early days the men had to bear the whole expense, pay for their own uniforms, drill halls, rifles, and equipment. It is common knowledge that it was the existence of this highly-organised home defence force that enabled the Government last April to rush overseas every available man and save the critical situation after St. Quentin. Now that the danger of invasion is past the ordinary rank and file do not feel the obligation to go on with their agreement, which was only " for a period not exceeding the duration of the war," and it is possible that the force may melt away before there has been any recognition of those devoted men who have stuck to it during four long years of war. I would therefore crave your space to support a plea that there should be some permanent recognition of those officers and men who have been not less than two years in the Volunteers. " Yours, etc., " Percy A. Harris, Hon. Secretary." The following Special Group Order was issued from Headquarters on November 13, 1918 : — By Colonel G. T. B. COBBETT, V.D., Commanding " B " Group (N.G.), City of London Volunteer Regiment. I THINK it my duty to express my high appreciation of the work done by the City of London National Guard since its inception in December, 1914. From the first drill which took place in the Guildhall on Boxing Day, 1914, to Monday, November 11, 1918, when the Armistice was signed, much valuable work was done. I recall with pride the large number of enthusiasts who gave their services in the early part of the movement ; the large numbers who attended for training at Brighton in the spring of 191 5 and 1916 ; the Inspection by H.M. the King at Buckingham Palace, by the late Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener at Wellington Barracks, the Review by Field-Marshal Lord French in Hyde Park ; the valuable work on the London Defences, which, though fortunately not actually used, might, had the emergency arisen, have been one of the principal Defences against what we do not care to contemplate. In this connection I would recall the work done by the Guides in Essex, whose knowledge of the localities in which the Defences were constructed would, in the event of the works having to be occupied, been invaluable. 86 The National Guard in the Great War In many other directions much good work has been done, including the manning of anti-aircraft guns, performing guard duty at vulnerable points, and at St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Since the recognition of the Volunteer Force the three Battalions have, under the able tuition of the Adjutants and Permanent Staff, reached a degree of pro- ficiency that ranks very high in the history of the Volunteer Force. It should be remembered that all the duties enumerated above have been the means of releasing a large number of Regular Soldiers of the combatant services who otherwise would not have been available for foreign service. Of the work in connection with meeting over 6,000,000 men on leave from overseas which has been carried on so successfully since its commencement, I cannot speak too highly, and the gratitude and thanks of the officers and men who have benefited by these services more than compensates for this willing sacrifice of time and labour. Now that Peace is in sight this work will for a considerable time be of equal importance to that done in the past, and I am sure I can look for a continuance of that assistance and loyal co-operation that I have up to the present enjoyed. In conclusion I would direct attention to an extract from the Special Routine Order by the General Officer Commanding in Chief the Forces in Great Britain : — " Service in the Home Forces has been laborious, and without those special compensations attaching to service at the front, but its consistent and efficient performance was an essential preliminary condition to success in the field, and all ranks may feel satisfied with the knowledge that they have faithfully done their duty." The above order will be repeated in all Battalion Orders. (Signed) I. WATT, Captain. For Commandant, " B " Group (N.G.), City of London Vol. Regt. MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES. The names of the following members of the National Guard were published in a War Office communique issued in August, 1919, as having been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for meritorious services rendered in connection with the war. Cobbett, Col, G.T.B., V.D. Bristow, Capt. F. G., C.L.V., Chambers, Lt.-Col. G. L., 4th Batt. R.A.S.C. (M.T.). McAUum, Major W., 6th Batt. Tubbs, Lt. P. B., 6th Batt. Grimwade, Lt. H. J., 6th Batt. Bell, Lt. O. N., 6th Batt. 87 PICTURES FROM OUR BATTLE FRONT, 1918 Stolen by ** Poy ** from the Ministry of Information and published without permission Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one ol these. Wise Solomon. The Gothas' Waterloo, or what stopped the Air Raids. f /tT\ (P'lh'' iU ' The greatest mother in the world.' Member of " A " Co., 4th Battalion, instructing 1 Scottie in the " Principles oi Aiming." Sir Francis Lloyd (after inspecting the National Guard) tells the War Cabinet that England is sate. VII. THE NATIONAL GUARD ROLL OF HONOUR MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURING 1915 Mr. W. H. P. Conyers Captain P. Cable Mr. Lionel Lee Sir Herbert Raphael, Bart. Mr. Douglas Brodie Mr. WiUiam Sadler Dr. E. C. Arnold Mr. W. J. Richmond Bryce Mr. F. S. Mercer Mr. Andrew Picken Mr. Bernard Hamilton Mr. L. Dudley Smith ... Mr. J. H. Potter Mr. L. D. Barclay Mr. T. Horton Mr. J. Cruickshank Smith Dr. A. Darlow Mr. A. M. H. Walrond Mr. Egerton Glyn Drummer Grecnsmith . . . Mr. Laurie Magnus Mr. F. H. Andrews Mr. A. G. Bonter Mr. P. J. O'Connor Mr. F. Herbert Steward Mr. K. Willmott Mr. Jas. Ogilvie Mr. S. Neave Dr. Alfred Blomfield ... Mr. G. R. Rosevere Captain G. F. Silvester... Mr. Herbert L. Taylor ... Mr. B. Hansford, C. B.... Mr. S. Owen Daly Mr. A. Letham ... Mr. A. H. Naish Mr. V. E. Ridewood Mr. Hubert Taylor Mr. W. J. Paton Mr. A. Ventura ... Mr. G. St. B. Barker , Mr. Kenneth O. Lodge A.S.C. 2ist (S.) Bn. Middlesex Regt. A.S.C. i8th (Service) Batt. King's Royal Rifles. Cameron Highlanders. R.A.M.C. R.A.M.C. R.A.M.C. Army Pay Corps. H.A.C. Royal Horse Artillery. A.S.C. R.A.M.C. Royal Flying Corps. 13th Beds. Gordon Highlanders. R.A.M.C. Remount Service. 3rd Batt. Essex Regt. R.N. T. F. Reserve. R.A.M.C. 30th (R.) Royal Fusiliers. Army Ordnance Dept. Monmouthshire Regt. A.S.C. Mec. Transport. R.A.M.C. R.A.M.C. R.A.M.C. Army Ordnance. India Unattached List (Rejoined). 26th Service Battalion Royal Fusiliers. Officer Commanding Administrative Centre of the Composite Battalions, Rifle Brigade (Territorial Force). 1916 Commission in the City of London Rifles. Army Service Corps. Commission in 20th Battalion, King's Royal Rifles. Commission in R.A.M.C. Commission in the Bakers' Section of the Royal Fusiliers. Royal Naval Air Service. Royal Naval Air Service. Artists Rifles. Acting Paymaster in Army Pay Corps. 89 The National Guard in the Great War Mr. Reginald E. Grcensmith . . Mr. Arthur E. Morton Mr. Stuart S. Cohen Staff-Sergt. J. Newman Mr. W. J. Dixon Mr. Frank Haylott Captain Hansford, C.B. Mr. H. R, Cripps Mr. M. \V. Hcrapath Mr. C. R. W. Offen Mr. W. Watkins Mr. A. F. Harrison Mr. A. J. Davis Mr. Hartnell- Sinclair Mr. C. F. Wood Mr. H. F. Bouch Mr. D. Jay Mr. W. O. Kerr Mr. Gibbons Grinling Mr. J. G. Rattle Mr. F. Pink Mr. L. J. Nunn Corporal Charles Duguid Mr. E. M. Montgomery Mr. F. Bentley Mr. W. H. Graham Mr. R. C. Goodban Platoon Co. J. F. D. Bowden .. Dr. Pope Mr. J. Pain Clarke, A.R.I.B.A. Mr. George Mence Dr. Giles Lieut. R. Stewart Lieut. F. W. D. Gwynne Major J. Leigh-Wood, C.M.G. Mr. Montague Hart Mr. L. Pyke Dr. E. C. Arnold Mr. Bernhard Hamilton Mr. T. Horton Mr. A. Picken Mr. L. D. Barclay Mr. W. Dudley Smith ... Mr. J. H. Potter Mr. Douglas E. Brodie Mr. Wm. Sadler Mr. F. S. Mercer Mr. J. Lee Mr. J. Richmond Bryce Mr. Andrew Picken Mr. A. Anson Mr. H. L. Finding Mr. D. E. Pearson Royal Naval Air Service. Commission in yth Batt. City of London Regiment (Cadet Co.). Inns of Court O.T.C. Commission in the General Staff in France. Quartermasters' Dept. in 14th King's Royal Rifles. Royal Flying Corps. Territorial Force Reserve. Royal Defence Corps. R.A.M.C. Commission in R.N.V.R. Signalling Officer to the Hertfordshire County Regt. School of Musketry. Regular Army. It *y Royal Fusiliers. Baj'onet Instructor in France. Surgeon-Captain Territorial Cadets' Training Corps. Ambulance Driver in Croix Rouge. 2nd Lieutenant Royal Defence Corps. Captain in R.A.M.C. Royal Defence Corps. 1st Lieut. Royal Defence Corps (Protection Co.). Inspector of Quartermaster-General Services with the rank of Major while so employed. Commission in H.M. Regular Forces. Acting as Inter- preter at Stobs Prisoners of War Camp. Lieut, in the R.N.V.R. Commission in R.A.M.C. Commission in R.N. A. 3rd Bedford Regiment. H.A.C. Royal Flying Corps. Commission in A.S.C. Commission in R.A.M.C. Commission in Cameron Highlanders (3rd Battalion). (Killed in action, August 18, 1916.) Commission in R.A.M.C. Army Pay Corps. Army Service Corps. Commission in R.A.M.C. H.A.C. Inns of Court, O.T.C. »> if it Regular Army. 90 The National Guard in the Great War Mr. W. H. Graham Mr. W. A. Clarke Mr. Egerton J. Glyn Mr. F. H. Andrews Mr. Louis Magnus Dr. A. Darlow ... Mr. Jas. Ogilvie Mr. Sheffield Neave Mr. A. G. Bouter Mr. F. H. Steward Mr. P. J. O'Connor Mr. K. Wilmott Mr. G. R. Rosevere Mr. Hy. Frascr Mr. S. H. Ricardo Mr. E. S. Halford Mr. S. E. Greenfield Mr. F. E. Searle... Mr. H. B. Gair ... Regular Army. Commission in City of London Regiment (Cadet Co.). Commission in Essex Regiment. R.A.M.C. Commission in T.F. Reserve. Commission in R.A.M.C. 30th Royal Fusihers. Commission in Monmouth Regiment. Commission in Army Ordnance Department. Commission in A.S.C. Commission in Army Ordnance Department. London Rifle Brigade. A.D.C. to O.C. Cavalry Brigade. Commission in the R.F.C. The Regular Army. Commission in the ist Cadet Battalion London Regt. Inns of Court O.T.C. MEMBERS OF THE 4TH BATTALION WHOJJOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURING 1917. Austen, H. C. Berkeley, R. H., C.S.M. Bingham, L., Pte. Blake, W Brooks, H. L., Pte. Brown, J., Pte. Chaphn, F. A., Pte. Church, H., Pte. ... Clefford, H. B., Pte. Conolly, A. E. H. Davidson, E., Pte. Davis, A. F. H. H., Pte, Davis, W. B. Dyter, H. M., Pte. Evans, E. Fidler, J. C, Pte. Freeman, R. J., Pte. Garbutt, W. L., Pte. Gardner, T. W., Pte. George, C. M. T., Pte. Goldhill, W. T., Pte. Harding, F. W. S., Pte. Harris, A. E., Pte. Hartley, A. H. W., Pte. Hepworth, T., Pte. Hill, S., Pte. Jones, H. E., Pte. Jones, R. 0. Krause, C. E., Pte. Lancashire, J. R. T., Ptf Livesay, W. J. Joined A.S.C. 19/7/17. Colours 7/5/17. Army 27/6/17. „ H.A.C. 23/7/17. Called up 1/1/17. Joined up 21/3/17. M 31/3/17- R.F.C. 19/9/17. „ R.N.A.S. 2/8/17. Inns of Court O.T.C. 17/5/17. Joined up 23/3/17. Called up 22/1/17. Joined A.S.C. 3/8/17. „ Colours 23/1/17. Gazetted to Com. 10/9/17. CaUed up 23/3/17. » 4/1/17- „ 30/1/17- Joined Army 17/3/17. Called up 19/2/17. Joined A.S.C. 1/9/17. Colours 24/1/17. Called up 24/3/17. Joined Army 19/6/17. ,. up 1/3/17. ' ,, Artists O.T.C. Called up 4/1/17. A.V.C. 6/8/17. Joined up 15/2/17. .. .. 4;'4/i7- Granted Com. 22/1/17. For a proper appreciation of the above lists it must be remembered that with two or three exceptions all these members were well above military age. 91 The National Guard in the Great War Lee, E., Pte. Meggs, F. R., Pte. Mcllish, \V. M. G., Pte. Mcnhincck, J., Pte. Morton, T. E., Sergt. Moryson, J. G., Pte. Mumby, T. M. C, Pte. Partridge, H., Pte. Pcirson, E. E., Pte. Potter, G. S., Pte. Potter, G., Pte. ... Pound, R. H., Pte. Randall, J. J., Pte. RusscU, A. C, Pte. Sanders, J., Pte. ... Sharp, H. S., Pte. Shuch, G. A., Pte. Singer, F. G., Pte. Skerton, H. J., Pte. Smith, W. D. C, Pte. Tarbrtt, A. W., Pte. Thompson, C. F., Pte. Thompson, F. J., Pte. Westall, T. B., Pte. Wickham, W. E., Pte. WiU, G., Pte. Yerbury, S. P., Pte. Joined up 19/6/17. Army 19/6/17. Called up 1/4/17. Joined up 1/3/17. ,. 4/4/17- ., 1/3/17- .. 1/3/17- „ A.S.C. 24/()/i7. „ R.N.A.S. 12/9/17. Called up 23/3/17. .. 23/3/17- Joined Army 9/2/17. „ up 31/8/17- „ Army 13/6/17. ,. 19/6/17- Called up 3/3/17. ,. 16/3/17- „ 20/3/17. Joined Army 23/1/17. „ H.A.C. 1/9/17. ., Army 23/7/17. ,, 21/2/17. ,, R.N.A.S. 12/10/17. „ Army 15/6/17. .. 1/3/17- „ 13/6/17- Called up 22/3/17. MEMBERS OF THE 5x11 BATTALION \\'H0 JOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURING 1917 Lieut. S. Lowcock, joined R.N.V.R. and has since been promoted to Lieut. -Commander. Lieut. G. Lynn has reeeived a Lieutenancy in a Labour Battalion. Sergt. Martin to Lieutenant, R.E. Abbott, K. D. Axtell, A. Adams, R. G. Ashbv, S. C. O. Booth, A.J. Baker, H. F. B. Bayliss, B. C. Bodley, F. T. S. Baker, R. Brice, E. A. Boughton, G. Baxter, S. Beckett, F. G. Barnard, G. A. Bedwin, J. W. Bull, A. P. Buckridge, A. C. Brown, H. S. Bassett, C. H. Bound, H. C. Beamand, L. H. Binns, R. Clarke, F. J. Clarke, W. A. Clarke, H. Critolph, A. W. Chalk, L. Christie, A. J. Chalk, S. F. W. Clappc, H. B. Catling, E. W. Coombes, N. Cormish, C. Constable, S. J. Cory, R. Clarke, E. W. Chambers, C. W. Crisp, C. J. Clinton, V. C. Churchouie, C. H. Cox, C. R. Campion, E. W. Coleman, F. E. Downing, W. E. Devenish, W. J. Davidson, E. A. Dean, S. H. Daniel, A. F. Downer, C. W. Dickinson, L. Dell, \V. E. R. Dodd, \V. H. f. Darke, F. B. Dixon, S. B. Dart, H. Diss, H. D. Epps, A. English, F. Everitt, M. Edwards, H. T. Fryer, H. G. Grummitt, \V. D. Gubbins, H. E. Gelding, R. Goldby, S. F. Green, W. E. Grigson, T. M. Grose, F. C. Godden, D. W. Hibbert, H. R. Haynes, J. B. Heathcote, E. M. Hurrell, W. P. Hall, E. E. M. Harris, J. Hooff, j. R. Harding, T. F. Hill, C. L. Hackridge, E. S. Harvey, S. E. Hill, W. J. Hopkins, R. E. Haylett, G. S. Harding, H. J. He wens, A. C. N. Harvey, S. D. Hooper, W. H. Hook, J. W. 92 The National Guard in the Great War Ince, C. Jennings, J. W. J.nes, A. T. Jowett, N. E. King. W. T. KniU, A. Knight, T. H. Kinvan, D. P. N. Kittle, F. A. Leach, W. E. Lidiard, G. H. Laing, A. D. LandelJs, E. S. Liversedge, T. L. Martin, L. McMinn, S. A. Minifie, A. E. McEwen, G. E. Martin, O. P. Mills, F. W. B. Mayhew, W. O. Mayer, W. F. Marsh, W. T. H. Mercer, C. Mountstephen, R. S. Nelson, H. F. Norwood, L. E. Offen, H. C. Osborne, F. Ocklestone, H. D. Oliver, W. Patterson, D. \V. Peay, F. H. Peake, P. M. Plaster, A. E. Payne, E. V. Porter, S. J. Parker, W. E. Payne, U. A. Penniket, H. G. Pink, P. Pluck, W. F. Parkin, N. M. Rowe, J. H. RawUnson, W. W. Rivers, R. H. Rawson, A. W. Rennie, W. W. Ryde, W. T. Reeves, T. Reidling, B. Rav, P. C. Roberts, R. A. Steadman, P. C. Smallpage, H. J. Spencer, J. A. Seakens, A. Saul, C. A. Smith, A. C. Steeden, A. J. Smith, F. H. Stuart, J. A. Sparkes, P. E. Shipp, H. A. Skelding, W. H. Saunders, H. G. Scanes, D. F. Storey, S. S. Storey, L. K. Sowton, C. E. SaUis, H. Smith, F. S. Smith, E. H. ' Tiserand, U. Taylor, J. S. Tunins, A. Toye, R. J. Tozer, G. H. Trower, A. B. Underwood, F. H. J. Watts, F. S. Woodbridge, A. T. Woodland, P. J. Wyard, W. T. Watts, G. L. Webbs, A. E. Woodburn, A. E. Wigham, G. C. R. Woodger, R. W. Walters, J. R. Williamson, W. M. Widdon, B. J. Walters, G. F. WUlott, G. F. Williams, R. W. Winrup, C. Ward, B. E. Weston, C. F. H. Wael, A. F. de Walden, H. T. White, C. G. Roper, H. W. The following N.C.O.'s have received Commissions : — Bn.O.M.-Sergt. Knight, 2nd-Lieut., Sussex Vol. Regt. Sergt. T. Murray Ford, 2nd-Lieut., County of London V.R. Sergt. H. E. Steventon and Sergt. X. Christiensen, 2nd-Lieuts. Forty-one members were transferred to Railway Company. Queen's Cadet Corps. MEMBERS OF THE 6TH BATTATION WHO JOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURING 1917. Cattenach, P. E. Aitchinson, J. Aldridge, G. E. Alexander, H. D AUan, R. G. Allen, A. H. Allen, H. A. Anderson, G. Andrews, S. C. Arnold, A. Arnold, C. Atkins, A. T. Baker, C. L. Baker, J. Baker, T. W. Balfour, L. Ball, R. J. Barnes, F. Barton, A. L. Barton, R. Bartlett, L. Bayley, A. Bayley, F. W. Beaubery, A. Bedford, A. C. Benett, W. L. Bennett, T. Black, H. T. Blaney, W. W. Bleak, R. E. Booth, R. H. Booth, R. Bourne, A. W. Bowie, F. Brewer, A. R. Brightwell, A. Bromfield, H. F. Brown, H. E. BuU, E. T. Bundy, I. J. Burn, W. Burnett, W. Cadge, J. R. R. Campbell, J. T. Canty, W. H. Carew Hunt, C. W. Carpenter, S. E. Caudler, G. H. Chandler, A. H. Chant, H. E. Chapman, H. J. Chard, H. S. Clarke, E. E. Clarke, S. T. Close, H. Coates, C. S. Coatts, W. B. Cockerill, J. F. Coell, B. E. Cohen, J. Cohleston, E. D. Coles, W. J. Coleman, E. R. CoUingwood, P. Cooper, W. E. Copping, G. D. Cox, A. Cripps, H. R. Crolaz, H. J. E. Crousher, F. J. Cunningham, D. Curtis, A. T. W. Daly, M. A. Davie, E. K. J. Davies, D. Dodd, A. Doreen, J. P. Doust, E. J. Downey, W. P. Duesley, J. Duxbury, J. R. Fames, T. H. Ede, A. V. Etheridge, H. C. Evans, L. Fisher, C. Fitt, R. H. Ford, W. T. Fox, A. T. Fox, W. H. Fraser, H. French, N. 93 The National Guard in the Great War Frost, L. A. Gallowey, J. Garcke, S. E. Gaywood, F. E. Gearing, C. W. Germain, E. W. Gildett, P. T. R. Giles, A. G. Goff, E. W. Gosman, F. Grant, A. St. G. Grant, G. H. Green, C. F. Greenslade, P. G. Greenspan, A. Hake, A. E. HaU, A. F. Handfield, G. Hankin, G. \V. Harder, G. M. Hargreaves, W. J. Harworth, R. R. Henley, A. A. Hester, T. Holborrow, C. F. Holder, A. D. Holmes, C. R. Hopkins, J. Here, S. H. Houchin, F. Hoiisego, B. Howard, H. S. Howston, L. E. Huntler, H. S. Ince, P. C. Isaac?, C. E. B. Jarvis, W. Jeffries, C. F. Jenkins, W. Johnson, \V. J. Johnston, A. K. Jones, R. A. Jones, W. E. C. Keen, H. P. Kendrick, J. A. Kerr, A. King, A. J. King, E. H. King, E. L. Lancaster, T. Lance, W. H. S. Leate, C. L. Lemington, R. O. Levy, M. Lindley, H. W. Lindsay Blee, C. W. Lloyd, "F. E. Lomax, H. C. Loveless, A. W. Lovibond, H. P. Loving, S. Lower, J. Magnani, S. H. Mann, H. Manwaring, G. A. Marden, B. W. Mason, W. A. Matcham, J. N. L. Matthews, P. McWliarric, C. Mead, J. R. Meaker, E. J. Milbank, H.' R. Milncr, P. W. Milray, G. W. Murray, L. C. Ness, j. M. Norris, W. J. Noyston, J. Nustadi, G. Nye, G. C. Offredi, H. J. O'Neill, H. B. Osborne, A. F. Ottaway, F. H. Outen, E. W. Partridge, H. (Colonel) Paton, P. H. Patterson, E. Payne, A. Pearson, F. P. Perlhefter, E. F. Perry, C Phillips, J. T. Pickett, E. C. Pink, D. B. Pink, D. B. Poachei, S. Pope, A. A. Porter, S. Prate, A. E. Prendergast, W. T. Price, T. V. Proctor, C. Quick, A. P. Rainey, J. H. Ralston, A. T. Redhead, F. Reed, F. B. Regan, S. Reid, J. J. Reissman, E. A. Rehig, C. W. Rennison, F. E. Renton, F. Robbins, G. H. Robertson, F. H. Robinson, B. H. Robinson, E. A. Robinson, W. C. Roffev, C. A. Root," A. C. Roper, F. S. Rotterman, M. Rowlands, C. G. Rowley, C. Russell, E. D. Russell, W. J. R. Sadie, H. L. Sadler, J. P. Sallis, H. Sandiman, D. Scholefield, L. G. Schunicke, T. Seear, F. Segal, B. H. Sell, J. R. Sharp, W. E. J. Sharp, W. H. Shaw, F. T. Shepherd, F. J. Simpson, W. R. SkUton, W. Sluni, R. T. Smith, H. Smith, R. W. H. Smhh, T. G. Smith, W. R. Smith, \V. T. Sowerby, E. B. Spalman, G. Spane, F. P. Spriggs, E. P. Springthorpe, VV. Squire, A. H. C. Staines, W. G. Stainland, W. H. Stone, J. W. Tappenden, E. Taylor, J. C. Taylor, J. P. Taylor, P. S. Thomas, J. E. H. Thomas, M. C. W. Thomas, W. E. Tremellen, H. C. Truman, B. E. Tyson, P. K. Vincent, G. S. Walmsley, J. F. Warburton, F. Ward, F. Ward, T. H. L. Warner, A. L. Warner, R. Warrington, H. R. Watson, F. E. Wessler, W. E. S. West, E. C. West, H. T- Wheatland, E. S. Whitaker, D. H. White, H. T. Whitthams, F. P. Wightman, W. R. Williams, B. A. Williams, R. W. Williams, T. Wilson, J. Wilson, P. A. Wolf, H. C. Wood, J. Woods, E. E. Wooley, H. O. Wooley, E. W. Worcester, A. W. Wykes, E. B. Yeo, H. Young, R. MEMBERS OF THE 4TH BATTALION WHO JOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURIN(; 1917-1918 Brunton, G. M., " E " Co. Pte. Fetch, P. C, " D " Co. C " Co. Sergt. James, C. H., " D " Co. Co. L/Cpl. Green, A. L., " B " Co. Co. Pte. Sutherland, W. A., " B " Co. Pte. Lancashire, J. C.S.M. Berkely, R., " B Pte. Moy, R. J., " B 94 The National Guard in the Great War Pte. Ives, C, " A " Co. „ Aston, N. L., " B " Co. L/Cpl. Brown, B. F., " B " Co. Sergt. Ranger, H. F. R., " C " Co. Pte. Ainsworth, W. H., " A " Co. Lieut. Oldfield, H. R., " A " Co. Pte. Crick, W. E., " B " Co. „ GiUingham, W. H. G., " D " Co. Sergt. Prince, D. C, " D " Co. Corpl. Brvant, W. A., " D " Co. L/Cpl. Maltby, C. A., " D " Co. T.Cpy. Baker Munton, H., " B " Co. Pte. Roberts, D. H., " C " Co. C.S.M. Jenkins, E., " A " Co. Pte. Dixon, L., " C " Co. Corpl. Brown, G. H., " C " Co. Pte. Hunt, V. C," C'Co. „ Godfrey, V.D.," A "Co. „ James.'H. M.,"B "Co. Sergt. Man, E. T.,"B "Co. Pte. Smith, F. W.," A"Co. „ Sanders, P. G. O., " D " ,, Jones, A. M., " B " Co. „ Saunders, P. G. O., " D ' Co. Co. MEMBERS OF THE 5™ BATTALION WHO JOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURING 191S Pte. Jackson, H.E. Stephenson, W. Hopkins, J. Brown, A. G. Heinke, H. Macken, S. J. Lashmar, F. S. Bragg, C. S. Rides, F. M. England, \V. H. Hughes, P. Geeves, H. Rodgers, C. A. Sherrington, H. Hosegood, H. Langdon, E. A. Ridley, G. \V. Cooke, G. Stewart, A. Lock, W. J. Oram, C. M. Ames, C. G. Pitt am, E. Potter, C. T. 1/1/1918. 8/1/1918. 1/1/1918. 26/1/1918. i'2/i9i8. \\'. 7/3,1918. 1/1/1918. 1/2/1918. 1/3/1918. Pte. Duthie, W. H. I '3/1918 , George, J. E. 1/4/1918 , Bartlett, F. Jt , Gilbert, T. it , Tolhurst, J. >> , Williams, W. } > , Tatum, F. f» , Kestin, E. S. 6'4/i9i8 , Galiegue, R. 12/5/1918 , Cleare, W. 22'5/i9i8 , Buckingham, R. 22/5/1918 , Copeland, P. J. ,, , Savage, H. J. 1/6/1918 , Wild, G. L. 6/6/1918 Sei ■gt. McGillivray, W. 12/6/1918 Pt( i. Wood, E. V. 9/7/1918 , Noakes, S. N. 17/7/1918 , Williams, H. 20/8/1918 , Apperley, E. G. 1/9/191S , Poacher, S. 11/9/1918 , Frost, W. H. 11/9/1918 , Miles, J. 0. 18/9/1918 Cp . Jones , Levey, H. C. 2/11/1918 MEMBERS OF THE 6th BATTALION WHO JOINED THE REGULAR FORCES DURINi; 1917-1918 Capt. Stewart, R. Pte. 2/Lt. Stewart, J. H. Sergt. Porteous, J. D. Pte. Duff, A. S. Waters, G. Smith, C. E. Heath, C. L. Calver, A. Robinson, T. H. SteU, A. G. Mortlock, H. Rosomond,A.W. Roake, W. T. Beament, E. C. Lacey, C. W. Moore, W. Higgins, A. K. Lambert, H. Thompson, P. H. M. Webb, B. A. Morris, H. R. Gelder, M. L. V. White, H. L. Palmer, A. J. 95 Pte. Bagenal, G. S. Moore, J. A. Potter, A. F. Osborne, W. H. Scarr, G. E. Gagetti, F. Bunker, E. S. C. Robertson, C. M. Farquharson, A. Hiller, C. Baker, H. E. Alexander, M. Pte. Barrie, A. Allardice, D. Gayter, G. H. Vicary, S. McLaughlin, E. Mo.xham, S. H. Young, D. M. Caroe, E. F. R. Nears, W. C. Nicoll, A. C. Balsillio, J. D. M. Lee, H. The National Guard in the Great War JOINED HIS MAJESTY'S NAVY JOINED OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS Pte. RoskUly, E. T., and Pte. Lloyd, F. G. L/Cpl. Hamilton, H. JOINED ROYAL AIR FORCE Pte. Jones, W. J. Pte. Morfey, F. Pte. Edridge, R. OBTAINED COMMISSIONS L/Sergt. Anderson, H., Army Service Corps. Pte. Mitchell, C. F., ist London Cadet Battalion L/Cpl. Russell, L, Cadet Battalion. (The Queen's). 96 THE VOLUNTEER: 1914-1919 By Sir Conan Doyle By special permission The dreams are passed and gone, old man, That came to you and me, Of a six days' stunt on an east coast front. And the Hun with his back to the sea. Lord, how we worked, and swotted sore. To be fit when the day should come ! Four years, my lad, and five months more, Since first we followed the drum. Though " Follow the drum " is a bit too grand. For we ran to no such frills, It was just the whistles of Nature's band That heartened us up the hills. That and the toot of the corporal's flute, Until he could blow no more, And the lilt of " Sussex by the Sea," The marching song of the corps. Drills in hall, and drills outdoors, And drills of every type. Till we wore our boots with forming fours. And our coats with " Shoulder hipe ! " No glory ours, no swank, no pay, One dull eventless grind ! Find yourself, and nothing a day Were the terms that the old boys signed. Just drill and march and drill again. And swot at the old parade ; But they got two hundred thousand men. Not bad for the old brigade ! A good two hundred thousand came. On the chance of that east coast fight. Thev mav have been old and stiff and lame, But, by George, their hearts were right ! Discipline ! My ! " Eyes right ! " they cried, As we passed the drill hall door, And left it at that — so we marched cock-eyed From three to half-past four. And solid ! Why, after a real wet bout In a hole in the Flanders mud. It would puzzle the Boche to fetch us out. For we couldn't get out if we would ! Some think we could have stood war's test. Some say that we could not ; But a chap can only do his best. And offer all he's got. Fall out, the guard ! The old home guard ! Pile arms ! Right turn ! Dismiss ! No grousing, even if it's hard To break our ranks like this. We can't show much in the way of fun, For four and a half years gone ; If we'd had our chance — just one ! just one ! — Carry on, old sport, carry on ! 97 VIII. THE STATION WORK NO achievement of the National Guard has so captured the imagination of the public as the Station Work of meeting at the London termini sailors and soldiers returning from the front on furlough. And no work has been under- taken with greater zest, enthusiasm, and keenness by the men of the Guard. The Station work was started by the National Guard in 191 5. Prior to this there had been no regular military organisation to provide f-^r the needs of men on their arrival in London. The Y.M.C.A., an organisation that came out splendidly during the war, were the pioneers in the work. But they had, of course, no military organisation and could only place a very limited number of workers on the station. Individual members of the public, seeing the need, had in some cases stepped into the breach. Amongst these pioneers was Mr. H. J. Grimwade, who, for some time before the Guard took up the duty, had been doing similar work on his own in mufti and was well-known in the neighbourhood of Euston Station for his zeal and energy. Mr. Grimwade has always been an indefatigable station-worker. He had a particularly happy knack in handling difficult cases, and it was only natural that when a Station Company was formed he should play a prominent part in the organisation. The credit for the suggestion that the National Guard should in its corporate capacity undertake this work is due to Mr. Percy B. Tubbs. The work had a military side and a human side. On the one hand there was the fact that the National Guard being a quasi-military body whose members are under discipline, soldiers undoubtedly appreciated being met by our uniformed men in preference to the ordinary civilian. The National Guard uniform signified something very real to the soldier. It stood for the brotherhood of arms. It indicated that the man he was meeting was not just a casual stranger but one with keen and vital interest in the soldier's life and welfare. Assistance, guidance, and advice from a National Guardsman were welcomed and respected, whereas they might have been regarded, coming from a civilian, as an impertinence or at least unwarranted interference. 98 The National Guard in the Great War The work done by the National Guard in this respect was work of national importance. EVERY day large parties of men on leave from the front arrived at London stations. Many of them knew nothing of London or how to reach their destinations. Some of them desired to get to the War Office or India Office to get money, others wanted to go either to Cox's Bank, or if Canadians to the Canadian Headquarters, Millbank, to get cheques and orders for payment cashed. Many desired to send telegrams, and the average " Tommy " trying to write out a telegram is a hopeless proposition. Even when he succeeds after many en- deavours and great waste of time and telegraph forms, his wire is generally unreadable, while he has seldom the faculty of condensing what he wants to say into a few words. Then there was the case of the Channel steamer being several hours late — a very ordinary occurrence — and not arriving in London until after midnight- Soldiers from the front, home on short leave, hurrying to their families in the North or in Ireland found when they reached Euston that the last train North had gone and that they must wait until the morning. Most of them were hungry and dog-tired, dirty and longing for a wash-up. Well, the National Guardsman stepped in, took them to a Y.M.C.A. hut in Euston Square where they could get food, good eggs and bacon and a monster cup of tea, wash and shave. The National Guardsman looked out trains, wrote out telegrams, and left them with a feeling that London had a welcome ready even after midnight. AND then there was another aspect. There existed amongst us numbers of harpies, working in groups, whose whole objects were to rob and wreck the soldiers passing through town. They aimed particularly at Canadians and Australians because they had most money. The men in some of these gangs dressed themselves in khaki and wore bogus ribbons, V.C. and D.S.O. decorations. What wonder then that the young Tommy often responded to their greetings. They drugged drinks, sometimes they used ether to get the soldier into their power. This is not melodrama, it is sober fact. Hundreds of young soldiers have been ruined by these scoundrels. The work of the National Guardsman was to prevent the soldier from falHng into these undesirable hands, and without in any way encroaching upon police work or interfering with police arrangements, to ensure that each and every Tommy should have the right kind of welcome. The most satisfactory feature of the work was the gratitude of the soldiers. 99 The National Guard in the Great War They appreciated immensely the work of the members of the Guard, and many incidents, humorous and pathetic, are on record in this connection. " You've done a lot for me," said a Seaforth Highlander to one of our men. " You've given me food and you've given me cigarettes. Now I'm going to give you something." And he pulled out as a souvenir his handkerchief, almost the last thing the poor fellow had left to give. This desire to do something in return was characteristic of the soldier. The cases where the services of the Guard were regarded as a matter of course, as a very slight return for what the men in the trenches were doing for us at home, were few and far between. The soldier always wanted to give something. So he would offer his trophies of war, a German's helmet or some souvenir picked up on the battlefield, to our men, and was often quite hurt when the gift was good-naturedly declined, for we had to realise that these gifts were originally intended for the folks at home, and to see that the soldier, out of his kindness, did not part with them before he reached his destination. There were many cases of soldiers pressing money on our men for their services, while those who had no money to bestow offered a chew of tobacco, a cigarette or a regimental button. This intense sense of gratitude on the part of the soldiers for service, we on our part felt it a privilege to be able to perform, was one of the many revelations that this work brought home to us. A large number of members of the Regiment are still engaged daily in this work, and we can safely assert that none who have undertaken it have regretted it. Of this Station work it may safely be said that it will stand as the most enduring monument of the usefulness of the National Guard. If the Corps had undertaken no other duties, the station work alone would have justified its existence. SOME STATION STORIES DURING the war I was for some four years in the Station Company of the National Guard. As may be expected I experienced many curious adventures, both grave and gay, and my surprise can be imagined when not long ago I heard a man retailing one of my experiences as a good story, quite oblivious of the fact that the hero of the incident was sitting beside him. It immediately occurred to me that if my adventures were good enough to be " going the round," they might not be out of place in " The National Guard in the Great War." One evening while I was on duty at King's Cross, a sturdy little Highland soldier was passed on to me, with the order to see him right for Victoria. Per- haps I ought to mention that I am a Scot all the time, and when I was within hail 100 The National Guard in the Great War all the " Jocks " were passed on to me to deal with. A word or two of the ver- nacular, and my new acquaintance and I were " brothers " in no time. I asked him to what regiment he belonged, and the answer came in a fine rich brogue : — " The for-r-rty-second, sir." " What, the auld fechtin forth twa ? " " Aye, just that, sir, I see ye ken a' aboot it." " Well, Sandy lad, whaur are ye gaen when ye get to Victoria ? " " Weel ye see, I want to get back to Richmond to jine m'regiment." " The forty-second at Richmond ? " I enquired in amazement. " Aye, Richmond, Yorkshire, ye ken, here's m' ticket." The poor soul produced a railway warrant issued in Glasgow to Richmond, Yorkshire. " Good Lord, man, how on earth did you get here ? You are 250 miles out of your road." " Weel, ye see, I should 'a changed at , but I think I was asleep or I forgot." Needless to say we retraced our steps. Having had no food since he left Glasgow in the morning, he was hungr}- ; he was also penniless. " Ye see I've been on ho-o-o-lidays, and my bawbees is a' dune." He was handed over to the Y.M.C.A. who gave him a good square meal, put him into the 6.30 train, with strict instructions to the Guard to see him put out at . Possibly in time he reached his depot at Richmond, I'orks, and served his seven days' " C.B." for exceeding his leave. THERE is another little episode which occurred at St. Pancras, and let me here reiterate with pleasure the statement that I made to an officer of the " Liquor Control Board," who interviewed me on the subject, that the amount of drunkenness that one met with amongst the poor boys was really infinitesimal. The principal offenders in this respect were the " Jocks," and I really think that it was caused not by excess, but by taking a few " nips " on an empty " little Mary." However, to return to my story. A sailor man came up to me and enquired about certain trains. I gave him all the information I could. He thanked me warmly and suggested a practical form of gratitude by offering to stand me a drink. Li vain I protested that I had my job to do, and must not be seen drinking lOI The National Guard in the Great War while on duty. Refusal of his offer was impossible, and so, in order to pacify him, I accompanied him to the buffet. " I want a bottle of Bass, lady, for my friend, and one for myself." I gave the astute young lady behind the bar the " glad eye," or the " sad eye," or whatever you call it. She grasped the situation, and announced that they only sold tea and coffee, so Jack and I had a cup of tea together, and he was very hurt that I should pay the modest bill. It was then time for Jack to get his ticket, so I escorted him to the booking office. He then unburdened his pockets of bits of string, scraps of dirty paper, odd coppers and sixpenny pieces, but alas, when all the latter were collected and counted it was found that he was 6d. short of his fare, and the booking clerk was by this time losing patience. I made good the 6d., Jack got his ticket, and I saw him to his train, swearing eternal friendship, but of course I never saw him again. A NOTHER night at St. Pancras two hefty Colonial N.C.O.'s came up to me and enquired about trains for " A train going out in ten minutes. Hurry up, and you will catch it." No, that was no good to them as they would get to their destination about two or three in the morning. They thought of going to a theatre, catching a later train and getting in at a more convenient hour in the morning. I looked up their trains, gave them all the information, and assured them it was too late for any of the theatres, but recommended them to try the Empire. " How would they get to the Empire ? " " Well, you are two prosperous looking chaps, a taxi will take you there for a bob apiece." " Now," said the spokesman, " you have been very kind and nice to us, and I want to make you a little present." I vainly assured him that I dared not take a tip, as it was against the rules ! " If you don't take this I shall feel very hurt." With this he slipped a shilling into my hand, and left me looking very sheepish and guilty. INCIDENTALLY I may here remark that in my spare time I am a Broker on the London Stock Exchange, and was scarcely out for " tips," but I still have that shilling among my war curios. One evening a colleague on duty with me came to ask me to use my per- suasive powers with an awkward Tommy that he could make nothing of. I approached him and tried my hand. He was penniless and had had no food since the morning he assured me. I tried to coax him to the Y.M.C.A. hut, but he 102 The National Guard in the Great War stoutly declined anything savouring of charity, and my assurance that the N.G. had funds for meeting cases such as his would not move him, so as a last resource I offered to lend him half a sovereign. " Oh ! that's another matter," he said readily, as he dived into his kit bag and produced a note-book and pencil, in which he carefully recorded my name and address. ON another occasion a nice, well-spoken, and evidenth- educated man came to me and enquired about the Bedford trains. I gave him the required information ; he then asked about trains to Colchester, I think. " But," I said, " if you are going to Bedford, what do vou want with Col- chester trains ? " After some hesitation he confided to me that he was not due at Bedford till some time the following day. He would dash down to see his people in Col- chester, and get back in good time to " fall in " at Bedford. Unfortunately he had no money for his fare, so I invested 5s. here also, which he would send me directly he got home, carefully recording my name and address for that purpose. That was bad investment ! On the other hand, it is, however, only fair to say that all the Tommies were not so slack in their financial morality, for one evening a bov came up to me with a dirty slip of paper, and asked me if I knew the name thereon .? " Oh, yes, he is one of my comrades who sometimes works here with me." He then gave to me half a crown with the request that I would give it to my friend, who had kindly lent him that sum as he passed through some days before. I could give many more accounts of little adventures with the boys as indicat- ing the sort of work that one of the " Old Brigade " carried on for four years, too old for the fighting line, but too proud to be idle in the Great War. As one of them very forcibly put it to his comrade who was going on leave :— " When you get to Blight}-, Bill, look out for them old blokes with the red bands on their arms — they're no bally good for soldiers, but they'll treat you like a mother ! " " One of the Old Brigade." The Historv of the Station Company is given on pages 246-272. 10; ^-^mm: i ( . VciDjyk. Lid. COMPANY COMMANDER ERNEST NICKS In Command of the MacJiinc Gun School 0/ Instruction The Japanese Government has bestowed on Mr. Nicks a high class in the Order o( the Rising Sun tor Special War Services, IX. MACHINE GUNNERY Group B (National Guard), City of London Volunteer Regiment Machine Gun School of Instruction (subsequently developed as The London District Volunteer Machine Gun School of Instruction and Volunteer Machine Gun Training Centre). The Pioneer of Volunteer Machine Gunnery. THE National Guard was originally embodied for service, if required, as Home Defence Infantry only, and having regard to the average age of the men in the Regiment, this was seemingly the proper view to take. The great War had not been long in progress, however, before the insistent claims of the Machine Gun to a prominent place in the scheme of National Defence forced the Grand Committee of the National Guard to consider what measures could be taken to make the Force for which they legislated a more effective body. Had Machine Gun training been taken up in this country as seriously as the needs of the Empire demanded, many of the earlier difficulties of the war might not have been experienced, and a number of gallant lives might have been saved. The enormous advantage possessed by the Central Powers, in the initial stages of the fighting, in the number of machine guns and kindred weapons, brought the question to a head. A Prussian officer once declared that the French Revolution would never have been possible if the Government of Louis XVI. had had a single machine gun. The machine gun was, at last, given its proper place as a leading weapon, and a great school of instruction was founded at Grantham ; which served as the Mecca of the picked men who w^ere to redeem the situation, and other schools — subordinate to this school — sprung up all over the country. But the City of London had already taken practical steps in the matter through its National Guard, and had once more shown a lead in public duty. 105 The National Guard in the Great War The primary difficulty as to the supply of the necessary weapons, botli for instructional purposes and also for use in the field, should the emergency arise, was happily solved by the intervention of Company-Commander Ernest Nicks, who through the generous assistance of his friend, Commander Sir A. Trevor Dawson, Bart., R.N. (the Managing Director of the great firm of Vickers, Ltd.), was able to equip the school with a number of excellent Vickers guns, of compara- tivelv recent tvpe, together with all the requisite spare parts and appliances. More- The Group Machine Gun School of Instruction [MiUi&Kayc over, this equipment was constantly kept up to date by Messrs. Vickers, in order that the school should be ready for all emergencies at a moment's notice. The problem as to the supply of Lewis guns was not so easy of solution, but the Royal Navy, at the instance of Commandant Nicks, came to the rescue, and one of the very latest types of the gun, with a complete equipment both for land and air services, was forthcoming. THE possession of this weapon whetted the appetites of the Commandant and his Staff for more, especially as the number of pupils requiring instruction on the gun on some evenings was as high as 70. It happened that Colonel Lewis (the inventor of the gun) was in London at the time, and the Commandant, 106 The National Guard in the Great War accompanied by his Lewis gun expert (Staff-Sergeant H. V. Buttfield), inter- viewed the Colonel at his offices, and met with a most sympathetic reception. The addition of more Lewis guns, and all necessary accessories, to the establishment of the school, w-as the result. Later on, Hotchkiss -303 automatic guns were obtained on loan, for the purpose of carrying out the instruction of such men as had been designated by the authorities for certain general duties in the scheme of defence, but the main energies of the school were naturally devoted to the perfection of the instruction of officers and men in the care, handling, and tactics of the weapons more generally in use in the active navy and army. The headquarters of the school are familiar to very many, but for the informa- tion of those who had not the opportunity of attending them as pupils or of other- wise inspecting them, a few particulars may be of interest. The school occupied large premises in the basement of Revenue House, Cheapside, E.C., which were peculiarly suited to the purpose of training, as in addition to the ample space for lectures and drill exercises there was excellent accommodation for repair work, aiming practice, the erection of dummy emplacements, and for the necessary clerical duties which kept the honorary secretary of the school busy daily. The school was, moreover, provided with excellent accommodation in all other neces- sary respects, and had the advantage of two entrances, one in Cheapside and the other, which was more generally used, in Bucklersbury. It was owing to the liberality of Mr. Albert E. Legh Slazenger, a member of the City Corporation, that these splendid premises were placed, rent free, at the service of the school. THE course of instruction, which had the approval of the Military xA.uthorities, was carried out strictly on Army lines, and as close touch was kept with the various bodies responsible for machine gun training, it was possible to turn out competent gunners, fit to take their places with the campaigning forces with- out further detailed instruction. That this was so was proved by the fact that one of the pupils of the school who was sent to France soon after passing out, obtained the Military Medal for meritorious machine gun work against the enemy. The course was a most comprehensive one, and consisted of elementary, intermediate, and advanced classes, and from the time a pupil joined the school until the hour of his passing out, he had the advantage of being able to handle his gun, and of seeing for himself the most practical way in which to avoid mis- takes. Special attention was given to immediate remedies for " stops," as in action the slightest delay or bungling would probably mean the loss of the gun and its crew, and no pupil was certificated who could not pass a severe test in this 107 The National Guard in the Great War important detail of his work. Minor repairs (including belt-repairing) and replacements were also taught by the Armourer-Sergeant, who, as the head of a big engineering firm, was able to place expert knowledge at the service of his classes. So soon as the pupils were able to satisfy their instructors that they thoroughly understood the possibilities of their weapons, and had mastered all the details of care and maintenance, they were passed on for instruction in theory and for Machine Gunners at Practice in Temple Gardens [.l/i/{S & Kayc aiming and other drills, prior to attendance at the ranges for practice in actual firing and manoeuvring. The theoretical course embraced all the necessary subjects, as dealt with in the several published handbooks, and this course was supplemented by lectures, diagrams, blackboard demonstrations, etc. These lectures were given at regular intervals by the Commandant of the School, as well as by experts from the Grantham Machine Gun School, by a Brigade Machine Gun Officer of the Canadian Expeditionary Forces (Major T. H. Raddall) on leave from France, etc., and useful instruction, gained by actual war experience, was thus imparted. io8 The National Guard in the Great War BY the courtesy of the Right Honourable Lord Justice Swinfen Eady, the gardens of the Temple were placed at the disposal of the school for the purposes of out-door instruction, and excellent practices in field work, attack and defence, " immediate action " under fire, etc., were carried out there. As far as possible the details of actual fighting were rehearsed from time to time, with a view to producing that steadiness so essential in a machine gunner. The experience thus gained was most valuable for the considerable body of " Derby " recruits who were shortly due for service with the Colours and who, almost to a man, were accepted bv the army as trained machine gunners. A battalion of the Royal Fusiliers, and one of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, were actually supplied with the men necessary for their machine gun establishments by the school, which was thus enabled to make a substantial contribution to immediate war requirements. The actual range-firing took place at Pirbright, where ranges were placed at the disposal of the Instructional Staff whenever required, and the correctness of the instruction was proved by the general excellence of the shooting on all occa- sions. Matches were fired at every possible opportunity, and to add interest to the work, " combined shoots " (i.e. an aggregate of scores made with the Vickers gun, Lewis gun, and the rifle) were arranged, in which Acting Sergeant-Major H. D. Ebbutt, Staff-Sergeants H. V. Buttfield and G. W. Cromwell played a prominent part. The Certificate of Proficiency (a copy of which is reproduced on page 112) granted to those who satisfied the exhaustive test imposed, is much valued, and is held by representatives of many units, as evidenced by the lists which were published monthly in the National Guard Magazine. Among the units whose representatives were successful in reaching the requisite standard (apart from the three battalions of the National Guard Group) were : — Tlie " Derby " recruits intended for Machine 3rd Battalion County of London \'ol. Regt. Gun Units in France, or elsewhere. (Old Boys). The Machine Gun Corps. 7th Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. Motor Machine Gun Corps. (Hampstead). The Grenadier Guards. loth Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. Royal Navy. loth Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. Royal Naval Air Service. (Lambeth). Royal Flying Corps. i/iith Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. Roj'al Tank Corps. (Southwark). Royal Susse.x Regiment (Territorial). 2/1 2th BattaHon County of London Vol. Regt. King's Liverpool Regiment. r4th Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. 1st Battalion City of London Vol. Regt. (Wandsworth). 2/ist Battalion City of London Vol. Regt. i/igth Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. 2nd Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. 2/i9th Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. (Inns of Court). (Paddington). 109 The National Guard in the Great War 2oth Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. Charterhouse School Contingent, Officers' Train- ( Hammersmith). ing Corps. 2ist Battalion County of London Vol. Regt. King's School, Canterbury Contingent, Officers' 1st Battalion County of Surrey Vol. Regt. Training Corps. 2nd Battalion County of Surrey Vol. Regt. King's College, Taunton Contingent. Officers' 9/1 ith Battalion County of Surrey Vol. Regt. Training Corps. I2th Battalion County of Surrey Vol. Regt. ^^^ g'^'^'^^) Battalion (The Queen's) London 2nd Battalion Essex Vol. Regt. ,, ,^"^',"1';'^!^ ,, ,. ^ , , . ^ t^ . 1 o ^i r ti ij- 11- 1? 1 TD ^ loth (Cadet) Battalion County of London Regt. 3rd Battalion Hertfordshire Vol. Kegt. ^ t. ir ^ t\ d 4.* r t-- • o 1 -na n A-o ^^ r r ^ f T' ^ w 1 D ^ ^^* Cadet) Battalion Kings Royal Rifle Corps 2nd Battalion County of Kent Vol. Regt. (Chelmsford) 4th Battalion County of Kent Vol. Regt. jst (Cadet) Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps City of London School Contingent, Officers' (Forest Gate). Training Corps. 23rd Cadet Battalion London Regiment. Westminster School O.T.C. Croydon High School Cadet Corps (4th Battalion Whitgift Grammar School Contingent, Officers' Queen's Royal West Surrey Regt.). Training Corps. I^ondon Scottish Cadets. St. Paul's School Contingent, Officers' Training Honourable Artillery Company (ist Cadet Bat- Corps, talion), etc., etc. It may be added that many of the officers of the National Guard, including Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett, V.D., D.L., Lieutenant-Colonel Sheldon-Hepworth, V.D., Captain I. Watt, and Captain W. J. Gough, as well as a large number of N.C.O.'s and men, attended the classes also. The school has been regularly inspected by officers sent from the Guards machine gun training centre at Epsom and from the Horse Guards' Headquarters, as well as from Grantham, always with most satisfactory results, the commanding officer of the first-named establishment going so far as to express the opinion that the school was more completely equipped than his own. This is surely a tribute to the triumph of voluntary effort. COLONEL R. K. RIDGWAY, V.C, C.B., a very keen follower of the work of the National Guard, also made a point of reviewing the school establish- ment when it was present at the annual inspection of the 5th Battalion in Hyde Park in 1916, and he was surprised to find that the volunteer forces possessed such a complete equipment for war. He specially called the attention of the inspecting officer (Major-General Sir Alfred Turner, K.C.B.) to the fact, and that distin- guished officer warmly endorsed the complimentary remarks made by him. On October 18, 1916, the Lord Mayor (Colonel Sir Charles Cheers Wakefield, Bart.) paid a visit to the school's headquarters, and in his capacity as County Commandant, as well as Lord Mayor of London, made a careful inspection of the organisation, at the same time witnessing the various classes, some fifteen in number, at work. Kx the end of his visit he addressed the officers, staff-sergeants, and pupils and told them how much he appreciated the valuable work which was no The National Guard in the Great War being carried out, and bade them pursue this work with all possible energy, in view of its great importance to the State. FROM a purely military point of view, however, the inspections, thrice by Lieutenant-General Sir Francis Lloyd, K.C.B., etc., and once by Field- Marshal the Right Honourable Lord French, rank as the most important in the annals of the school. On each occasion these distinguished officers were accompanied bv the entire Headquarters Staff, and it is a source of pride to the school, as a whole, that they were able to undergo the searching scrutiny of the highest military authorities in the land and to draw from them expressions of praise, not only as regards the method of instruction but in respect of the completeness of the equipment also. Lord French went from class to class, and questioned both the pupils and the instructors, and found ready answers forthcoming, without exception. His lordship had only recently returned from France, and was naturally very keen on a subject which must have been ever present in his thoughts during the period when he directed our fortunes in the field. He was good enough to express himself as more than satisfied with what he had seen at the school, and begged the Staff to pursue its labours with unceasing vigour. As before stated, Lieut. - General Sir Francis Lloyd, K.C.B., etc., then General Officer Commanding the London District, made no less than three inspections of the School, and on one occasion in particular delivered a long address on the vital importance of machine gun training in the critical times through which the country was passing, and he expressed the opinion that the school was carrying out a valuable national work. His remarks had particular force, as a large number of the students were then on the point of passing out for service with the Colours. IN addition to work for the Services generally, the school undertook the training of a large part of the force employed on anti-aircraft duties in connection with the scheme for the defence of London, and the officers and men trained were actually so employed as soon as qualified, the school's Certificate of Proficiency being officially recognised by the Horse Guards authorities for that purpose. To gain this certificate it was necessary, over and above the practical course, for each student to complete a paper occupying a minimum time of four hours, and embracing all the essentials pertaining to the profession of machine gunnery, and unless he could reach a standard of 67 per cent, he was put back for further instruction. A student was always persevered with, and wherever there was the least likelihood of eventual improvement, he was kept at the school. If, III The National Guard in the Great War after passing through the hands of several instructors, he still showed no signs of greater efficiency, he was gently informed of the fact, and disappeared into the ranks of the less exacting arm. It is pleasant to record, however, that not many such cases arose, and as a matter of fact the majority of the students reached a percentage of well over 80, quite a large number, including some National Guardsmen, obtaining the maximum percentage of 100, both in theory and practice. As regards other units attending the school, special mention must be made of the " Inns of Court," " Old Boys," and the large contingent of the Officers' Training Corps, notably the Whitgift Grammar School, City of London School, etc. THE activities of the Instructional Staff were not confined to the work at Bucklersbury, for instructors, from the Commandant downwards, attended wherever their services were applied for, and in this connection the series of visits to the Kentish Coast for the purpose of training the Kent Fencibles (4th Volunteer No. Volunteer Machine Gun School of Instruction london district UNDER THE AUSPICES OF GROUP B, CITY OF LONDON VOLUNTEER REGIMENT (national guard) Certificate- €!))$ )$ to Ccrtifp that completed a course of instruction, and subsequently successfully passed an examination at the above School on the day of 19, in the (1) -303" Class "C" VICKERS LIGHT AUTOMATIC MACHINE GUN. (2) -303 LEWIS AUTOMATIC GUN. (3) -303 HOTCHKISS AUTOMATIC GUN. He is considered to be thoroughly acquainted with the care and handling of the above-mentioned GUNS, and to be fully qualified to work the same. Adjutant, Group B. Commandant of the School and Machine Gun Officer, Group B Commandant , Group B. 36, Bucklersbury, London, E.G. 4. 112 The National Guard in the Great War Battalion of the Kent Regiment) in coast defence duties is worthy of mention. A number of officers, non-commissioned officers and men were duly instructed and as soon as certificated were taken over for important machine gun duties on this vital part of our coast line. The viva voce examination, as in London, was carried out by the Commandant of the School himself. This Kent unit did remarkably well, nearly half of its members gaining the maximum percentage of marks in both sections of their examination, and in addition thev proved them- selves excellent shots. Owing to the completeness of its organisation, the school was capable of expansion for other than instructional duties, and with the aid of a number of selected pupils, could always be relied upon to furnish a useful bodv of machine gunners. Contingents were frequently furnished for the route marches of the National Guard and for the great recruiting march through the Citv, and for the Sunday exercises on Hampstead Heath, and other rendezvous of the keener soldiers, where a useful series of tactical exercises was carried out. In the list of ceremonial functions attended by the school and its pupils, prominence must be given to the Lord ^Mayor's procession of the 9th November, 1916, whv^n a quota of three officers and twenty-four non-commissioned officers and men was furnished. The procession in question was almost entirely a militarv and naval one, and this was the only machine-gun detachment present. Had the ichool not come to the rescue, the procession would have been incomplete in one of the most essential details, having regard to the particular significance of machine-gunnery in the war. The notice appearing in The Times on the next dav referred to the detachment as follows : — " One of the most pleasing innovations was the Volunteer detachment with Lewis and Vickers guns. They looked smart and workmanlike." ENOUGH has been written about the school to enable the readers of this article to form a good idea of what it was fortunatelv enabled to accom- plish at a time when the very life of this country was at stake, but the following brief summary will add the necessary emphasis : — The organisation had no official assistance whatever beyond the loan of a Lewis gun from the Roval Navv, and the running expenses for a period of nearly five years were borne b\- the Commandant himself, assisted by a few friends. The Vickers and Lewis guns used for instructional and firing purposes were (with the exception of the naval Lewis gun before alluded to) furnished by those good friends of the school, Commander Sir A. Trevor Dawson, Bart., R.N., and Colonel Lewis. These gentlemen also kept the stock of spare parts and general mainten- I 113 The National Guard in the Great War ance stores up to the required establishment, free of any charge whatsoever. The school was open practically every day, including Sundays, especially during the earlier and more critical days of the war, and machine gunners were able to attend for instruction at any hour by previous arrangement. Over 3,000 officers, non-commissioned officers, men, and cadets attended for instruction. No charge in any form was made for the instruction given. So far as is known, the school was the only one of its kind in the Empire, existing as a purely Volunteer establishment, and its foundation enabled the City of London to lead the way in the fulfilment of national requirements. Officers of other Volunteer units who were designated for posts as machine- gun officers of their battalions attended in considerable numbers for the necessary instruction before taking up their duties. Not onlv Volunteers but many Territorials and Regulars, including Guards- men, received instruction. IT will naturally be asked who were the men who made the school so successful, and enabled it to carry through such a great amount of work without a moment's interruption, and the answer will be found in the following appreciation of those stalwarts of the National Guard. The Sergeant-Major of the School. — It has often been declared that the efficiency of a battalion depends upon whether it possesses the right type of man for its sergeant-major, and there is much truth in this. The colonel and his adjutant, as well as the battalion officers generally, look to him to keep them within the four corners of the King's Regulations, and regard him as their sheet anchor in all things great and small connected with their charge. Sergeant-Major Charles P. Hayllar has been all this, and if possible more, throughout his service with the school. In addition to having much organising power, he has an unlimited fund of patience, a thorough knowledge of the difficult problems incidental to the subjects taught at the school, has given unsparingly of his time, and has, by his soldierly example, inspired 114 Sergt. -Major C. P. Hayllar The National Guard in the Great War Staff-Sergeant H. V. Buttfield others. He would have been a model machine-gun officer on active service, as his coolness, readiness, and resourcefulness were ever in evidence. He has carried out the duties of principal assistant to the Commandant of the school since Major Arthur J. Davis left to join the Royal Defence Corps. He is, moreover, an ex- cellent shot. Staff-Sergeant Instructor H.D. Ebbutt, who, in addition to his regular duties, has acted for a considerable period as acting Sergeant-Major, has done yeoman service for the school, and what has been written of Sergeant-Major Hayllar applies with equal force to him. It is impossible to over-rate the value of his work, and his popularity, which is only equalled by his modestv, his skill in all the departments of machine gunnery and his fine shooting, is undoubted. The proverbial patience of Job seems a poor thing when compared with the patience of Staff-Sergeant Ebbutt, and this patience, combined with kindlv help at the right time, has encouraged manv a faltering pupil to persevere and win through in his work. He gave of his best and his work will not soon be forgotten. Staff-Sergeant H. V. Buttfield was the Lewis gun specialist of the School, and his knowledge of this particular gun was so profound that he was looked upon, and very rightly so, as having achieved a pro- fessional status in all matters relating to this gun. A good lecturer, and a keen ob- server, he brought to his work that thorough- ness which characterised his methods in the Station Company of the National Guard. He apparently possesses the secret of working throughout the twenty-four hours of the day and yet getting some time for sleep. "5 Staff-Sergeant S. T. Clark The National Guard in the Great War Staff-Sergeant P. Arthur was another pillar of the school. Quiet, resource- ful, patient, and a very hard worker, he gave his pupils the benefit of ripe experi- ence, and has been called upon by the Commandant on many occasions to specially coach backward cases, with almost unfailing success. The same may be said of Staff-Sergeant S. T. Clark, who faithfully supported his comrades on every possible occasion and proved himself one of the " handy men " of the school. Whether it was to take an emergency class at a moment's notice, or paint a gun-carriage, he was never found wanting. Staff-Sergeant G. W. Cromwell has earned fame in man\' respects. He is as fine a rifle shot as a machine gunner, and that is praise indeed. The school owed much to him in many ways, for in addition to giving the whole of his time he was the inventor of several very practical models which enabled his pupils to grasp more readily the intricacies of their studies. He lectured with skill and patience, and brought his classes to a high state of efficiency. Staff-Sergeant William C. Reynolds also deserves the gratitude of all concerned for the valuable and continuous services he rendered. He specialised more particularly on the Vickers gun, and in addition was in charge of the Signal- ling department. He was tireless in his methods and made his classes work with a will. As a signalling instructor he achieved much success. The school had a very valuable asset also in its Armourer-Sergeant, Staff- Sergeant R. P. Wailes. An expert in all branches of engineering and the head of an important engineering firm, he devoted much time to perfecting the students in the particular branch of the work for which he was responsible. Whether it was the repair of an ammunition belt, the making of a spare part for a gun, or the invention of an improved pattern of gun tripod, he was ever to the fore, and his numerous pupils have good reason for gratitude. Patient, persevering, and thoughtful, he treated all who came in contact with him with that old time courtesv which our forefathers delighted in, and which, alas ! is rare in these strenuous times. Staff-Sergeant W. G. Jeremy was the able Honorary Secretary of the school. His clerical duties, consisting as they did of drill and attendance records, records of entries and discharges, compilation of many periodical returns for Head- quarters and for the War Office, made continuous demands on his time, but he was ever ready to take a class on either the Vickers or Lewis guns, if required, and many pupils have passed through his hands. He is an excellent artist, and it is a matter of difficulty to decide whether his caricature work, or his serious drawing, is the better. He has been most helpful in a difficult department of the school's work. ii6 The National Guard in the Great War StafF-Sergeant Brougham Young did much good instructional work, more particularly in the earlier days, and was an authority on the Vickers gun. He was beloved of the Cadets, who were at one time specially allotted to his charge. His duties with the Special Constabulary, however, made many calls on his time latterly, but he could not be in two places at the same time, although his spirit was willing. Staff-Corporals Reginald Gedye and A. L. D. McIntosh, and Acting Staff-Corporal W. R. Lambert, formed a useful reserve, which was frequently drawn upon, and the first-named, who has passed all the prescribed examinations in Signalling, was second instructor in that branch of the School's curriculum. Much valuable assistance was given in all departments of the instructional work by the following old pupils, who took their turn on the roster as required : — Lieutenant the Honourable Stuart A. S. Montagu, Grenadier Guards. Lieutenant F. Featherstone, loth Cadet Battalion, County of London V.R. Cadet the Honourable Ewen E. S. Montagu, Westminster School O.T.C. Acting Staff-Corporal Watson and Acting Staff-Corporal J. Norman, late " Derby " recruits. In the earlier days of the school, when so much depended on a good start, the Commandant had as his first lieutenant, Arthur J. Davis (now a Major in the Royal Defence Corps), and a very excellent supporter he proved himself to be. It was a matter of great disappointment when he was translated to another sphere of usefulness. Platoon-Commander A. E. Manning Foster, after a success- ful course of study and a most brilliant examination effort, succeeded him, but to the regret of all his colleagues found that his editorial and other duties pre- cluded him from continuing the work he had done so well. A w^ord of thanks must also be given that indefatigable worker, Sergeant Arthur Haes, of the 5th Battalion, who before he joined that Battalion did much excellent work as Senior Sergeant-Instructor from the start of the school's career. There only remains the Commandant, Commander Ernest Nicks, but, as the writer of this article, he must leave his record to the imagination of those interested. Suffice to state that he has been described b)- Lieutenant-General Sir Francis Lloyd as " a machine-gun expert," and by certain of the students who came before him for examination as " the machine gun," from the rapidity with which he hurled his questions at them. He personally undertook the final examination of every candidate for certification. All the Instructional Staff, from the Commandant downwards, passed through the various schools and workshops, and were duly certificated, and the Staff as a body were practical rifle shots as weU as machine gunners. 117 The National Guard in the Great War The foregoing account will, it is hoped, enable posterity to judge what this Volunteer school did in the great war, but in addition to creating a reserve force for Home Defence, it is estimated that looo of the pupils served against the Hun. It is difficult to foresee what the future has in store for us, and we as a nation will do well to sleep " with one eye open." The " League of Nations," or other artificial expedient for securing peace will never do away with the danger of a sudden outbreak. Let poets and other unpractical people, including politicians, prate of the blessings of peace, but whilst human nature is what it is, and there are no signs of any radical change, there is always danger. The machine gun has come to stay, if only for its extreme effectiveness in emergency, and for that reason the school is retaining certain guns and all its equipment, which is its own property, until it is seen what the " Powers that be " intend to do with the Volunteer Force. The school is probably the only armed Volunteer body in existence in the country at the present moment, for all other units have returned their arms and equipment into store.- E.N. ii8 X. THE CHAPLAINS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD SOON after the foundation of the Corps it was felt that with a view to Church Parades as well as the completion of the establishment a Chaplain or Chap- lains should be appointed. Amongst those who were suggested for appointment were the Rev. Chas. O. Becker and the Rev- H. G. Rosedale, D.D., F.S.A. At that time both of these gentlemen were closely associated, owing to the fact that Mr. Becker was Chaplain to the then Lord Mayor, and Dr. Rosedale to Mr. Sheriff de Lafontaine, and thus their associa- tions with the Guard was the immediate justification of their ap- pointment to the office of Chaplain. In those days the appointments were made by the then Lord Mayor as Colonel of the Regiment, and very naturally, as there could only be one Chaplain, Mr. Becker was ap- pointed to that position, whilst the Rev. Dr. Reverend O. Becker, .M.A. 119 The National Guard in the Great War Rosedale was chosen as Assistant Chaplain. A httle later the Rev. H. de Courcy Laffan was also nominated, but owing to a variety of circumstances he was never able to carry out any of the duties of his office, and both Mr. Becker and Dr. Rosedale have proved themselves interested in the work of the Corps. There were many in- teresting and memorable occasions when services were held both at Church and in Camp, and there can be little doubt that all who were present, whether at Brighton or elsewhere, will not readily forget those impressive days. The Rev. Chas. O. Becker was Vicar of St. Botolph's, A 1 d e r s g a t e Street, to which he was appointed in 1902, after having been Curate at St. James', Norlands, and St. Barnabas', Pimlico. He gained a reputation for scholarship and literary pursuits so much so that he was appointed librarian of Zion College. Dr. Rosedale at the time was Hon. Secretary of the London Association for the Blind and had formerly been Curate at S t o c k w e 1 1, Spitalfields, and Canning Town, Vicar of Middleton, Norfolk, and Reverend H. G. Rosedale, D.D. ["""■s^^^' for nearly sixteen years Vicar of an important parish in Bayswater, which he resigned in consequence of ill health. A fellow of the Royal Society of Litera- ture and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries, he was Chaplain to the 120 The National Guard in the Great War Worshipful Company of Horners and also to the Worshipful Company of Coach- makers, over both of which Companies he has since presided as Master. In the Masonic world he is a Past Grand Chaplain of England, and a member of the Board of General Purposes, and played an active part in the foundation of the National Guard Lodge and Chapter. When the National Guard was broken up into three battalions, Officers were no longer appointed by the Colonel in Command, but by the War Office, and the number of commissions was greatly reduced. As a result the Chaplains' Department was reduced to one, namely : Dr. Rosedale, who received a com- mission as Chaplain of the 5th Battalion, a position which he retained until the regiment was demobilised. 121 CAPTAIN L. RAVEN-HILL i''-^^«> Chiej Instructor oj Musketry XI. THE MUSKETRY STAFF IT was in the early days of 1915 when the Commandant (Colonel Cobbett) requested Mr. L. Raven Hill, the celebrated " Punch " artist, and Mr. Sydney G. Coram, who had both passed through the School of Musketry at Hythe as qualified instructors, to undertake the formation of a musketry staff and the instruction of the regiment. In furtherance of this purpose it was necessary to make a call for members of the Guard who, having served in the volunteer or regular forces, were possessed of a knowledge of musketry work, and offers of assistance were subsequently made by Messrs. F. B. Hannam, G. E. Richards, E. R. Russell, C. E. M. Russell, C. Wright, C. D. Fastnedge, C. A. Cooke, C. Rose, W. J. Hipkin, W. S. Livesey, J. G. N. Clift, H. Owen, A. Brittain, G. Palmer, L. Rosenfeld, J. Currie, S. J. Boreham, H. H. Oliver, C. Rickets, C. J. Husson, H. Clark, S. R. Freed, and L. R. Salmon. In these members both Mr. Raven Hill and Mr. Coram recognised men who had the capacity for teaching others the use of the rifle, as it need hardly be said that even the best marksmen are not always good instructors. It may be said in parentheses that within a comparatively short time the majority of this number of instructors either relin- quished their duties in order to join the Colours, accepted promotions, or were called away from London on other War labours, until eventually there was left a working staff of only seven members. After considerable difficulty classes in theory were begun at the Headquarters of the 7th London Regiment, 24, Sun Street, Finsbury Square, E.C., which were placed at the disposal of the National Guard. To a certain extent only the preliminaries — as the whole venture had of necessity to be regarded as mainly experimental — were gone through at this centre, and, subsequently, when through the kindness of Messrs. Coates, Son & Co., the Corps was provided with Head- quarters at 99, Gresham Street, E.C., the real work was begun in earnest. Opera- tions were actually started at Sun Street with a mere five rifles, three of which lacked part of their fittings, and the whole of them having been borrowed. The general routine in theory comprised a lecture of about fifty minutes' duration to classes consisting of some forty men, who were instructed orally in the various methods of handling a rifle. Groups of some six of these were then 123 The National Guard in the Great War individually taught the correct method of holding, loading, aiming, and firing. After this was carried through to the satisfaction of the StaflE, the men were dispatched to a miniature range, where, still under Staff observation, they were kept and trained until they had reached a certain standard of perfection. When this was attained the men were taken to an open-air range, still with miniature rifles, and here a further stage of efficiency was demanded of them. From this they proceeded either to the Westerham, Virginia Water, or Bisley Rifle Ranges, there using regulation ammunition, and thus their musketry education was further advanced. It is entirely commendable that the spirit shown by the members of the Corps was such that their greatest desire was to learn in a few days an art that took regular soldiers many months to acquire. So far as the Staff was concerned, it was felt at the beginning that they had always to bear in mind the fact that most of the members were over military age, as well as the possi- ble employment in the extreme need to which they could be put. The only rifles obtainable then were single loaders. No musketry course having been laid down for the weapon, it was therefore necessary to adopt onl)' a very modified course, with the object of obtaining the largest number of men who could maintain a reasonably ac- curate fire at close ranges, instead of trying to make a few expert rifle shots (/.^., shooting teams). All this naturall)- entailed heavy work on a staff insufficientK- equipped with the material essential for such a purpose, and when it is remarked that during the whole period under review these staff members were also losing numbers of their own office complements and were thus compelled to shoulder additional business details themselves, it is pleasing to add a further tribute to the courage and undaunted determination which continually inspired their efforts. Five days a week it meant for all of them, since their immediate aim was to get the greatest number of men fit eno.igh, in the shortest possible space of time, to man the trenches which were then being dug around the Metropolis. It follows that most of their attention had, therefore, to be directed to the man who could not 124 I I'OU-IVlH} S/Ul: Co. -Commander Sydney G. Coram The National Guard in the Great War shoot at all, and this was inevitably to the detriment of the member who was already a marksman. There was no question, however, as to the thorough sound- ness of their principle, as the record of results accomplished afterwards testified. It is of additional interest to record the fact that, notwithstanding their ordinary routine training work — the extent of which may be gathered from the fact that more than 2,500 men were given instruction during the first twelve months — some 2,000 " Derby " recruits were put through the course of training, and, later on, nearly 1,000 " exempted " men were handled by the Staff. In this connection special mention must be made of the indefatigable labours of Messrs. F. B. Hannam, J. G. N. Clift, S. J. Boreham, H. H. Oliver, A. Brittain, W. J. Hipkin, W. S. Livesey, C. J. Husson, G. E. Richards, C. Rose, C. A. Cooke, L. Rosenfeld, C. D. Fastnedge, and J. Currie. THE first firing on an open range with -303 (service) ammunition was made at Easter, 1915, when some 310 men fired 5 rounds deliberate and 5 rounds rapid at Rottingdean Rifle Range, the highest possible score being 40. Only 141 men failed to record a score of 20. When it is remembered that this firing took place under the most adverse climatic conditions — wind and heavy rain in fact rendering shooting impossible after 2.30 p.m. on the last day — it will serve to show the high state of efficiency which was reached even in the early days. During April of the same year practice was also carried out at Chelmsford Rifle Range, when 86 men fired a deliberate and rapid course, with most useful results ; whilst at Whitsuntide further shooting was indulged in at Saltdean, on the Rottingdean Rifle Range, when some 520 men fired under most favourable weather conditions, and the results, generally speaking, proved of an excellent character. The open air miniature rifle range at Teddington — kindly lent by Mr. J. G. N. Clift — was opened for the practice of a special course from May i to August, 191 5, and during this period about 1,900 men fired, also with most satisfactory results in the preparation for the Universal Musketry Course, Part I. In May, 1915, Mr. R. Fane de Salis — who was a private member of "A" Company, 4th Battalion — very kindly ofifered the use of his estate at Portnall Park, Virginia Water, for the construction of a service range. Having invited Mr. Raven Hill and Mr. Coram to inspect the ground, and permission being ultimately obtained f'-om the War Office to construct the range, the work was undertaken and successfully carried out — under the personal direction of Mr. J. G. N. Clift, who, assisted by Mr. H. H. Oliver, laid down the plans— by a succession of working parties supplied by " A " Company of the 4th BattaHon, the Scottish Company, and volunteers from other companies, in addition to 125 The National Guard in the Great War members of the Musketry Staff itself, who went down week by week and applied themselves to the arduous manual labour of digging the butts. This range will always remain as a monument to the memory of those men who were responsible for its construction, and appreciative record may here be made of the outstanding work which was done in this connection by certain members of the Scottish Company. The range was officially opened on Satur- day, September 25, 1915, by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor (Colonel Sir Charles Johnston, Bart.), who inspected the working arrangements and methods of The Musketry Staff staff-Sergeants G. E. Richards, A. Brittain, H. Owen, F. B. Hannam, C. O. Fastnedge, W. S. Livesey, & L. Rosenfeld. Staff-Sergeant R. F. de Salis, Co.- Commander S. G. Coram, Captain L. Raven Hill, Platoon Commander H. H. Oliver, Staff-Sergt.-Major S. J. Boreham. marking in the company of General Sir Edward Hutton, and expressed his great appreciation not only of the generosity and patriotic zeal which Mr. de Salis had shown in presenting the use of his beautiful park, but also of the service which the range would afford the members of the Corps. He also added a high tribute of praise to the enthusiasm of the Musketry Staff, and not least to Mr. Coram, to whose efforts again were due the affiliation of the Corps to the National Rifle Association, with its particular advantage of reduced railway fares to the various ranges. 126 The National Guard in the Great War During the period from September to October, 1915, the service ranges at Westerham, Bisley, and Pirbright were used by no less than 1,453 members of the two battalions, who fired Part I. of the Universal Musketry Course with •303 ammunition and Martini-Enfield rifles. The figures for these first three months show that the number of men who fired at Virginia Water was 725, at Westerham 345, at Bisley 321, and at Pirbright 62, making the total of 1,453 referred to. The whole of the staff clerical work in arranging the use of War Oflice ranges and the Portnall Park range, the purchase of ammunition, etc., was carried out by Mr. Coram, who was ably assisted by Messrs. Oliver, Boreham, Hipkin, Clift, and de Salis. It is not possible in the space at disposal to give all the details of figures, but, roughly speaking, it may be said that some 5,000 men passed through the hands of the Musketrv Staff, whilst upwards of 300,000 rounds of ammunition were expended ; and, in passing, it should be mentioned that this ammunition was only purchased through firms who were allowed to supply only that which had been rejected bv the army authorities. The Musketry Staff carried out numerous tests with rifles which were offered for sale, and took infinite pains in testing and sighting rifles which had been purchased privately by members of the Corps. Moreover, it undertook the responsibility of arranging the conditions, and carried out the whole of the details under which the " National Guard Magazine " Chal- lenge Cup Competitions were fired at Pirbright Ranges on September 21, 1916, and September 9, 1917. In conclusion, it is not without interest to add that the !Musketry Staff received very valuable assistance from a number of members of the Corps, and whilst it is obviously impossible to mention every one, reference may perhaps be made to the following officers, N.C.O.'s, and men who showed their appreciation of the musketry instruction by contributing voluntary assistance on every possible occasion, namely : the Regimental Adjutant, Captain J. Burder Dunning, Captains A. Bain Irvine and I. Watt, Lieutenants F. J. Robinson, W. Nicholson, S. R. Freed, L. H. Salmon, A. J. Wall, H. E. Bouch, J. Roebuck, J. Reed, Lieutenant and Quartermaster W. L. Bayley, Quartermaster -Sergeant J. Weir, Sergeant-Majors C. F. Lankester, and H. C. Lynn, Sergeants J. W. Dann, A. E. Cocquerell, H. 0. Shave, and H. S. Morrison, and Privates A. P. Trotter, C. L. Parker, H. J. Parker, and A. C. Holland. 127 XII. THE MEDICAL STAFF AND THE AMBULANCE SECTION IT may safely be said that on the formation of the National Guard no one had any idea of the excellent work that would be performed bv the Guard as a whole, far less the special services rendered by the Ambulance Section, everv regular member of which has shown keen enthusiasm, and has the satisfaction of knowing he has done something useful to help in the Great War. Some mem- bers have taken part in almost every enterprise of the Guard in addition to per- forming useful duties in his particular department. The Guard is to be congratulated upon having had so capable a Principal Medical Officer in Dr. A. Reginald Poulter, to whose personality is due the organisation of so representative a Medical Staff as he had to assist him in Drs. P. Pope, C. E. Woakes, Wm. Hammond, Hugh Webb, J. F. Paul, Kempster, R. W. Felkin, A. G. Giles, J. R. T. Connor, Reginald Pollard, A. Darlow, and the late A. Steeves, unequalled in any Volunteer Regiment in the country. Their skilled advice, when on duty, was gladly given to all members of the Guard, and the time, which busy medical men can ill spare, they devoted to solely regimental duties at the various camps, Brighton, Ongar, Blake Hall, and Tadworth, inde- pendent of attending the lectures, drills, and the air raid duties at St. Bartholo- mew's Hospital, was not inconsiderable. Dr. Poulter, by his energy and foresight, equipped the section with every appliance for rendering first aid in the Field, and no ambulance ever had a better outfit ready for everv emergency. He was ever making plans for perfecting the ambulance, and to him is due the credit for the series of useful works his men were able to perform. He was ever offering fresh suggestions for making the ambulance more efficient, and when one sphere of usefulness came to an end, he was ready with a fresh scheme for utilising the section. Although he left the actual duties of instructing the section in stretcher drill, wagon loading, and field exercises in the hands of first Dr. Pope and later on Dr. Webb, he often turned up unexpectedly and offered friendly criticism with a view to perfecting the smartness of the squads. 128 The National Guard in the Great War To Dr. Poulter and those acting with him are due the satisfactory sanitary arrangements made at the Ongar and Blake Hall camps, and I believe it is correct to sa^- no case of illness was ever traced to any defects of sanitation, which is a splendid record when the long periods the Guard was in occupation are taken into consideration. Drs. Pope and Hammond, by lectures and demonstrations, taught the men thoroughlv the duties of Red Cross Volunteers and imparted knowledge to all who were privileged to attend them, which will help them to render first aid assistance either in war or peace time. Dr. Pope devoted his time, in addition to the several courses of First Aid lectures he gave, to thoroughly training the men in stretcher drill, thereby laying the foundation of the excellent proficiency of the ambulance in this department. When he resigned, owing to his acceptance of a Surgeon-Captaincy in the Terri- torial Cadets Training Corps, Dr. Webb, who was always most assiduous in performing his duties, was appointed in his place. Dr. Webb remained after all the other doctors were obliged to resign. The Government passed a Bill through Parliament which rendered all doctors liable for military service of fiftv-five rears and under, so they could not accept a commission in a Volunteer Regiment. Dr. Webb was gazetted a Captain in the 5th Battalion, so in addition to taking charge of the Ambulance he acted as Medical Officer to that Battalion. Towards the end of the war he resigned his commission (or was transferred) so he could take charge of a section of the recently-formed R.A.M.C.V. at the R.A.M.C. Headquarters at Chelsea. A number of men, although they never severed their connection with the Guard, joined him and were officially attested Royal Army Medical Corps Volunteers. TO be a member of an ambulance with such a staff of prominent medical officers was indeed a privilege, which perhaps some did not recognise at the time as they do now. Every man felt the section was officered by medical men of exceptional skill, and if he wanted advice, he had a true friend, who took a personal interest in him, in Dr. Poulter and those associated with him. ^\^lich- ever doctor happened to be on duty a member was sure of his assistance in helping him on anv knotty point in any lecture he had heard or in his study of the R.A.]\I.C. Manual, with which book each member was expected to be quite familiar. Nearly every doctor at some time or another during rests between duties would give an impromptu lecture, probably with a demonstration to those present. To join the ambulance entailed a great amount of self-sacrifice, and although inducements were often held out to recruits, that the ambulance offered light K 129 The National Guard in the Great War duties, and an easy way of joining the Volunteers, it proved anything but so. On joining the ambulance a man was expected to do squad drill with the Guard recruits at Sun Street till proficient. In addition there was the weekly stretcher drill with the section. The parades with the Battalions took up Saturday after- noons. Then he had to attend the first-aid lectures, and in any other leisure he had it was necessary for him to study his notes, practise bandaging, and prepare for the examination, which to a man who had left school a generation ago was not a light task. Even if he was lucky enough to pass the examination he was not given his First-Aid Certificate till the Commander certified he was com- petent to take charge of a Stretcher Squad. THE Ambulance attended at the Camps regularly every day, a doctor and a N.C.O. or two privates being in attendance at Ongar and Blake Hall. A number of cases were satisfactorily attended, and members digging trenches often expressed their thanks for the treatment they received. Most members of the section gave up one dav a week to this duty. The Brighton Easter Meetings were well attended by the section and its duties were favourably commented upon in the Press. At the Tadworth Camp Captain Webb was well supported. The Ambulance was well represented when volunteers were asked for France. A strong detachment supported the Guard in the Lord Mayor's Show, at the St. Paul's Cathedral service when the Bishop of London preached, and the recruiting marches of the Guard, notably the one through the East End of London to Hackney Marshes. In undertaking the air-raid duties at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, which were conceived by Dr. Poulter (directly after the first air attack on London), with consent of the Warden (Captain W. Girling Ball) and the Governors of the Hospital, the Guard rendered extremely useful services and justified their enterprise. THE scheme was very carefully thought out by Dr. Poulter and the medical men who assisted him. A number of practice drills at the Hospital by the ambulance took place first, and various methods of evacuating a building damaged or alight from a Zeppelin attack were tried before the most advantageous way was decided upon. Stretcher cases, of course, were to be the first cared for, and an excellent arrangement come to, by which every cot case had canvas underneath with runners, into which poles carried by the stretcher bearers were slid. For each cot it was arranged to have three men, two with poles and one in charge to give the word of command and help with the carrying. The bearers breaking 130 Dr. Reginald Poulter Chief Medical Officer Dr. P. Pope Assistant Medical Officer Dr. Hugh Webb Assistant Medical Officer Dr. W. Hammond Assistant Medical Officer MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL STAFF IPholograp/is by Miles &■ Kaye, Si, Cheafsidc, JT.C] The National Guard in the Great War step the patients would be carried as comfortably as possible to a place of safety. For patients able to sit up, a carrying method was decided upon, each case taking two men, and walking cases were to be helped as necessary. As soon as all was ready the Guard was asked to commence the practice drills, and be ready in attendance from 7 to midnight or longer in case of need. Colonel Cobbett attended almost every night at first and took a livelv interest in the drills. One principal medical officer arranged for himself or another doctor to be in attendance every night. The men of the section promised to attend certain nights, as a rule two nights a week, so there were alwavs three or more men in attendance. A large concert hall on the first floor of the new block at tlie Hospital was set apart for the drills, and beds arranged as they would be placed in a ward. This room was prepared by ambulance men on duty each night before seven o'clock. When the work of the evening started they took up a position under the Medical Officer on duty to see that the drill was correctly carried out and to light the staircase (as the " cases " were carried down to the ground floor) with their electric torches. In the wards it was arranged that " cot cases " would have a piece of red tape tied on the foot of the bed, so they would be easily distinguishable. The ambulance men were to lead the way in the event of one of the blocks being hit. Every ambulance man had to have a torch, as the corridors, staircases, and quadrangle were in total darkness. In addition he was supposed to make himself familiar with the geography of the Hospital, which is divided into five blocks, North, South, East, West and the new. The doctor, accompanied by the Officer in Charge of the party doing duty, N.C.O.'s and ambulance, went through a ward each evening. EVERY evening a practice alarm was given, a certain block was supposed to be affected, and everyone would take up his position as arranged. The Warden supplied a list of the cases in the Hospital each evening with the number of stretcher cases in each block of the Hospital, so the Officer in Charge knew exactly how many to provide. Demonstrations were given each evening by the Ambulance men of restoring the apparently drowned by the various methods of artificial respiration. Every man present had to practise this. Also a number of ways of carrying wounded men was explained, and practice cases tried. The Hospital placed the Students' Abernethian Room at the disposal of the Guard for the evening for reading and recreation, and the adjoining snuggery was handed over for the use of the officers. In the Students' Dining Hall the 132 ®*ilTJU^^I THE P.M.O. DR. HUGH WEBB The National Guard in the Great War Lady Superintendent provided a good supper menu which was much appreciated. If the police reported all clear about midnight, Captain Ball dismissed the Guard. Often, though, the duty was continued into the early hours of the morning, but men not able to reach home were provided with beds and mattresses, so they could snatch a few hours' sleep before going to their daily vocations. The Ambulance men, in addition to the air-raid drills and duties, whilst at the Hospital, treated soldiers in the regular army against the risk of venereal disease under the Medical Officer on duty. The Medical Officers examined at the Hospital men of the Guard signing the new conditions of Volunteer service, for the duration of the war, placing them in their proper medical standard. The N.C.O.'s and privates of the Ambulance assisted in this. THE Raid duties were continued nearly eighteen months every night after the manner described, much to the credit of all concerned. The duties and attendances must have been a great relief to the Hospital authorities and staff. The patients were given confidence, knowing that in the event of an unwelcome Zeppelin visit there was plenty of help at hand to render immediate assistance to those who could not help themselves. The Zeppelin menace, having to a great extent been mastered by the vigilance of our Air Force, and the Gothas not having as yet put in an appearance, the duties were discontinued early in 191 7, but Dr. Poulter had already planned the final and most useful undertaking of his Ambulance. The wards in the military wing of the Hospital had up to this time had R.A.M.C. orderlies. But these men being required elsewhere Dr. Poulter suggested his men should take their place. This met with the approval of the Warden. The men recognised this would be a splendid field of usefulness. They would be coming in direct contact with the fighting phase of the war, seeing and hearing the real thing, and rendering service first-hand to our heroes who had kept the German hosts at bay and eventually won the Great War. VOLUNTEERS were called for, and a good number put down their names, but it was a big undertaking for a small ambulance, and unfortunately some of the most tried members were unable to give the necessary time, especially the morning duties, which was certainly a considerable tax on business men whose stafFs were greatly depleted. However, enough names were obtained to warrant a start. All the orderlies were under the direct command of Captain W. Girling Ball, who in addition to being Warden was in charge of the military wing, the 135 The National Guard in the Great War East block of eight wards being entirely taken up b\- tlic soldiers. Six wards were surgical, two medical. The orderlies worked in the former : Harley, Kenton, Henry, Sitwell, Darker, and Paget, — one orderly in each ward. There were two periods of duty each day, from lo in the morning till the dressings in the Wards were finished and dinners served, which meant getting away probably about I o'clock, and again in the evening from 5 to very often 8 o'clock. This is the time the day staff went off duty, and the night nurses took their place. By this time every patient had settled down for the night. If there was a raid warning the orderlies would stay till the " All-clear " was given, remaining in the wards prepared for every emergency. The orderlies had to make themselves useful in whatever way they were required, help tidy the ward, clear dirty dressing utensils away, wash and carbolise them, take men fit out into the quadrangle for an airing, dress them, put their lockers straight, and a hundred and one other things, help in the kitchen if required, prepare lockers and tables for dinner, take them round and clear away. After some experience in the wards the orderlies assisted with the dressings, holding legs or arms in position for the nurse to do the dressings, hand any instrument or utensils required, dress men unable to dress themselves, take them for their first walk (if they had lost a limb) on crutches, cut up men's dinner who had lost an arm. This sort of work was done at the morning duties. At the evening duties, the orderly would clear away the teas, bring in any men from the quadrangle who required assistance, wash patients, blanket-bath others, and help those able to be up with their bath. If a convoy had arrived during the da\- blanket-bath tlie new men, put away the clothes they had arrived in for marking and fumigating. Prepare suppers, serve, and clear away. Also get the ward ready for the night. As the orderlies gained further experience they were trusted with more exacting duties. An orderh' who had the work at heart never had a spare moment. Orderlies often were present at minor operations in tlie ward and saw things done of which thev would never have had the opportunity otherwise. One thing may be mentioned, the transfusion of blood, viz., taking blood from healthy men and injecting it into a patient who had lost so much of his own blood that the only- chance of saving his life was to give him more. The Tommies were most grateful for all the orderlies did for them, and it was a real pleasure to do the most menial service for Tommy who had given his all for his country. The orderlies met Tommies from all regiments, Londoners and those from the remotest Empire dominions. All were very fine men, most patient in suffering, ever ready to help a pal, and cheery although perhaps crippled for life. Everything the Hospital could do was done to make Tommy's enforced stay as happy as possible under the 136 Rfproditciii by permission of The Guaphic, \_l)iai^-u by W . Hiithcrdi R.I. 'WARE ZEPPELINS The National Guard provided against Zeppelin raids not merely by armed force. A series of precautions were instituted at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, represented in this picture, where the National Guardsmen were trained to remove the patients at the earliest possible moment from their beds by placing poles throtgh loops in the mattresses in the case of stretcher cases and by other methods in the cases more lightly w ounded. This picture shows the Guardsmen running across the courtyard with their poles to answer a call of alarm. The National Guard in the Great War circumstance. The orderlies liad the opportunity of seeing the inner working of the great Hospital, the bringing back to health of apparently, to the unpractised eve, hopeless cases. Tommy always had plenty of good food, which it was im- possible for an ordinary citizen to obtain at any price. Many a Tommy who was at the Hospital at Yuletide will, notwithstanding his wounds, have happy memories and look back at his Christmas spent at Bart.'s as a red letter day in his life. AS the Armv demand for men increased the difficulties of keeping orderly work going became acute. Those remaining took more duties, taking the place of those called up. The Ambulance had the satisfaction of doing the duties regularly till the Hospital was demobilised, February i, 1919, the duties having been kept going continuously week-days, Sundays, and holidays. The orderlies on duty the two great daylight raids, June 13 and July 7, 1917, did their duties in their respective wards, and afterwards assisted in attending to the casualties as they were brought into the Hospital. At this time the Institu- tion showed what great resources it possessed, as hardly before the last bomb was heard to explode casualties began to pour in, brought in every description of vehicle, from a coster's barrow to the City of London's Red Cross Ambulances. With the Warden at their head directing affairs the whole Medical Stai? promptly did what they could to relieve suffering, and the sisters anei nurses spared them- selves no trouble to make patients as comfortable as possible. Within two hours of the raid His Majesty the King arrived to inquire after the sufferers, and saw for himself what Bart.'s could do on so great an emergency. It is wonderful the hospital was not hit, as it was in the centre of these raids. Bombs fell within a few yards of the hospital. Every one expected the buildings would be struck. All stuck to their posts. A number of patients could not be moved before the raid to places of comparative safety, but all on duty remained behind in the wards. Sir Francis Lloyd addressed the nursing staff a few days later, telling them he considered all on duty during the raid had been just as much under fire as those serving near the firing line in France. To have helped in the military wing at St. Bartholomew's the orderlies felt to have been a great honour, and although most of those working at the end had beeii doing the duties — air raids first and then the orderly work for three and a half years — felt just a little bit tired, there were many regrets when the soldiers' block closed down. All were shown the greatest consideration by everyone with whom they came in contact, the Warden, surgeons, matron, steward, sisters and the whole nursing staff. 138 The National Guard in the Great War LORD SANDHURST (the Chairman of the Governors of St. Bartholomew's Hospital), in writing to thank the orderUes for their services, said : " I desire on behalf of the Governors of the Hospital to assure you how deeply sensible we are of our indebtedness for services rendered in undertaking definite duties in the military wing. It is, I can assure you, no exaggeration to say that had ti'ntrai I^rcss l^iwtos, Ltd. At Brighton — The Work of the Ambulance Section it not been for the assistance we received from voluntary helpers it would have been extremely difficult to have carried on the work as efhcientlv as the reputation of St. Bart.'s demands. The work thus done has, you may be well assured, been most truly appreciated by the ward sisters, whom you have done so much to assist." In recognition of the services rendered by tlie Guard the Governors of St. Bartholomew's have elected Colonel Cobbett, Dr. A. Reginald Poulter, and the 139 The National Guard in the Great War joint orderly duty secretaries Governors of the Hospital. The Ambulance was presented with an ambulance wagon by Messrs. Smithson and Lowy, the chassis being given b)- the former and the body by the latter. Commander Lowy drove the wagon, whicli was very useful for practice in loading and unloading stretcher National Guard Ambulance Section, 1915-16 [Mik-i Kctvc The Ambulance Department was well organised and thoroughly efficient. The men were qualified by examination to render first aid on the field in all cases. All through the summer the men rendered first aid efficiently to over 300 minor cases at the camp and could have capably handled more severe injuries had they occurred. Most of them were qualified to be in charge cf a stretcher party. Their motor wagon was thoroughly equipped with stretchers, splints, dressings and field haversacks, and was planned to accord in every way with the wishes of the Surgeon Commanding the Ambulance. cases and other purposes. The various field undertakings could not have been so successfully carried out but for this gift. When the Gotha scare was so acute a further duty was undertaken at Camden Tube Station, where crowds took shelter. At the urgent request of the station master, on an air raid warning being given, men reported themselves there, where a first aid dressing-station was established under Captain Webb, and a number of cases were treated. I-|0 The National Guard in the Great War The Ambulance was well served by its non-commissioned officers : Quarter- master and Secretary, the late J. W. MacNeill, who worked very hard for the section; the second Secretary, T. Birchell, Sergeant-Major H. Cooper, who was very popular, and was presented at a luncheon at the Holborn Restaurant with a souvenir as a small token of appreciation of the efficient way he carried out his duties; Corporal W. O. Welsford ; Corporal C. E. Byles, who acted as secretary for the air raid duties; and the energetic joint War Orderly Secretaries, H. Moll and H. A. Baucher. Several members passed well the advanced Officers' Training Class examinations, qualifying for the duties of Quartermasters in the regular R.A.M.C. Volunteers. The Ambulance Section of tlie City of London National Guard has played its part with great credit to itself — in the face of many difficulties — without an official standing in a Volunteer Regiment ; it has done its share of the splendid work undertaken by the Guard as a whole, and may justh' be proud of its record in the Great War. 141 MAJOR E. S. SHRAPNELL- SMITH, C.B.E. The Commandant of the M.T. Column ol the Guard is recognised as one of the country's foremost authorities on commercial motoring. He is chairman of the Joint Committee of Mechanical Road Transport Associations and Treasurer of the Commercial Motor Users Association. He is also a Director of the Car and General Insurance Corporation. His work during the war was recognised by the award of the C.B.E. XIII. NATIONAL GUARD GROUP OF THE CITY OF LONDON R.A.S.C, M.T. (V.) (i) PERSONNEL Commandant : Major E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E. Adjutant : Captain F. G. Bristow. Company Commanders : Captain E. D. Lowy and Captain W. G. Williams. Section Commanders : Lieut. E. M. Laurence and Lieut. H. F. G. Wood. Medical Officer : Lieut. G. W. Isaac, R.A.M.C. (V.). Headquarters : 83, Pall Mall, London, S.W. i. (2) ESTABLISHMENT THE suggestion that there should be a Mechanical Transport Column of the Cit\- of London National Guard was placed before the Grand Council by Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett in January, 1915. The scheme was examined in detail, with the result that the establishment of the Column, with Mr. E. S. Shrapnell- Smith as its Commandant, and Mr. F. G. Bristow as its Adjutant, was sanctioned before the end of February. It was decided, at the outset, that the Column should essentially consist of commercial vehicles, but a motor-car section was added at a later date, in order to facilitate the movement of officers and touch between different convoys. The organisation of the various motor volunteers throughout the country, and the issuing of Army Council Instruction No. 90 in January, 1917, resulted in the Mechanical Transport Column of the National Guard (the first heavy motor volunteer transport in the country) being formed into two heavy squadrons of commercial motors and one light squadron of private motor-cars under the title of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (National Guard) Squadrons of the City of London Motor Volunteer Corps. X further Army Council Instruction, No. 1073, '^^"^s issued in July, 191 7, reorganising the various motor volunteer corps by eliminat- ing the light squadrons per se, and the National Guard Squadrons became Group No. I, " A," " B," and " C " (National Guard) Companies of the City of London R.A.S.C, M.T. (V.). The strength of this group consisted of 30 three-ton lorries, 143 The National Guard in the Great War 24 thirty-cwt. lorries, 36 fifteen-cwt. vans, and 12 motor-cars, making a total strength of 102 motor vehicles. In addition, over 200 lorries were specially enrolled for use in the event of invasion or attempted invasion. (3) BRIGHTON MANCEUVRES THE Group provided motor transport for the Brighton training of the National Guard, consisting of 10 heavy lorries and 25 motor-cars at Easter, 1915, and 23 heavy motor lorries and 20 motor-cars at Easter, 1916, each lorry capable of carrying thirty men with full equipment or three and a half tons of supplies. They were used to convey the officers and men to and from the ground of action and to and from the shooting range. The possession of the transport enabled the Guard to operate on a front of over forty miles, from Eastbourne to Worthing, in 1916. A number of motor-cars, but no heavy lorries, were furnished at Easter, 1917. (4) HYDE PARK INSPECTION THE Group paraded over 40 heavy motor lorries of an average capacity of 3 tons each, with the necessary complement of motor-cars, for the inspection by Field-Marshal Lord French, in Hyde Park, in June, 1916. (5) VOLUNTEER SUMMER CAMP THE whole of the motor transport in connection with the Summer Camp at Tadworth in August, 191 7, was provided by the Group, not only for the Volunteer Camps, but also for general duty at the Army Service Corps Unit connected with the Camp. Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett wrote with reference there- with : — " I desire to place on record the thanks of myself and officers of " B " Group for the kindness of the ist, 2nd, and 3rd Squadrons of the City of London Motor Volunteers in providing transport at the National Guard Camp at Tadworth. Although the weather seriously militated against the smooth running of the vehicles, we could not have managed without them." (6) EVACUATION OF VOLUNTEER CAMPS AT the beginning of 191 8 instructions were received from the War Office by the Group to supply transport for the removal of the stores of the various Volunteer Battalions, consisting of huts, cooking utensils, crockery, tables, and sundry mess and canteen equipment, from the camps on the North and South London Defences to the headquarters of the various Battalions. The Group 144 The National Guard in the Great War undertook the work and supplied the necessary transport on Sundays for a period of six months, and in that time removed the stores of the following Battalions : — 2nd City of London Volunteer Regt. 5th County of London Volunteer Regt. 7th County of London Volunleer Regt. loth County of London Volunteer Regt. t/i2th Connty of London Volunteer Regt. 2 I2th County of London Volunteer Regt. 13th County of London Volunteer Regt. 15th County of London Volunteer Regt. 17th County of London Volunteer Regt. 19th County of London Volunteer Regt. 20th County of London Volunteer Regt. 2ist County of London Volunteer Regt. I St Surrey \'olunteer Regt. 6th Surrey \'olunteer Regt. 7th Surrey Volunteer Regt. A report on this and other work was asked for by Headquarters, London District, and as a result the following letter was received from Major-General G. Fielding, Commanding the London District : — " I have read with interest the reports of the work done by the City of London R.A.S.C, M.T. (V.), during the month of August, 1918. " The work done during that month alone represents no mean achievement, but forming as it does an index of the fine work done for the Army by the Corps ever since their formation, it reflects the greatest possible credit upon all concerned, and I desire that this expression of my apprecia- tion shall be conveyed to all officers, non- commissioned officers, and men of the Corps." (7) RAILWAY STRIKE THE Group was mobilised by the War Office during the railway strike in September, 191 8, and heavy sections were detailed to be ready for any emergency. Orders were received by the Group to convey loads of margarine from factories to Armv Depots for use by the troops. The following communication was subsequently received from the Road Transport Board of the Board of Trade : — " I am directed by the Road Transport Board to state that they have had under consideration the work of their local organisation in connection with emergency, and I am to express their thanks for the valuable assistance L 145 Captain F. G. Bristow The energetic Adjutant oj the Xativiud Guard M.T. Column. The National Guard in the Great War which has been rendered b}- the Motor Vokinteer Corps with regard to the provision of vehicles and drivers. " In the opinion of the Board calls that have been made upon their organisation by the Ministry of Food and other Departments for emergency transport, especially during the recent railway strike, could not have been adequatelv met without the valuable co-operation of the Corps." Standing [Ujt to jiglil]— Lieut. G. W. Isaac, R.A.M.C. (V.j (Medical Offlcerj ; Captain E. D. Lowy, Captain W. G. Williams, Company Commanders : Lieut. H. F. G. Wood, Section Commander. Silling {left to right} — Captain F. G. Bristow (Adjutant) ; Major E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E. (Commandant). (8) COUNTY OF LONDON ROYAL ENGINEERS (V.) THE Group was attached for some time to the County of London Royal Engineers (Signal Units). Convoys of lorries and motor-cars were pro- vided every week for the conveyance of the personnel and stores of the units for their training programme and for their scheme of field operations in connection with the London Defences. Additional convoys were also provided every Sunday for the transport of detachments and necessary equipment for special work required for anti-aircraft defences. In reporting on one of these operations, Major H. C. Gunton, R.E., the Officer Commanding, wrote as follows, in 191 8 : — 146 The National Guard in the Great War " I desire to thank vou very heartily for the excellent transport arrange- ments provided by you in connection with the operations of my Corps in the neighbourhood of Caterham and Tadworth from July 24 to August 8. " It was necessary to make very exacting calls on this transport, owing to the long hours of training and the difficult nature of the country, but all difficulties were surmounted in a most satisfactory manner. I am bringing these facts to the notice of Headquarters, London District." (9) LECTURES IX accordance with the provisions of Army Council Instructions, series of lectures have been given from time to time to the members of the Group on matters connected with the use and care of commercial motor vehicles for Army purposes, including the following : — " M.T. Convoy Work on the Road." Lecturer : ]\Iajor E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E. " Army Discipline." Lecturer : Colonel D. de Lara Cohen. " Ignition." Lecturer : Mr. Geo. W. Watson, M.I.A.E., M.I.Mech.E. " The Essentials of Good Driving." Lecturer : Major E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E. " Depot Adjustments and Repairs." Lecturer : Mr. G. J. Shave, M.I.A.E. " The Care of Commercial Cars." Lecturer : ]\Ir. J. C. Costigan, ]\I.I.A.E. " The Organisation of an A.S.C., M.T. Depot." Lecturer : Captain E. D. Lo^v}^ " Types of Bridges for Army Transport." Lecturer : Major E. J. Burt, R.E. " Carburation." Lecturer : ]\lr. D. T. Brock. " Motor Transport after the War." Lecturer : Major E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E. "Map Reading." Lecturer : Lieut. E. M. Laurence. " Machine Guns and their Transportation." Lecturer : Captain G. E. Sharp. " Suction Gas as a Substitute for Petrol." Lecturer : Mr. H. Scott Hall, A.M.I.A.E. 147 The National Guard in the Great War In addition, a special series of Lectures, illustrated with experiments and lantern slides, was given by Mr. Geo. W. Watson, M.I.A.E., M.I.Mech.E., on the following subjects : — " Lubricants and Lubrication." " The Differential Gear." " Motor Spirit and Carburettors." " Back Axles." " Water Cooling of Engines." " A Historical Review of Commercial Motors." (lo) MOUNTING STEPS A SPECIAL mounting step for use at the back of motor lorries was adopted by the Group to enable troops readily to mount and dismount. The design was the outcome of considerable investigations by the officers of the Mounting Steps as adopted and used by the City of London National Guard Group, with the result that a cheap and efficient mounting-step was evolved, made from one piece of bar iron (about if inches by \ inch) with hard wood blocks bolted to the iron bar to form steps. The two fittings per waggon occupy but little space in it when the tailboard is up. This type of step aroused the interest of the Quartermaster-General's Branch of the War Office. T (II) GENERAL TRANSPORT WORK 'HE following will give a fair indication of the varied nature of other duties undertaken by the Group : — 148 The National Guard in the Great War (a) Conveying machine guns and teams for operations in connection with surprise attacks. (b) Conveying men for field operations and trench digging to and from Elsenham Park, Chelmsford, Kempton Park, Ashstead Common, Purley, Kenley Common, Ongar, Chingford, and Blake Hall. (c) Conveying stores to various Volunteer Camps. (d) Assisting the Authorities in connection with air raids. (e) Conveying Headquarters Staff when engaged on official work connected with inspection of the hostels of soldiers on leave. (/) Conveying the National Guard Band to the War Supply Garden Party, held at Sir Robert Perks' grounds, Kensington. (g) Transporting goods for the National Guard Stand at Caledonian Market in connection with the Wounded Allies' War Fair. {h) Transport of goods for the National Stall at Kingston Market War Fair. (12) TRANSPORT INFANTRY DRILL THE officers of the Group were responsible for the evolution of a suitable Transport Infantry Drill, the object of which was to enable troops when being conveyed from one point to another to be taken up and put down with the minimum loss of time, and in the same formation as when taken up. The drill, which was adopted and circulated by Colonel Cobbett, was the first drill of its kind, and was favourably commented upon by many officers of the Regular Army. (13) OFFICERS' COURSE OF INSTRUCTION THE officers of the Group were all attached to the 274th Co., A.S.C., M.T., Plumstead, for a special course of instruction and all received their passing- out certificates. The Officers and N.C.O.'s of the Group had the advantage of training in infantry and other drill, under Guards' N.C.O.'s, at instruction classes arranged by the Group. There were regular drills for the men, in accordance with A.C. I. requirements. 149 XIV. THE ENGINEERS' UNIT WITH the object of further increasing the scope and vahie of the National Guard it was decided in .Vpril, 191 5, to form in connection therewith a Corps of Engineers comprising members of all branches of the engineering profession. The first parade of the Engineers' Unit, which was constituted by authority as a unit of the Corps of Volunteer Engineers, took place on April 21, at the headquarters of the London Brigade R.G.A., Offord Road, Highbury. These quarters were obtained for the training of the unit through the courtesy of the officer commanding the London Brigade R.G.A. and of the County of London Territorial Association. The staff and committee of the Engineers' Unit were represented by Colonel C. E. Cassal, Officer Commanding, Mr. W. Noble Twelvetrees, Acting-Adjutant, Mr. R. St. George Moore, Platoon Commander, and the Rt. Hon. Lord Headley, Chairman of Committee. On Saturday, May 8, 191 5, the unit, in conjunction with the P.O. Engineering V.T.C., took part in a parade near Lancaster Gate, afterwards marching to the Powder Magazine, Kensington Gardens. The N.G. Engineers, under Platoon Commander Twelvetrees, made a survey for the construction of a trestle bridge to be erected for use by the Post Office Corps, and subsequently acted as an attacking party whose object was to pursue and capture one of the field telegraph companies operating in Hyde Park. The parts of the bridge were constructed by the unit at Headquarters and erected in Hyde Park on Saturday, June 5. The materials and plant were transported by a motor van, unloaded, and constructed in two hours. THE bridge measured about 24ft. long from end to end, and 8ft. wide. It spanned the sunk fence separating Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, and was of strength sufficient to carry with perfect safety a column of infantry marching at the double four abreast without breaking step. On completion it was tested by a column of the Engineers. The bridge was built from drawings prepared by Sapper F. Douglas Fox, M.Inst.C.E., with slight modifications suggested by Sapper Prof. W. Campbell Houston and Sapper H. Smith. Sapper 150 The National Guard in the Great War W. F. Harvey, M.Inst.C.E., acted as engineer-in-charge, and Sapper H. Smith as foreman of works. All the labour necessarv* was provided by professional engineers. At the Brighton manoeuvres at Whitsuntide, 1913, the Engineers put in some useful work. Measurements were taken, and drawings prepared for a military Piwro 'M'j Bridge Building ^.tipt(i:n J. Liiirdcr itumitn^ bridge of 59ft. span across the road to Newhaven. A full-sized longitudinal section of the bridge was afterwards set out. A site at Patcham suitable for Headquarters was surveyed, and a sketch plan prepared by Sapper R. F. Harvey, iM.Inst.C.E. t=ii XV. PIONEERS AND GUIDES THE Pioneers' Section was formed in June, 1915. Ver^■ shortly after the formation of the Pioneers' Section, trench work was commenced, and in the early stages a great number of the Pioneers were con- nected with this work, their engineering knowledge being considerable assistance. Later on so many of the members of the Guard showed aptitude for this work that the work of the Engineer members of the Pioneers' Section was not required, and from this time up to the present the Pioneers have been practically amalgam- ated with the Guide movement. The work done has been recognised by the military authorities as extremely valuable and useful. So much interest did the Officer Commanding Royal Engin- eers take in their work that he spent three days inspecting them, and during this inspection asked something between 500 and 600 questions. The Guides consisted of 200 Volunteers, temporarily detached from their various platoons. To an average of eight Guides there was one " Guide Leader." These were again divided under the command of four " Guide Commanders," the whole of the Guides being put by Colonel Cobbett under the command of Mr. R. St. George Moore, M.Inst.C.E., the officer commanding. The War Office entrusted the National Guard Guides with highly important and responsible work in connection with the work for the defence of London in case of 152 ■Tl* -jPs ^ Mr. R. St. George Moore Officer Commanding the Pioneers I Guide Commander C. H. E. West Guide Commander G. T. Cliambers Guide Commander Keynes Purchase The National Guard in the Great War invasion. The area entrusted to them in connection with this duty was not far short of 50 square miles and some 250 officers and men were engaged upon the work. AN inspection was made in 191 5 by a well-known officer, Colonel Rumsey, who spoke highly of the efficiency. He wrote to Colonel Cobbett in the following terms : — " It gave me great pleasure to inspect your Guides on Saturday. They appeared to know their work thoroughly, and showed great intelligence, and were very keen. Kindly congratulate them for me, and thank Mr. St. George Moore for the great trouble he took to explain everything to me." Commenting on the work Sir Charles Johnston remarked : — " It appears to me that the work which has earned this appreciation justifies the officers and men of the Guide parties in their aspiration to wear some distinguishing badge, and I am not without hope that we may yet succeed in obtain- /-. • • /^ i ^ ■' ■' Guide Commander ing the approval of the Central Association q^ g. Baker Volunteer Training Corps to tlic wearing by the men engaged on this service of some distinctive badge. Whether this be so or not, the men have the satisfaction of knowing that their services have been well performed and are appreciated, and that in certain events they will be called upon to perform a very real and useful part in the dispositions for the defence of the country." The following letter was received by Colonel Cobbett, on the 8th November, 1915, from Major-General Dickie on behalf of Colonel Hawkins, R.E., in com- mand of the North London Defences :^ "I have now perused the detailed statements of information obtained by the Guide Parties of your Corps, and consider them very satisfactory in all respects." 154 XVI. THE SIGNALLING SECTION THE Signalling Section was, from the start, an important section of the National Guard. After the early stages of instruction have been mastered, the practice of the Morse code in the varied formo in which it is used by the expert exercises a curious fascination over the student, and very few of the original class who met in the early days of the section under the capable direction of its first instructor, Mr. Manders, had the faintest idea of the amount of physical and mental labour they would ultimately have to devote to the work before they could hope to attain even moderate efficiency. When in due coiirse Mr. Manders received a commission and was succeeded by Mr. L. E. Halsey, much progress had been made, and the Central Association of Volun- teer Training Corps having instituted a series of classes and lectures for signallers^ the gj^ffl ^^*^ ^ ;'M[9Hh • yfWjMttKk members of the section were invited by Mr. ^■' -^^ -mM • mmiS^J^^SA j^alsey to send in their names with the object of presenting themselves at the sub- sequent examination and qualifying for the coveted signaller's badge. The training and test were available to all Volunteer Signallers and not confined to the London district, so that out of a total number of about 60 candidates from all over the country, owing CO lack of accommodation only five could be admitted from the National Guard. These five men distinguished themselves and their instructors by securing the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth places in the examination and in addition gained five out of six special certificates granted for first-class pass in technical theory. The names of these highly successful candidates in order of merit were Signalling Corporal Duguid, Sergeant Ricardo, Private Rose, Signalling Sergeant Miller, and Private Waterhouse. Having thus proved his ability. Corporal Duguid was appointed to the important position of Signalling Officer to the Hertfordshire Reg'mcnt, and was presented b\- his comrades in the section with a sword as a mark of their esteem. 155 Aligning the Heliograph The National Guard in the Great War He was succeeded as Corporal by Mr. E. J. Brown, one of the most popular and capable of the original members. The section, about the same time, had to regret the loss of Sergeant Ricardo, who obtained a commission and proceeded to France on active service as A.D.C. to General Harman. Encouraged by the achievements of their predecessors and notwithstanding the fact that the standard of the Central Association had been raised and the The Signalling Section l.Ui.Vi Kayti examination was for the first time conducted under the conditions laid down in the Army Manual, seven other members of the section, after attending the official classes, presented themselves at the qualifying examination heki in June, 1916, and were all successful, and not only became entitled as first-class signallers to wear the Signallers' Badge, but Privates Pilditch, Stoate, and Burford added further lustre to the reputation of the section by securing first, second, and third places, being closely followed by their colleagues. In technical work, theory, and map reading, all seven candidates obtained first-class " special " certificates of 156 The National Guard in the Great War proficiency, and as only 14 of these certificates were granted the result may be considered as highly satisfactory. The section possessed excellent equipment of the best and most modern type procurable, and competed in this respect most favourably with any Volunteer Corps. Drills (each lasting two hours) were held regularly every Tuesday and Thursday, and when occasion required elementary instruction was given to beginners on Mondays. On Saturdays, parades were held at various convenient Signallers at Work places, where long distance practice was carried on or arrangements were made for the section to take part in manoeuvres, when the use of the field telephone added considerable interest and sometimes materially affected the results. Signallers have been officially compared to the eyes and nerves of a living organism, of which the brain is represented by the officer conducting the opera- tions, and the simile is not inapt, for by means of an adequate signal service the O.C. at Headquarters, far removed from the actual scene of conflict, is able to make the necessary dispositions of the forces under his command, and by survey- ing the operations as a whole and not locally, can exercise his judgment and 157 The National Guard in the Great War discrimination in such manner as to most effectually prevent the enemy from attaining his objective. When it is borne in mind that the course of instructions followed that laid down in the " Army Manual," and included besides ordinary flag work, signalling by electric lamp, heliograph, disc, field telephone and buzzer, and also practical map reading and theoretical electricity and magnetism, it is to the credit of the section that, with very few exceptions, the members stuck to their work and grimly determined to persevere until they acquired proficiency. Under the guidance and supervision of their enthusiastic instructor, Mr. Manders, and subsequently of Sergt.-Instructor Odey, rapid progression was made in preliminary training, and a considerable amount of valuable equipment was obtained without any financial assistance from the corps. When Mr. Manders received a commis- sion in the King's Royal Rifles he was succeeded by Commander L. E. Halsey. The mutual esteem, good fellowship, and sociability existing among the Instructor, N.C.O.'s, and men rendered the internal working of the section of the happiest description possible. XVII. THE REGIMENTAL QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT THE Guard was fortunate in having as its Quartermaster so energetic and experienced a man as Lieut. George Hughes. When appointed to the position he came to it with a knowledge of its duties, having previously done similar duty in South Africa during the Boer War. The Quartermaster's Depart- ment was admirably organised, and from first to last worked like clockwork. During the first year equipment was prepared and disposed of to the value of ^10,000. Any profit on goods purchased at the Quartermaster's Stores went to the funds of the National Guard. The Department was always v.'orked on a sound business basis and was administered with the utmost economy compatible with efficiency. The three Battalion Quartermasters — Lieut. W. L. Bayley, of the 4th Battalion, Lieut. A. J. Andrews, of the 5th Battalion, and Lieut. L. G. Cook, of the 6th Battalion, performed excellent work for their Battalions. Mr. George Hughes is a man of many parts, and from the foundation of the National Guard he has done great service in all its various activities, especially in connection with the Regimental Bands and Ambulance Section. His Sunday Parade at New Southgate, of which an account is given elsewhere, was a great success. Mr. Hughes was also responsible for the idea of starting the National Guard Lodge. 158 THE CORPS' WHITELEY" Lieut. George Hughes XVIII. THE CYCLISTS' SECTION IT was in the very early days of the old National Guard that Colonel Cobbett saw the necessity for a mounted unit to help the work of the regiment. Motor-cars of all sorts were alwavs to hand, but they were not what was really wanted for training, field work, parades, etc. A cycle section was wanted but the vital question was : would it fill, would it be possible to get the men ? Military cycling is no child's play to any man, but to men all well over 40 it is particularly hard work. However, the Colonel decided to try the experiment, and he commenced bv looking round for a suitable leader to take charge of the section. His choice fell on an old military cyclist, Platoon Commander Alfred M. Lamb, an officer of experience, gained in the first miHtary cyclist regiment formed in this country, the 26th Middlesex V.C, then commanded by Colonel Saville, the pioneer and founder of all military cycling. Commander Lamb had served many years in this regiment and was thoroughly versed in all matters relative to the duties of a cvclist officer, and was suitable in every way for the position. IN March, 1915, the section was placed on an official footing under the command of Mr. Lamb, who immediately set to work to make the cyclist worthy of its place in the National Guard. It was not long before the cyclists turned out a smart little band of trained men who could hold their own with any section of the regiment. It would not be fair to single out any particular name for mention, as all the section were keen on their work and stuck to it through all the ups and downs, rain, fog, and mud. It must not be forgotten that the mounted drills which took place every week meant the men having to ride through the crowded city thoroughfares in all weathers and in darkened streets, but the members were not afraid of work or "160 The National Guard in the Great War of such difficulties, and tlie records of drills put in by the cyclists are perhaps as good as any of the platoons or other sections of the regiment. The cyclists were always on parade for the route marches and took part in the recruiting march through the East End of London, leading the battalion from and to the Mansion House. They also had good musters for the great inspections by the King and Lord Kitchener, also that held by Lord French, and again in Knightsbridge by Sir Francis Lloyd, who personally complimented Commander Lamb on the smartness and equipment of his section, and expressed his pleasure to know that the National Guard had so useful a unit. Numbers of the section also took part (though not part of their duties) in trench digging, fatigue parties, and also station and hospital work, so alto- gether thev mav be called " the handv men " of the regiment. O' ^N field days, at Brighton and at other manoeuvres, Colonel Cobbett always found plenty of work for the cyclists, and the\' were generally kept hard at it from start to finish. Colonel Sheldon Hepworth and Captain Watt were both keen on the cyclists, and they have done a large amount of work in connection with the 5th Battalion. It is perhaps unnecessary to detail here the many duties of a military cyclist, and it will suffice to mention that amongst other things they must be first-class shots, excel at map reading, scout work in all its branches, and be able to ride on all sorts and conditions of roads in all weathers. A few words regarding individual members of the section mav be interesting. Platoon Commander A. M. Lamb, besides being for some vears in the old 26th Middlesex V.C., was in the past a well-known amateur racer over long distances, winning many important events. The first sergeant of the section was the Hon. Manager of the "National Guard Magazine," Mr. H. J. Grimwade, who is too well known to need further description. On his retiring from the cyclists his place was taken by Sergt. W. R. Walker, a well-known member of the Scottish section, a good all-round man and much attached to the section and its officer. Corporal W. Tacey proved himself a fine shot and a fast rider, and mention must be also M 160 Platoon Commander A. M. Lamb The National Guard in the Great War made of Cyclists J. De Denning and W. Bartrop, both fine riders and hard to tire ; others worthy of mention also include CycHsts Kent, Savory, and Turner, all capable and efficient military cyclists. Their duties and their task are now finished, the war is over, the "Cyclists" were ready to do the'r bit, and had there been the need would have fallen into line to meet the enemy wherever the call might be. The Cyclists' Section Ccnttal Ptiss I'liotoi Ltd 162 i XIX. THE BANDS THE regimental bands of the National Guard were instituted in x-\pril, 1915, under the control of Lieut. -Col. G. L. Chambers, who appointed Mr. Clive Parsons regimental bandmaster. The military band was formed by Mr. Clive Parsons of first-class experienced musicians, and numbered about 40 instru- mentalists. The bugle band was taken over by The National Guard from the Chartered Secretaries Corps, about the same time, when that body joined us? and numbered about forty lads. The bugle band was originally formed by Sir Ernest Clarke, who took a great personal interest in the lads. The excellent military band are to be congratulated upon their triumphs and the high position which they have attained in the military band world. Mr. Clive Parsons has been their conductor during the whole period and even now the band continues to practise regularly, and it is probable that the band may be taken over by a well-known Territorial regiment. For some time after the formation of the bands they were usually attached to the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the National Guard alternatively, but when the National Guard became part of the City of London Volunteer Regiment, the military band was permanently attached to the 4th Battalion and the bugle went to the 5th Battalion. Through the kindness of Sir Ernest Clarke and Sir Edward Cooper, both of whom were keenly interested in the welfare of the bands, a full set of flutes valued at over £100 was presented to the bands by the Worshipful Company of Musicians. The bands were in attendance at the majority of parades of the National Guard, and were present, and provided the music, at the inspections by Earl 16^, The National Guard in the Great War Kitchener, Lord French, and Sir Francis Lloyd. It is interesting to note that Mr. Clive Parsons was in charge of tlie bands and music at the inspection of 10,000 volunteers in Hyde Park by Lord French, when some 12 to 14 bands were on parade. The military band had the honour of parading with the London Rifle Brigade on the occasion of the march past His Majesty the King, of the London troops this year. The military band has also paraded with the Post Office Rifles, Post Office Engineers, Corps of Citizens, Essex Volunteer Regiment, etc. ; and on several occasions played away detachments of Guard regiments from Chelsea Barracks to Victoria. The bands have also been in the Lord's Mayor's Show each year since 1915. The militar}- band have had the honour of being conducted by Major Mackenzie Rogan, M.V.O., and have appeared at concerts with the majority of the leading artists of the day, and have been engaged by the National Sunday League, Southend Corporation, Mr. Horatio Bottomley (Albert Hall meeting), Mr. Mark Hambourg, Mr. Benno Moiseivitch, and numerous others. Amongst their own concerts must be specially mentioned that given in April, 1918, at Central Hall, Westminster, in aid of King George's Fund for Sailors, when the sum of nearly ^^400 was raised for the fund. It is interesting to note that " Poy," of the Evening News, a member of " A " Compan}-, 4th Battalion, designed the cover of the programme for this concert. " St. Dunstan's " was visited by the military band every Monday evening during the summer of 1918, and Sir Arthur Pearson wrote the Bandmaster : " Please accept my very sincere thanks. The men are extremely fond of a good band, and you afforded them a tremendous amount of enjoyment." The band- master took a prominent part, in arranging the concert in aid of " St. Dunstan's" at Queen's Hall in April, 1916, when i^lS was raised for the institution. 164 Bandmaster Clive Parsons m f' *. :^ Q CQ Q <: o o z o Q O o >^ The National Guard in the Great War Below are a few extracts from a collection of press notices of which the military band may justly be proud : — Central Hall. — " A most excellent combination of fine instrumentalists, It was playing that gave them a right to be classed with the best military bands of the day and that is no mean praise." — Daily Telegraph. Queen's Hall. — Extract from speech by Colonel and Alderman Sir Charles Johnston, Bart. — " They would all wish him to express their apprecia- tion of the excellence of the band. Great credit was due to Mr. Clive Parsons for the high standard to which he had brought it." — City Press. Queen's Hall. — " The ensemble was distinguished by spirit and rhyth- mic force. There can be no doubt of the inspiring effect of this body in various functions." — Referee. Queen's Hall. — " Their efforts were seldom rewarded with less than a double encore." — Daily Telegraph. Several marching songs have been written specially for the Guard by Lieut. Ward-Higgs, N.G. (whose " Sussex by the Sea " has been one of the most popular marches which we have had on parade), Mrs. Bertha Musgrave ("We are here. Motherland "), whose husband has been such a keen worker for the Guard and also for the band ; Mr. F. S. Salaman, N.G. ; and Mr. Charles Forwood, who wrote the official marching song of the National Guard. Tribute should be paid to Colonel Chambers for his untiring efforts on behalf of the bands, and for the way in which he has weathered the various financial storms through which the bands have passed. 166 XX. THE NATIONAL GUARD MAGAZINE THE National Guard Magazine was established in ]\Iarch, 1915, and con- tinued until December, 1918, when, realising that its period of usefulness was over, publication ceased. It was early in January that the idea occurred to Mr. Manning Foster that so large and representative a Corps as the National Guard ought to have its own representative organ. The then Lord Mayor, Sir Charles Johnston, was approached upon the subject, and the matter was referred to the Grand Committee, who concurred in its institution. Mr. Manning Foster was fortunate enough to secure the co-operation of Mr. H. J. Grimwade as manager, and after some inevitable delays and set-backs the first number was issued towards the end of March, dated April, 191 5. The first issue — now very scarce — consisted of 24 pages of reading matter, pictures and advertisements in a green-grey cover. The frontispiece was a photograph of Sir Charles Johnston, who wrote a special " Foreword " for the issue. It contained also an interview with a photograph of Colonel Cobbett and a famous double page cartoon by Mr. E. T. Reed, a member of the National Guard, which was afterwards purchased by the Grand Committee and presented to the Lord Mayor. A copy of this first number was sent out free of charge to every number of the Corps on the rolls, and a fair percentage responded to the invitation to become subscribers. But as the months went by the roll of subscribers steadily increased, while increased support from advertisers rendered it possible to increase materially the size of the magazine from the 24 pages with which it made a start. The magazine, was, in fact, a great success, and had a large number of members. Upon the work put in by the Hon. Editor and Hon. Manager I do not propose to dwell. Suffice it to say that the little venture involved considerably more time and labour than was at first anticipated. During 1916 the publication made steady progress, and attained a considerable circulation for a journal of the kind. An interesting feature of the circulation was that it was by no means limited to members of the National Guard. We had amongst our subscribers a considerable number of ladies, and officers and men of the Regulars and of other \'olunteer Regiments. The magazine was taken by 167 THE HON. EDITOR AND FOUNDER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD MAGAZINE The National Guard in the Great War several Clubs and hotels and was read by many members of the pubhc who had no direct connection with the Guard. Copies found their way every month into various parts of the world, into France, where it was welcomed in the trenches, into Egypt, India and Mesopotamia and also into Canada, Austraha and New Zealand, where it was introduced by our Colonial troops through the agency of men who had become interested in the National Guard through its work at the stations. In April, 1916, the magazine celebrated its first anniversary and was able to publish a large number of congratulatory letters, amongst them being letters from Sir Charles Johnston, Colonel Cobbett, V.D., Mr. Alderman Hanson, M.P., Colonel Ridgewav, V.C., etc., etc. During the year 1916 the magazine was instrumental in raising funds for the Wounded Allies Relief Committee to the extent of £300 at the Caledonian Market Fair, where in conjunction with Quartermaster Hughes the Hon. Editor conducted a stall. The magazine also initiated funds and raised money for the N.G. Bands and for the Empire Union Club in Gordon Square. In order to encourage musketry a Twenty Guinea Silver Challenge Cup was offered by the Magazine for an Inter-Company Shoot. The event took place at Pirbright on Sunday, September 24, when the Cup was won by " A " Co., 4th BattaHon. 191 7 was an exceedingly trying year for the conductors of the Magazine. We had to contend with great difficulties of all kinds on both the editorial and man- agerial sides. The increased cost of printing, paper, blocks in all departments hit us hard. The Magazine Challenge Cup was again won in 1917 and 1918 by "A" Company, 4th BattaHon. The Magazine also raised a Testimonial Fund for Mr. C. Chapman, as a token of appreciation of his services as Orderly Room Clerk at Headquarters. The Magazine was able through the kindness of its readers to assist Surrey War Charities by a National Guard Stall at the Kingston War Market in June, when a sum of over £3,000 was realised for Military Hospitals. THE MAGAZINE FUND FOR TRANSPORT PURPOSES ONE of the most satisfactory achievements of the Magazine was the estab- lishment of a fund to provide cigarettes for troops proceeding home from the front, and to assist them by loans and, if necessary, gifts of money when they were in trouble. Prior to the foundation of this Fund, without which perhaps the Station Company would not have been so successful in its work, any assistance required was usually given by Lieut. Grimwade, who was provided with unlimited 169 7%c National Guard in the Great War funds for the purpose by Mr. James R. Nunn, and it is mainly due to this mem- ber's generosity that the Fund has been such a huge success. He has given freely and contributed the larger proportion of the amount collected. The demands for cigarettes by arriving overseas troops which were unobtain- able after 8 p.m. became so great that the N.G. Magazine made an appeal for funds which was readily responded to by members of the National Guard and their friends, and as a result ^jg 5s. 8d. was subscribed. As the war progressed soldiers and sailors and very frequently the wives and relations requiring assist- ance for fares, etc., made use of the money for loans which was always available for any genuine case, and in the event of hard cases gifts were made from the Fund for the purpose. It is a boast of the Euston platoon that no deserving case was ever refused assistance, and any genuine demand for loans was always granted. No less than 217 loans have been made at a loss of only ^^lo is. 6d., whilst ^10 14s. I id. has been expended in gifts to deserving cases. The accounts have been bound in a volume of over 100 pages, containing details of the receipts and payments, and have been duly certified by Messrs. J. Edward Myers & Clark, Chartered x^ccountants, of Trafalgar Buildings, Northumberland Avenue, who very kindly undertook the work free of charge. Both the correspondence, which is of a very interesting character, and the accounts will be retained for the inspec- tion of donors and others interested in the Fund. The cost of postages, stationery, and expenses (other than an item of 4s.) have been borne by the N.G. Magazine, and there is now in hand a balance of ^^58 5s. 3d., which will no doubt be handed to some deserving fund in connection with the welfare of those for whom it was raised. Many thousands of cigarettes were provided gratuitously for the Troops, and were greatly appreciated, and thanks are justly due to Privates W. J. Gore and George Coleman for the many gifts supplied by them. 170 XXI. OUR BENEFACTORS THE National Guard has, from the commencement of its existence, been most fortunate in having the support of distinguished and influential men, both inside and outside its ranks, who have given substantial proofs of the interest which they took in the organisation. Mr. Francis Bannerman, an American citizen of Scottish birth, as soon as the announcement of the formation of the National Guard appeared, cabled from the United States his desire to help. He gave a handsome donation and a gift of Spring- field rifles and other valuable equipment. The rifles were of great assistance in the Mr. Francis Bannerman early days of the Guard before Lee-Enfields could be obtained. Mr. Bannerman was born in Dundee in 1851, and left his native land for the United States when he was three years old. He is the sixth holder of the name. The first Frank Bannerman was a standard bearer to the clan Macdonald, and escaped the massacre of Glencoe in 1692 by sailing to Ireland, where in County Antrim his descendants lived for many years. He is a merchant in war material, 171 Mr. Albert Slazenger The National Guard in the Great War and from his premises in Broadway, New York, he was able to supply the French Government at the outbreak of the great war with 8,000 army saddles. He gave thousands of rifles, also equipment and money, to the British Army at a time when they were badly needed. Mr. Albert Slazenger is another who has done sterling service for the Guard. Through the instrumentality of Mr. Ernest Nicks-, Commandant of the Machine Gun School, he placed at the disposal of " D " Co., 4th Battalion, and later at the disposal of the Machine Gun School of Instruction, valuable and commodious quarters in Bucklersbury — in the heart of the Cit}-. Mr. Slazenger is a member of an old Lancashire family but has passed the greater part of his time in London, hi his early youth he served in the 6th Lancashire Volunteers and later in the Yeomanry. Throughout his career he has been a keen sportsman. Early in the war he was struck by the enormous importance of machine gunnery, and he threw himself with keenness and generosity into the work of the valuable Machine Gun School of Listruction of the National Guard. Colonel Sir Lewis Mclver, Bart., took from the first the greatest interest in " A " Co., 4th Battalion, and particularly in No. 4 Platoon of that Battalion. He presented a handsome trophy to No. 4 Platoon for an Liter-Platoon Shooting Competition. Sir Lewis, who was born in 1846, has, in colonel Sir Lewis McIverTBart? the course of his seventy odd years, filled many important posts both in Lidia and at home. He was M.P. for Torcjuay 1 885-1 886, and subsequently Member for West Edinburgh for many years. He is Hon. Colonel of the Forth Royal Garrison Artillery, and has always taken a very keen interest in gunnery and musketry. He has attended several functions of the National Guard and was from the early days an enthusiastic upholder of it. 172 XXII. 4th BATTALION LIEUT. -COLONEL G. L. CHAMBERS Commandant of the 4th Battalion Lieut.-Colonel Chambers, who was placed in command of the 1st Battalion of the National Guard at its inception and has remained in command of the same body, since embodied as the 4th Battalion, C.L.V.R., is a veteran Volunteer. His connection with the Volunteer movement dates back to 1869, when he joined the 1st Manchester Rifle Volunteers. For several years he was in command of the Bangalore Rifle Volunteers, a force which consisted of about 2,000 men, and which included in its ranks some 500 Italian miners. He was also Commandant of the Madras Artillery Volunteers. Whilst in this body he was attached to the regular forces, and drilled with the 4th Eastern Co., Garrison Artillery. Colonel Chambers has also put in eight months' service with the Cheshire Regiment, and one year with the First Pioneers, a sort of half-sappers in Bangalore. In addition to his soldiering, Colonel Chambers is an author and an expert photographer. He has written numerous papers and pamphlets on military subjects, while he has made a solid and valuable contribution to military literature by his volume entitled " Busaco " (Swan Sonnenschein, 1910), which contains an account of Wellington's battlefields, with numerous original maps and illustrations from photographs taken by Colonel Chambers on the spot. Captain R. G. Aslet Captain W. J. Gough Captain H. H. Morgan -Brown Captain H. M. Knight OFFICERS OF THE 4th BATTALION [Photographs by Miles S- Kaye, 64, Cheapside, E.C.] W. L. Bay ley Qiiartcrinastey R. S. Chandler H. Booth C. J. Cowan OFFICERS OF THE 4th BATTALION [Photographs by Miles &■ Kaye, 54, Clieapside, E.C] ■ ■M 1 ^L ^.Tt Captain S. R, F. Freed W. Nicholson H. R. Oldfield F. J. Robinson OFFICERS OF THE 4th BATTALION [Photographs by Miles &■ Kaye, 54, Cheapside, E.C.^ G. Bishop J. Hunter Blair J. I. Craig W. Ward Higgs OFFICERS OF THE 4th BATTALION [Photographs by Miles &■ Kaye, 54, Cheapside, E.C] W. G. Drew C. W. Pickering L. H. Salmon R. R. Todd OFFICERS OF THE 4th BATTALION IFIiolographs by Miles &■ Kaye, 54, Cheapside, /T.C.] 1 I^^^^^B ^H 1 w^ H 1 WL ^^^^^^^^^^H I I N.^^^^^^1 i WJ ^A - _ - ^ 1 i. y^ L f ■ F. W. D. Gwynne A. J. Davis C. E. Castellain H. Baker-Munton OFFICERS OF THE 4th BATTALION [Pholograplis by Miles d>- Kaye, 54, Chcafside E.C (( A'^ COMPANY, +th BATTALION WRIT large in the history of " A " Compaii}' is the name of Henry Manning Knight, a worthy son of one of the late Lord Mayors of the City of London. On that memorable inaugural meeting on Boxing Day, 1914, when the order was given to take the squads out into the Guildhall Yard to commence drilling, Mr. H. M. Knight (now and hereafter to be referred to as Capt. Knight) found himself leading the first squad out to the parade ground. This first squad was the embryo of " A " Company. The Captain was and is a man of great energy, and the command of a squad did not satisfy him. He meant his squad to be as big as an ordinary Companv. Somehow or other, thanks to his natural gift for recruiting, when the Guard made its first parade in Hyde Park in January, 1915, the leading party under his command was about double the size of any other. So big and unwieldy was it that the Colonel in despair told him to chop it in halves, and chopped in halves it was on the very spot. Mr. F. J. Robinson was put in cl arge of one half and Mr. W. Nicholson of the other. This event was the birth of what was afterwards known as No. i and No. 4 platoons, and no doubt accounts for the close feelings of friendship and friendly rivalry that have existed ever since between them and which have been happily represented b\- one of Mr. Ritchie's most successful cartoons — the Siamese Twins — published in this Volume. These were the days when platoons were as big as Companies and sections as big as platoons, and who will forget the nights and sometimes the days at Sun Street Drill Hall in Finsbury, crowded to such an extent with enthusiastic, not to say perspiring, squads that to move them about meant more or less " bang- ing " into or through some other unit .' Oh, the noise and the dust! and then the sudden " blow in " of the Colonel about half-time, when what was irreverently known as the " cake-walk " would commence. The sections were formed up in column of sections and marched round and round under orders given necessarily in very rapid succession. Otherwise ! officer in charge would find his command hopelessly jammed up against a brick wall and the Commandant saying nice things about him, in a voice iSo CAPTAIN H. M. KNIGHT The National Guard in the Great War wliich even the tramping of many feet was powerless to drown, or at least so it seemed to the culprit. Anyhow it was excellent training, a kind of niultiiin in -parvo, and sharpened up the dullest of wits. The ordinary laws of arithmetic common on this plane, fail to express in terms the millions and millions of microbes that we must have swallowed ; the atmosphere used to resemble a good old Ivondon fog, so thick were the clouds of dust raised, to say nothing of the air in the downstairs 25 yards shooting range in the cellars, the favourite place for teaching rifle manual and qualifying oneself for bearing with equanimity the Black Hole of Calcutta. But they were happy nights after all and we shall never see their like again. AFTER a while the Company got into company shape. What is now known as No. 2 Platoon was drafted in under the late Mr. Middleton, a man of fine soldierly appearance and experience of foreign irregular forces, who subse- quently was called abroad and died in America, and No. 3 Platoon, whose training under Mr. Morgan Brown more than merits a word of recognition as perhaps being the nearest approach to strict military discipline that any Volunteer Com- pany of its kind ever had. But Mr. Brown was soon put up higher, being ap- pointed Commander of " B" Company and subsequently became Adjutant. His place in No. 3 was taken by Mr. H. Booth, a most popular appointment, arising out of valuable services rendered at Brighton at Easter, 1915, and who long held it until compelled by other administration duties to resign the Guard. Mr. H. R. Oldfield took Mr. Middle ton's place, and Mr. Robinson and Mr. Nicholson, still in charge of Nos. i and 4 respectively, completed a very happy family under the command of the Captain, with at one time a second in command in the shape of Mr. H. R. Oldfield, his command of No. 2 being taken for a time by Mr. M. P. Oldfield. One of the outstanding features in the history of "A" Co. is the solidity of its officers, and the manner in which they obtained and retained the respect and affection of their non-coms, and men. No other Company has had such few changes and they can pride themselves on supplying two or three very notable appointments in the Guard. Perhaps one of the causes of this was the custom of the officers lunching together every Saturday, when practicable, before the afternoon parades, when the various matters appertaining to the administration of the Company were dis- cussed and the plan of operations for ensuing parades worked out. Thus the Company was trained in a thought-out system and not left to the chances of the moment of what was or was not to be done. 182 The National Guard in the Great War One is venturing on difficult ground to attempt to place in order of merit " A " Co. in relation to the other units. With the superior air that always attaches itself to the leading Company, they used to regard " C " Company as their most dangerous rivals, in point of numbers and general efficiency. This may be overweening pride or not but so it was, but if one is inclined to question whether or not their purely parade drill was equal or superior to others, nothing can be said but that so far as musketry was concerned " A " Company held pride of place. Events showed that only the Scottish Company could attempt to challenge their supremacy. THE spirit of musketry seems to have descended on " A " Company at an early date. Some members of the Guard looked upon musketry as rather a nuisance. The fascinations of company and squad drill were too great, and to have men taken away for musketry training and their platoons depleted was too much for the patience of the poor Company Commanders. For some time the original Musketry Staff of the whole organisation under Capt. Raven-Hill, of " Punch " fame, and Mr. Coram, must have had a thankless task, what with appealing to Company Commanders for the attendance of men and the large number to be taught the elementary but essential principles of trigger pressing, sighting, triangle of error and the like at high pressure under very adverse conditions. It is only now with a fuller knowledge one can really appreciate the value of the work they did and the way in which they stuck to it until the importance of proper musketry training was generally recognised. So far as " A " Company is concerned, the man to whom the credit must be given for lighting the iire of musketry enthusiasm is Private J. C. Poynton, who went through a course of training at Bisley on his own initiative. On his return some of the other members caught the infection, and " A " Company began to take their own non-coms, in hand with the most satisfactory results. Later on, Lieut. Robinson and Corporal Tomlinson went through the Army course at Bisley with distinguished success, and as a matter of course Lieut. Nicholson caught the fever, so the musketry atmosphere of the Company became intense. The energies of the officers were backed up by the non-coms., Platoon- Sergeant Coquerel of the 4th, whose genius for organisation was remarkable, and Sergt. Kohler of the 1st, and Corporal TomHnson of the 3rd. Each in his way developed special qualifications. For some time the supply of rifles was a difficulty owing to the huge demands of the Army, but somehow or other the majority of the Company managed to furnish themselves with either the long Lee-Enfield or the converted Martini- 1S3 The National Guard in the Great War Enfield. Then the next trouble was Range accommodation. Bisley on Sundays was a closed book at that time, but by hook or by crook some of the keen ones of " A " Company got permission for a special Sunday afternoon and stuck it through such a storm of rain and wind that the heart of the Bisley authorities was touched and permission given then and there for Sunday practice in the future — a con- cession which has been of the utmost value to the Volunteer Force generally and of which the Guard and " A " Company in particular has taken full advantage. Just at this critical moment, the Deiis ex uiachina appeared in the shape of a Challenge Cup, presented by the Editor and Manager of the " National Guard Magazine," to be shot for by all the Companies of the Group. This was indeed an inspired idea and had the effect of at once crystallising the musketry situation and interest. There was now something concrete to strive for, and right royally the Companies buckled down to the work. There were three great meetings at Pirbright in the Septembers of 1916, 1917, and 1918. Each in its way was a triumph of volunteer shooting and a still greater triumph as a pattern of military organisation adapted to the special requirements of the force. It would be too long a storv to relate , , ^^, _ _ the details of these meetings. Are not the }'* . fc J records written in the Book of the Guard— ''- i*-- 1 JH^^^^^ ^Q ^yi^-^ ^},^g Magazine? Suffice it to say that on each occasion " A " Company justi- fied its existence by carrying off the honours, being likewise on each occasion followed by the hardy sons of the North — the Scottish Company of the National Guard. Perhaps the finest performance was on the last occasion, when the competition was framed on lines as near to an army field practice as could be, combining as it did not only target shooting proper, but advancing, snap-shooting, fire orders, and fire discipline generally, and well deserved the flattering remarks passed on it by onlookers of the Regular Eorces. Incidentally it may be noted that the Scottish Company issued a challenge to " A " Company as a result of the 191 7 Competition, which was duly accepted, 184 Pte. J. C. Poynton Musketry Stipenisor of Platoon 1 , " A " Coinpaiiv LIEUTS. W. NICHOLSON AND F. J, ROBINSON The "Siamese Twins" The National Guard in the Great War and an interesting shoot took place likewise at Pirbright in October, 1917, but again " A " Company came to the front and returned home the victors. " A " Company also came out first in the Battalion Classification Practice at Purfleet in 1918 not only in shooting but in respect to the way in which the Company got to work. Amongst the influential men outside the Guard who have taken a very strong personal interest in its success may be mentioned Colonel Sir Lewis Mclver, who has acted somewhat as a patron saint to " A " Company, not only attending certain social functions, but watching their military training with great interest, evidenced also by the gift to the Company of a very handsome statuette of Lord Roberts, which is one of their musketry trophies and is at present held by No. i Platoon. TO revert to other fields of action during the early part of the war, in order to make up for the want of regular ranges Mr. de Salis, of Portnall Park, offered to build a range in his beautiful estate for the use of the Guard, so " A " Company came to the rescue, and under the Musketry Staff it was mainh- with " A " Company's help and energies that a range up to 400 yards was built. Mr. de Salis was one of the original Captain H. M. Ellis members of No. i Platoon, and his generosity Who recehed the first Military Cross awarded to ^^^^ j-J-^g labour he put into this project aLabour Corps officer. Captain Elhs was a member -c '^ ■' of Platoon 2, •' A" Company dcserve public appreciation. When the Guard volunteered for the excellent work at Bartholomew's Hospital it was "A" Company upon whom the experiments were made from which the bed and stretcher drill was evolved. It was " A " Company which led off with the first turn of duty, and it was mainly volunteers of this Company who attended with the Colonel the first time the meeting of returned troops at Victoria was initiated. Perhaps if there was one class of work more than another that the Captain revelled in, it was the trench digging parades. If the records were available it would no doubt be found that " A " Company did its full share in this defensive work up to the last. When in the course of time, owing to administrative demand upon Lieut. Horace Booth, that officer had to resign his command of No. 3 Platoon into other 186 BATTALION-QUARTERMASTER W. L. BAYLEY The National Guard in the Great War hands, the difficulty arose to find a substitute worthy of following him. The selection of Mr., afterwards Lieut. George Emerson, much as he was missed from the Platoon-Sergeantship of No. 4 Platoon, was more than justified bv the success of his command. What was No. 4's loss turned out to be very much No. 3's gain. Lieut. H. R. Oldficld, who had resumed command of No. 2 Platoon, volun- teered for more active service in the Royal Air Force, and his place was taken by Lieut. Harvey, and when Lieut. Robinson was promoted to the second in command of the Company, Platoon-Sergeant Castellain, of No. I, became its Commander. The only other changes in the command of importance was the appointment of Lieut. Robinson to the post of BattaHon Musketry Officer, owing to his special qualifications and abilities. He had been acting all along as officer in charge of musketry for the Company, and his place as such was taken by Lieut. Nicholson, whose task of following in his predecessor's footsteps was an easy one. Truly it may be said that "A" Company has been fortunate in its officers from first to last. IT would be ungracious to close this sketch of " A " Company without placing on record the debt of gratitude the Company has been under to the Governors of the Cowper Street Schools, in Cowper Street, Cit}' Road. Throughout its career the use of the Schools and the playground have been at the beck and call night or day of the Company and its platoons, without payment and without reward, except such can be conveyed by the grateful thanks, through their secretary, Sergt. Houston, of all concerned in the organisation and carrying on of the Guard and the consciousness of the Governors of the School that they have done a great, a very great deed in the time of national stress. There was also another string working from behind the scenes that should not be forgotten. An immense amount of clerical and organising work was done for the Company in a quiet and unobtrusive way by Miss Moore — Lieut. Nichol- son's private secretary. She was a kind of unofficial female adjutant, looking after the ordering and advising of the various arrangements — work that does not show when it is well done and the importance of which is only apparent when the machinery stops or shrieks for want of oil, but there was no such catastrophe in " A " Company. When the time arrives that the official order goes forth that the National Guard is a thing of the past, the members of " A " Company, one and all, can look back on its past with feelings of pride unalloyed with even the slightest trace of any untoward event or incident to mar the contemplation of its endeavoured- to-be-useful life, and the feelings of brotherly love and afltection that have grown 188 CAPTAIN S. R. F. FREED The National Guard in the Great War up will ever exist amongst all, whether officers, non-commissioned officers, or men, who have served together under its colours throughout these dark and anxious years. The Old Comrades Association of "A" Company has been formed, to say nothing of a verv live Rifle Club, so that although disbanded or practically so, there will still be a standard around which the old warriors may foregather and fight their battles over again. A FOURTH BATTALION STALWART Mr. Stallybrass was very assiduous in his musketry work for Platoon 4. Li addition to the frequent practices and matches, he gave weekly lectures on the various depart- ments of musketry as laid down in Musketry Regulations, illustrating his words by col- oured diagrams which rendered difficult points (especially in regard to the " Theory of Rifle Fire") much more intelligible. Another development of the O.R.C.'s work was the suppers and concert which they gave to wounded soldiers from the hospitals. These were given at various Inns of Court, by sanction of the Benchers, and about 100 to 150 wounded were usually entertained. Mr. Stallybrass made a very close study of the "Enfield P. 14" rifle when it was first allotted to the Volunteers. B)' a long series of tests of the shooting of the rifle, and applying the mechanical and theoretical principles ^. Swan Stallybrass to the results, he discovered the tra- Muskctyy Superrisor to Platoon 4, •• A" Company jectory of the new rifle and applied it to the lOO, 200 and 300 ranges (the rifle being " battle-sighted " at 400), so that members of Platoon 4 never used the " leaf " for ranges below 500, invariably shooting " up " or " down " the target to secure the bull, which distinguished them from all other platoons, within " A " Company at least. Realizing how important " up and down " shooting was from a military point of view, he wrote a book on " Enfield P. 14 " ; but, though the War Office raised no objection to its publication, the official book on the rifle not having been yet published, the Adjutant-General disallowed publication on the grounds that the treatment of the subject was " too difficult." 190 CAPTAIN R. G. ASLET "C" COMPANY, 4th BATTALION C" COMPANY owes a debt of gratitude to the first Company Commander, Mr. P. Cable, who was instrumental in obtaining permission for the Com- pany to drill at Chelsea Barracks with the services of the Guards' Drill Instructors. Mr. Middleton availed himself of this privilege, as did also Captain Aslet, until the War Office ordered that training was to be confined principally to Field Work. Members of the Company are not likely to forget the weeks of hard training at Cowper Street Schools, when they thought that they were to form a Guard of Honour to the late Lord Kitchener, and although there was great disappointment when they learned that they were not to have this honour, few regretted the time given, as they were all far better soldiers for the severe work. Names, such as Heath, Goodman, Grubb, Satchell and a dozen others, not forgetting " Kief Klite," will never be forgotten by the members of " C " Co. A word of thanks is due to 2nd-Lieut. W. Ward-Higgs for providing members with " The Cottage," at North Weald, as through his kindness all those who went down digging were able to obtain a good meal and a wash and brush up after the day's work. A special word of thanks is due to Co.-Sergt. Taylor. Not only did he give a great amount of his time to the Co. in order that its efficiency should be well maintained, but his Bayonet Classes will be remembered by all. The Co. Musketry Staff, which worked so hard under the supervision of Lieut. C. H. Pickering, should also be mentioned, especially Sergts. Neil, Marden-Ranger, and Corp. L. G. Brown. These men put in a vast amount of time to the teaching of Musketry, and the Co. greatly improved thereby. The best Shooting Platoon was No. I2. A good many regret that the War Office did not see its way clear to continue the use of the Volunteers, for in addition to the fact that the training and work did us all a vast amount of good, we have made friendships that will never be broken. The War has shown us the best in ourselves, and it has enabled us to see the best in our fellow men. Our Old Comrades' Association enables us to meet occasionally and " fight our battles all over again," and if any of the late members of the Company have not yet joined us they should write the Co. Hon. Sec. for particulars. 192 CAPTAIN GOUGH "D^' COMPANY, 4th BATTALION THE career of " D " Co. from its inception on Boxing day, 1914, until Volun- teering ceased to exist, was perhaps noticeable for its ever-changing personnel. It commenced under Capt. Cough with Messrs. Roberts, Whitehouse, Nicks and Freed, — Messrs. Bishop, Davis, Gwynne and Salmon passed through to other spheres of action, and it ended under Capt. Freed, with Messrs. Drew, Driver, and Phillips, and they would have been joined by Messrs. Gall and Glover, had the Armistice been further delayed. During its career " D " Co. provided three Captains to the Battalion out of a total of six. Not only were changes frequent among the Officers, but the rank and file altered very considerably. The City of London not being a residential centre, the City of London Vol- unteers were drawn from places as widely apart as Southsea and Southend, with the not unnatural result that many shifted from one Battalion or Company to another, where drills and duties could be more easily performed, and although D Co. held some of its 1914-15 originals to the last, the main body might during the earlier part of the time have been found in the West end of London, though in course of time it seems to have altered further East. To a considerable extent the four Platoons had somewhat dissimilar instincts, and while one could always be reckoned on to produce good marksmen, another seemed more reliable for fatigue duties, such as guard work, trench digging, machine gunnery, etc. 194 Pte. H. H. Nicholes The Crack Shot of No, 14 Platoon, " D " Company The National Guard in the Great War The one exceptional experience may possibly be that of having a mounted Platoon, an experiment that did not offer much chance of permanent success, as was the case, and on the abolition of the mounted element, only a few remained in the Company, and the Platoon was entirely replenished with recruits. Dinners, Balls, Sing-Songs were almost noticeable by their absence until after the Armistice, although 14 Platoon did indulge in a Platoon dinner during ^larch, 1916. " D " Co. comprised a very fair sprinkling of old travellers, soldiers and sailors of the self-reliant type who bore the stamp of caring for nobody but, " if the country wants me, as long as I can handle a gun, it can have me, but I don't waste my time over frills and fancy work," and undoubtedly at Tadworth Camp " D " Co. put up an excellent show, and was not behind others at guard- mounting, trenching, etc. For five years " D " Co. and its members quietly and unobtrusively carried on, performing all duties demanded, desiring neither praise nor thanks ; just a plain compan}- of British Volunteers without any feeling of vast superiority, peculiarity of dress, language, or isolated grandeur. Thus it commenced and thus it ended, all probably feeling that such time and work as could be given voluntarily was freely granted. Now naught remains among its members save newly developed and firmly-cemented lifelong friendships. Sic transit gloria mundi. 195 XXIII. 5tli BATTALION LIEUT. -COL. J. SHELDON HEPWORTH, V.D., J.P. Commandant, 1914-1918 Lieut.- Colonel J. Sheldon Hepworth, V.D., was Commandant of the original 2nd Battalion of the Guard, afterwards the 5th Battalion C.L.V.R. Colonel Hepworth's experiences go back to 1868, when he joined the Queen's Westminsters, and he has been right through the mill as private, " non-com," and officer. After twelve years with the Queen's Westminsters he took a commission in 1877 in the 3rd London Rifles, now the 7th Battalion, where he attained rank of Major, retiring in 1901 with the rank of Lieut- enant-Colonel with permission to wear the uniform of the regiment. For six years he was on the staff of the East London Brigade and was D.A.A.G. to Colonel Trotter, commanding the Home District. He got his V.D. and was made a magistrate for the County of Surrey. 5th BATTALION L T.-COLONEL S. C. BYRNE, who succeeded Lt.-Colonel Sheldon-Hepworth in command of the 5th Battahon, is an experienced soldier. He joined the 2 1st Middlesex (afterwards nth London), Finsbury Rifles, as a 2nd-Lieutenant in April, 1892, and served on the Staff of the Royal Military Tournament in years 1892, '93, '94, and '95 and 1900. He served in the CIA', in the South African War in 1900, and in 1901 was appointed Staff-Captain of Imperial Yeomanry and assisted his father. Colonel Henry Byrne, C.B., who then commanded the Battalion (21st Middlesex), to raise the 24th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry at our Headquarters. Lt.-Colonel Byrne was appointed to command the nth London Regt. in May, 1914, and was in command at the outbreak of war in August of that year. The Battalion was training at Crow- borough in Sussex, then two months guarding the line from Farnborough to Southampton, then in January, 1915, proceeded to Richmond and afterwards to the ^^'hite Cit}-. In April the Battalion was transferred to the 54th Division and went for training to Norwich, and afterwards to Hatfield, from which place it embarked for GalHpoli in July, 1915. The Battahon took part in the landing and fighting at Suvla Bay, where the 197 Lt.-Colonel S. G. Byrne Commandant oj olli Battalion C.L.V.R. The National Guard in the Great War General Officer commanding the Brigade was wounded, and for a fortnight Lt.- Col. Byrne commanded the 162nd Infantry Brigade. The Division reHeved another Division at Anzac, from which place he was invalided to Malta towards the end of September, 1915, and afterwards to England. Colonel Byrne left England in October, 1916, to proceed to Egypt, calling at Malta and Salonica on the way. He commanded the i-iith London Regt. again in the Sinai Peninsula and beyond El Arish, until sent home in April, 1917, " unfit for further active service." He was given a special appointment with the B.E.F. in France and served in that country from June, 1917, to April, 1918. During the last three months of this period Colonel Byrne was in command of forty-two officers and 2,000 men. As Commandant of the 5th BattaHon Colonel Byrne was an immediate success. His immense keenness, energy, courtesy and consideration for his officers and men gained him the popularity and respect of all ranks. 198 Captain A. J. Cardell Captain W. Heptinstall Millar Captain C. E. J. Cary-Elwes Captain F. Vaughan OFFICERS OF THE 5th BATTALION [Photographs by Miles &- Kaye, 54, Cheapside, E.C.\ Captain I. Watt (AdjuUnit) Captain W. E. Monro iiaT'^lA^^^^^^^^I W^*""^ »« ^ ^lll ^^ A. E. Bennetts C. W. Brown OFFICERS OF THE 5th BATTALION [Pholuj^raphs by Miles &■ Kaye, SJ, Clicapside, E.C.] R. G. Longer oft C. E. Stephens G. McKechnie A. J. Wall OFFICERS OF THE 5th BATTALION [Photographs, except where otherwise staled, by Miles iS- Kaye, 54, Cheapside, E.C.] A. J. Andrews ^ ''"'""'' (Quartermaster) G. Hughes K ^. - ^^^H K P\ L ^ 1 ^^^B H. E. Bouch J. Roebuck OFFICERS OF THE 5th BATTALION {Photographs, except where otherwise stated, by Miles &■■ Kaye, 54, Clieapside, E.C] "A'' COxMPANY, 5th BATTALION CORPORATE bodies, like individuals, each possess a psvchologv, an in- dividuality, and a soul of their own. As with individuals again, each is largely moulded by its origin and environment. Thus it is that the history of Platoons and Companies is not without its place in the records of a Regiment as a whole. Technically " A " Co. of the 5th Battalion, was never complete, for at no time did it possess the " 4 Platoons " of which, according to " Infantry Drill," a Company consists. No. 2 Platoon never existed, except for a brief period as a figment of Headquarters' imagination. Repeated attempts to raise it, to affiliate other unattached units, or to form it from the existing Platoons, ended in failure. Doubtless it was due to this state of arrested development that " A " Co. so frequently acted with " C " Co., especially after the latter had suffered the amputation of " The Scottish." There was a common bond of suffering between them ! Despite the inconvenience produced on parade by its disabilitv, the Companv bore its full share of regimental work. No. I Platoon received its early impressions and training in the scholastic shades of the City of London School playground, Thames Embankment, a venue to which it remained true throughout its career. Only occasionallv, in summer, did it desert the School for the Temple Gardens, for the purpose of Company Drill, or visit the vacant site of the Old General Post Office for instruction in the use of the spade and the bomb. Later, the latter practice was carried out in the bombing ground in Gray's Inn Fields. It took itself seriously from the first, met daily from 2 to 3 p.m., and after- wards from 2 to 4 p.m. for drill and training, and never forgot that it was the leading Platoon of the Battalion on parade. It endeavoured to live up to its position, and indeed regarded itself as an '' O.T.C." Platoon, and that it had con- siderable justification for doing so may be seen from the following list of those who passed through its ranks to Commissions in the Regular Army, our own Corps, and other Battalions. They were H. E. Barrett, K. Chaplin, A. C. Driver, B. W. Findon, T. Murray Ford, A. E. Manning Foster, E. Hodgson, R. C. Jonas, 203 The National Guard in the Great War H. G. Lynn, J. McT-achlan, L. Martin, W. H. Millar, H. W. Ramsay, W. N. Twelvetrees, A. J. Wall and A. ^I. H. Walrond, sixteen in all, amongst them being one Count\- Commandant and two Battalion Adjutants. THE Platoon was at first under the charge of Dr. W. Heptinstall Millar, with Mr. A. J. Wall as Platoon Sergeant. Later, Dr. Millar was given command of the Company, and Mr. Wall took over the Platoon. In Mr. (afterwards Lieut.) A. J. Wall the Platoon enjoyed a most efficient, reliable, hardworking and capable commander, always present on parade or on any special duty, gifted with that rare virtue " a saving common sense," and deservedly popular with all ranks. No. I also furnished the Company with its tirst two Sergeant-Majors, viz., H. G. Lynn and H. T. Pardy, and two Quartermaster-Sergeants in R. C. F. Uniache and C. J. Buck, while its Platoon Sergeants have been A. J. Wall, H. T. Pardy, and T. Chatto, all good men and true. Equallv fortunate has it been in its other non-commissioned ranks, in which have figured, in various capacities, A. Bacon, H. E. Barrett, C. J. Buck, W. H. Butcher, F. Chatto, S. R. Dyas, E. Hodgson, H. R. Killik, W. 0. Kerr, H. G. Lynn, V. Letts, H. T. Pardy, C. Schlee, N. C. F. Uniache, A. J. Wall, and A. M. H. Walrond. Whatever the calls of the Company, No. i always upheld its pride of place. NO. 3 Platoon's first steps were taken amid the legal associations of Clifford's Inn. The space for drill was restricted, the surface bad and encroached upon by trees, but the members loved it, and it was only with great difficulty that they were later lured to share with No. i the wider facilities of the City of London School playground. Whether due or not to its cramped surroundings. No. 3 was at first both small and sickly, but possessed nevertheless a really remarkable vitalit}-, and some very sterling and faithful members. Under strong recommendation from Headquarters Mr. J. T. Murray was its first Commander, followed later by Lieut. H. G. Lynn and Lieut. E. Hodgson. The change to the City of London School did much for the Platoon, and under Lieut. Lynn's fostering care, and afterwards under that of Lieut. Hodgson, it more than justified its existence, and became a power in the Company. To Lieut. Lynn's enthusiasm for Musketry the Platoon and the Company owed much, warmly supported as it was by Sergt. T. E. Barrett. With two such marksmen the Platoon was bound to be prominent in shooting, and its standard was a high one. 204 CAPTAIN HEPTINSTALL MILLAR The National Guard in the Great War Added to his prowess with the rifle, tlie Platoon possessed in Mr. Lynn an enthusiastic officer, and a fine soldier. He was an inspiriting leader, conscientious in everything, and terrible with the bayonet. It required a good man to replace him when he voluntarily transferred to the Royal Air Force, and such a one was found in Mr. E. Hodgson. Mr. Hodgson combined with a sound knowledge of the work of his Platoon a decided leaning towards the scientific and mechanical side of his profession. Exact, succinct, capable and painstaking, and possessing a quiet but delightful humour, he was an excellent instructor in machine gun work, first to the Company, and later, as Machine Gun Officer, to the Battalion, while we were indebted to him for the publication and provision of valuable Notes on the Hotchkiss and Lewis guns, and for a very handy Signalling Card. After its early days No. 3 " found itself," and became a keen competitor for all Company honours. Its Platoon Sergeants were J. H. Green (afterwards Company-Sergt. -Major) and H. R. Killik, and its other N.C.O.'s were T. E. Barrett, H. Davey, H. A. R. Dickinson, S. R. Dyas, G. C. Firth, J. Murrav Ford, C. Houdret, H. D. Streeton and H. J. Wortham. NO. 4 Platoon possessed a personality all its own. Raised in the Central Markets, it met for drill purposes at the Northampton Institute, St. John's Street, and later at the Charterhouse. Owing to the business in the Markets being done chiefly in the very early hours of the morning, the members of the Platoon had mostly finished their day's work by 2 p.m., and it was no small tribute to their earnestness and self- sacrifice that they should then face one or two hours of drill before making for their homes. The Platoon could boast of some fine shots, among them being Lieut. Douglas Cooper, Sergts. Cockerill, Reynolds and Sturgess, and these, and others, played no mean part in the shooting successes of the Company. In the early days the influence of such men as Messrs. F. Bonsor, J. Currie, W. Hawkins, W. H. Key, H. T. Reynolds and others was of great value to the Platoon, and Mr. H. T. Reynolds afterwards rendered valuable and unostentatious service to the Company as its Quartermaster-Sergeant. Mr. C. R. W. Offen was the Platoon's first Commander, an officer who with an unassuming presence combined a very thorough knowledge of his work, and under whose unremitting and wise training the Platoon throve. On Mr. Offen joining the Royal Defence Corps in 1916 Mr. Douglas Cooper took over the command. 206 BATTALION QUARTERMASTER A. J. ANDREWS The National Guard in the Great War Himself a well-known member of the market, Mr. Cooper understood, and was understood by, his Platoon. Always cheery and genial, he was both success- ful and popular, and was ever ready, if called upon, to attempt even what he himself might regard as the impossible, and generally with success. The Military Service Act largely depleted the Platoon, and Mr. Cooper resigned his commission in 1918. The Platoon Sergeants were Douglas Cooper, F. Bonser and H. Sturgess, the latter with special qualifications in Physical Drill and Bayonet Fighting, and through its non-commissioned ranks passed A. J. Booth, R. C. Cockerill, H. Dean, W. J. Fitch, H. M. Fitter, A. E. Hammett, W. J. Hennessey, P. W. Kelly, G. Poole, A. C. Robinson, J. Spanger, H. W. Shinger, A. P. Twigg, N. Van de Linde, E. White, and W. T. Wysard. These somewhat diverse parts combined well, as a Company, into a har- monious whole. The fact that the hours of drill were at mid-day attracted to its ranks many men of position in the City, professional men and others, whose homes were at a distance, or who were not usually in town. Thus we had enthusiasts living as far away as Brighton and St. Albans who came up to town to put in their parades. While this secured us many excellent members, yet the dispersal of the personnel had the concomitant disadvantage of making it very difficult to secure a rapid mobilisation, or obtain evening parades when summoned, and militated against full attendances at Battalion Parades, etc. These disabilities were partly over- come by the devotion of the members, who stayed in town for the night, at no small expense and inconvenience to themselves. Thus, when looking backward, we have the right to be surprised at the amount of work which was put in. Every day in each alternate week we were on duty either Trench Digging in Essex, on Air Raid Guard at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, or on Station work at Victoria or Waterloo, and this in addition to our ordinary training. Later there was Guard Duty at the Pumping Station, Rotherhithe, at the mouth of the Blackwall Tunnel, and at the Post Ofhce Power Station on the Surrey side, and the G.P.O. Telephone Exchange, Knight Rider Street. Moreover, it has to be remembered that in consequence of the small size of the Company these duties fell largely upon the shoulders of the same men. Without boastfulness, we may surely claim that, of a truth, the Volunteers deserved well of their countrv ! Although it is not generally known, to " A " Company, and as far as we are aware, to " A " Company alone, fell the honour of being called upon on an occasion of civil commotion. 208 The National Guard in the Great War IN the early days of 1915, during the anti-German riots in the East End, an urgent message was received by No. i Platoon, then engaged in drill at the City of London School, to proceed with all haste to the Guildhall. It did so at " the double," the traffic in Cheapside being held up to let it pass. According to the accounts in the papers next day : — " In less than a quarter of an hour after receiving the call, the Platoon, under Dr. Heptinstall Millar, marched into the Hall. The services of the men were not required, but they were complimented on the smartness of the turn out." A like keenness was shown in undertaking other forms of Special Service, both at home and abroad. In the summer of 1915, when Volunteers were wanted for Trench Digging in France, three officers and nearly one hundred N.C.O.'s and men responded, and when in 1918 there came the further call for Special Service on the East Coast, two Officers and 3 N.C.O.'s and men sent in their names. For the latter service Sergt. H. R. Killik, Corpl. G. G. Firth, and Pte. T. G. Winskill were accepted, and did good work with the Lovat Scouts at Beccles. In trench construction the Company took more than its share, both in Essex and at Harlow, and the records show that the Battalion Trench Parties were more often than not in charge, often entirely in charge, of "A" Co. officers. While alwavs possessing good workers, it is pleasant to remember that in the early days at Ongar the Company contained some of the best experts in the Corps, and indeed furnished that little band of trenching enthusiasts which received the name of the " Ongar Mikers." This appellation, like the more famous one of the " Contemptible Little Army," was originally framed as a term of reproach, but, like its prototype, was converted by the prowess and devotion of its receivers into a title of honour. Despite the squalor and dirt of the surroundings at Blackwall, and on the Surrey Side, we look back with pleasure to the good work done there, while the Guards at the G.P.O. premises in Knight Rider Street were performed under more comfortable circumstances. The nights spent at St. Bartholomew's Hospital afforded pleasant oppor- tunities for social intercourse between the periods of Ambulance training and spasmodic " alarms," and while Air Raids, actual or threatened, kept us often on duty till the late hours of the morning, they at the same time instilled an element of excitement into our work, and justified the time and energy which we were expending. A special tribute must be given to those members of No. 4 p 209 The National Guard in the Great War Platoon who not rarely went direct to their early work after a night Guard at the Hospital. In their attendance at Victoria, Waterloo, and Euston, many of our members were indefatigable, and in the early days, when the duty was carried out on a Company basis, the work was both strenuous and exacting, despite its rich reward in the knowledge of the aid which we were able to give to the weary men from the front. Before the Motor Transport Corps came to our assistance, it was no small task to tramp across from Victoria to Euston, and King's Cross, in the small hours of the morning, at the head of several hundred men even more weary than ourselves. Some of us will well remember doing it. Afterwards, when the work was taken over by the " Station Company," formed ad hoc, many of our members continued to " carry on," some, like Pte. E. Greenwood, while still per- forming their usual duties with the Company. AS regards drill, the facilities which the Platoons enjoyed for movements in the open were well utilised. Although the time has hardly yet come for quoting unofficial expressions of official approval, yet the Company had good reason for knowing that at the Annual Company Inspections it was not found wanting in either efficiency or steadiness, when compared with the other like units. The " Lynn Challenge Cup," presented by Lieut. Lynn as an inter-platoon trophy for Drill and Fire Discipline, was a valuable incentive to proficiency. It will interest members of the Company to know that by a happy and graceful inspiration this Cup has now been handed over, with Lieut. Lynn's concurrence, to the City of London School Officers' Training Company, where we understand it will continue its usefulness under the name of the " Lynn, National Guard, Cup." Musketry has always been well to the fore. The miniature ranges at both Blackfriars and the Central Markets were constantly in use, and in 1917 the Company Team, consisting of Lieuts. Douglas Cooper and H. G. Lynn, Sergts. R. Cockerell, H. R. Killik, L. Martin, H. Sturgess and H. T. Reynolds, Corpl. T. E. Barrett and Pte. W. H. Butcher, won the " Mackworth Praed " Cup from the 266 teams entered from all parts of the country, and secured third place in the Miniature Range Championship Competition. In the open, the Company captured the Battalion Cup (the " Hepworth Cup ") in 1917, the year of its presentation, and in both 1916 and 1917 occupied third place in the shoot for the " National Guard Magazine " Cup. In 1916 our position would have been that of the " runners up," but for some unfortunate shots which found their way on to the wrong target and were thus lost to us. The " Armada " and the " Hall " Challenge Cups, so generously presented 210 The National Guard in the Great War by Pte. (now Sir) Henry J. Hall, did much to stimulate interest and increase pro- ficiency in marksmanship. The " Hall " Cup was eventually won, most fittingly, by that fine shot, Sergt. T. E. Barrett, who has done so much for the Company, while the " Armada " Cup fell to Captain Millar at the final shoot in the open in August, 1919. The latter Cup was presented to the winner by Sir Henry Hall on the occasion of a most enjoyable Complimentary Dinner given by the Company in Captain Millar'? honour, at the Cafe Monico, in the October following. DESPITE the falling off in our numbers owing to the passage of the Military Service Act, and the signing of Peace, we may fairly claim that, to use Mr. Kipling's words, we " can finish in style." Though apparently in the last few weeks of its existence, indeed when almost in articulo mortis, the Company sent in the names of all its officers and of one-third of its N.C.O.'s and men in response to an appeal for men for Guard Duty during the Railway Strike. At the commencement of the War we undertook " to see this thing through." The following are the names of the members of the Company who have done so from first to last in our ranks. F. G. Anstiss, W. H. Butcher, T. Chatto, B. C. Edwards, C. E. Ensum, E. Greenwood, E. Hodgson, H. R. Killik, F. W. Leigh, W. H. Millar, G. E. Mould, T. E. Price, H. T. Reynolds, P. Stokes, F. C. 0. Smart, E. Tabernacle, A. J. Wall and T. G. Winskill. We have been well served by H. G. Lynn, H. F. Pardy and J. H. Green in the position of Company-Sergeant-Major, while E. G. Buck, A. C. Robinson and H. T. Reynolds have equally well filled the onerous post of Company-Quarter- master-Sergeant. So much for our record. To establish it has meant much expenditure on the part of us all, of time, strength, thought, endeavour and cash. Has that expenditure been justified r We hold unhesitatingly that it has. With any who urge that our efforts were a failure because we were never actually called out to face an enemy, we confess to having but scant patience. Such minds would call a man a fool for having paid his annual insurance premium unless he had had his house burnt down about his ears ! We never imagined ourselves to be " first line " troops. It was to hold the last ditch that we trained ourselves. We did so because we were not prepared to gamble with Fate, with our Country's Freedom as the forfeit ! Like the rest, we were prepared to stake our all, and we paid the lesser premium, as we would have paid the larger one, gladly. To the best of our ability, and recognising our limitations, we " went where Duty seemed to call." Such, only, is our claim, and, if needs be, our justification. 211 CAPTAIN MONRO, "B" COMPANY "B'^ COMPANY, 5th BATTALION THE first O.C. of " B " Co. was Captain Carey-Elwes, who later became second- in-command of the Battalion. He was succeeded by Captain W. E. Monro, who proved a most capable and popular ofhcer. Captain Monro was in command of the BattaHon until the disbandment. Lieut. John Roebuck was in charge of B5 Platoon, and was also Transport Officer. Lieut. C. E. Stephens of No. 6 was senior Lieut., and also bombing officer. Lieut. Bouch of No. 7 was the Musketry Instructor. Lieut. Brown, who passed the Chelsea course with distinction, was in charge of No. 8 Platoon. John Roebuck was the first Co. Sergt. -Major, followed by F. E. Tacey, then came S. M. Dent, and afterwards W. R. Honey. F. E. Tacey became a Captain in the National Guard Transport. The Company's Platoon-Sergeants were : — No. 5, F. T. Bisley ; No. 6, F. E. Tacey, later W. C. Tacey ; No. 7, A. W. Gore, then R. W. Neumegan ; No. 8, G. Macgilliray. Sergt. Adrian Collins was promoted Captain in charge of London Defences, and he was ably assisted by Batt. Pioneer Sergt. G. S. Whish, and also Pioneer Corpl. M. E. Duffett. " B " Co. had more Staff Officers than any other Company. The first was C.Q.M.S. Courtney, followed by C.Q.M.S. G. H. Knight, who was succeeded by the indefatigable C.Q.M.S. A. J. Pearce. At one period the Company reached about 300, and was always the largest in the Battalion. The efficiency at all times was good. There were several notable shots in the Company. A tremendous amount of work was done by the Company at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and on Station duties. On the social side the Company was always strong. There were several dinners and concerts. Pte. R. H. Lindo, of Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, always attended to the musical portion. !Many thanks are due to Pte. Lindo for the 21^ The National Guard in the Great War very splendid entertainments he provided, for which he procured some of the finest artistes in London. The Company had many excellent Saturday afternoons, at which field work was practised, followed by entertainments at various homes. Sergt. Anderson, afterwards an officer in A.S.C., entertained the Company at his beautiful home at Keston. Others who gave welcome to the Company were C.S.M. Dent and Mr. S. L. Noakes. On Christma's Day, 1916, the Company, through Mr. Lindo, provided an entertainment to wounded soldiers at Bart.'s Hospital. Many artistes gave up their Christmas evening to perform at the gathering. Cigarettes and other com- forts were supplied to the patients by the Company. The Company owes a great deal to Mr. Lindo for his help in providing excellent entertainments on various occasions. Through his good offices many distinguished artistes gave their services at Company dinners. 214 CAPTAIN CARDELL (( C" COMPANY, 5th BATTALION C" Company, 5th Battalion, was one of the first two companies of the " National Guard " to be honoured by the appointment of a Company Commander. It owed its existence to those men who elected to drill outside the city in the Central Hall and Dean's Yard, Westminster. It consisted of four platoons, two of which were composed of men of Scottish origin or proclivities. These two platoons subsequently became the Scottish or " A " Company, 6th Battalion. The loss of these hardy men from the North had the effect of turning what was one of the biggest Companies into one of the smallest, and from this defect it never quite recovered, though its want of numbers may in some way have accounted for its fine esprit de corps. The Company was commanded by Capt. A. Jno. Cardell, p.s., late of the 4th V.B. East Surrey Regt. (now the 23rd London Regt. T.F.). He was also commander of the Surrey Company Westminster National Reserve T.F. During his pilotage of " C " Company he had the pleasure of commanding the Guard of Honour on the occasion when the Right Hon. Llo^•d George received the freedom of the City of London. He was also in command of the Regiment when it was reviewed at Wellington Barracks by General Sir Francis Lloyd, G.O.C. London District, on the eve of his retirement from the Arm\-. During his period of service with the National Guard Captain Cardell was attached for a time to the Grenadier Guards, he also attended and passed the Volunteer Staff Training School Course. On the resignation of Capt. Carey Elwes, Capt. Cardell became the senior Captain of the Battalion. Capt. Guy Stevenson, C.B., acted for some time as the Company's 2nd in Command, but unfortunately for all concerned, he had to resign owing to the exigencies of his work as Assistant Public Prosecutor. Mr. H. R. Cripps was the first Platoon Commander. His military genius was soon discovered, and he was removed to Colonel Cobbett's office, later still becoming Staff Officer in the Army. Lieut. Geo. McKechnie, after serving some time and doing good work in the Company, and acting as Assistant Adjutant to the Battalion, left to become a Captain on the Navy and Army Canteen Board. 216 The National Guard in the Great War Lieut. S. R. Lowcock, who designed the shooting spoons for the Company and otherwise did so much for its efficiency, received a commission in the R.A.F., and retired with the rank of Lieut. -Colonel Lieut. Sir W. A. Waterlow, K.B.E., served through to the end ; he was a member of the Finance Committee, and put in a vast amount of valuable work. Lieut. Geo. Hughes, who wears the S.A. ribbon, was the life and soul of the Battalion ; he was attached to the Guards for a period, and was one of those who passed the Vol. Staff Training School Course. During the latter period of his service he was attached to Col. Cobbett's staff. Coy. -Sergt. -Major Hayllar, who left the Company early to go to the Machine Gun Company, was succeeded by Coy. -Sergt. -Major Lankester, late L.R.B. to whom most of the smartness of the Company was due. He was acknowledged by all the Company Commanders to be the best Coy. -Sergt. -Major in the Battalion. He and Sergt. F. A. Manning were the only two N.C.O.'s of the Battalion to pass the Vol. Staff Training School Course. Sergt. J. S. Nightingale, C.M.G., O.B.E., gave much time and worked hard in the interest of the Company. Unfortunately he contracted influenza and died. Sergt. H. M. Killik was one of the Company's invaluable assets. He served with Lovat's Scouts on the East Coast for three months ; he was a fine shot and great as an exponent of bayonet fighting. Sergt. F. C. Russell turned out the smartest Guard of the Group, and flag- wagging was no small part of his art. C.Q.M.S. Hunt, a fine shot, succeeded C.Q.IM.S. Bourdas, who was taken from the Company to be the Battalion Q.M.S. Corpl. F. H. A. Wedekind was a great enthusiast and an excellent promoter of bayonet fighting, physical drill and bomb throwing. Corpl. E. Wright, a man of exactitude in figures and trenches, was the Com- pany's hon. auditor and a very fair shot. Pte. Baird Carter, a keen Volunteer, sought to foster shooting bv presenting a magnificent Challenge Cup. This was first won by Pte. G. H. Young, and lastly by Sergt. W. J. P. Smith, who, besides his military duties, did great work in the Special Constables. Other Cups were presented by Corpl. E. Warren and Pte. J. W. Thomas. Pte. Freke D.Williams rendered good service as the Company's Hon. Treasurer; he was one of the good old die-hards on Parades, Guards or other duties. Many men left to take commissions in the Army, such as Lieut. H. R. Hibbert, A.S.C., and others. 217 The National Guard in the Great War Pte. A. H. Dashwood had the distinction of being born in India during the Mutiny ; he was an interesting raconteur at the Company dinners. Pte. H. A. Wickham, who was the first man to introduce the rubber plant seeds to Kew Gardens. He was always on parade, and ready to make up the Guard. Pte. M. Barton was an examiner at the School of Music, and the Company found him a past master at the piano. Pte. R. H. Cox, of Cox &: Co., known to all Army men, was a keen supporter of rifle shooting, and supplied most of the prizes. Pte. Rayson was a keen and regular attendant; at his own instigation he became the Company's hon. printer. Pte. Clay, who always lent his band, and Corpl. Beresford's singing, ensured the success of the Company dinners. The line " C-C-C-C a good 'un for its size," in the Company's marching song, was a pregnant and significant statement. " C " Company was an assembly of keen and distinguished men too numerous to mention. The numbers were never lacking whether the Company was going under canvas, guard mounting, trench- digging, hospital duty, station duty, or shooting at the open ranges. It won the BattaHon Challenge Shooting Cup presented by Lieut.-Colonel Sheldon Hepworth. It certainly turned out the smartest Guards. Its dress and discipline were of the best. Its marching qualities were second to none. It attained its fine position with- out the aid of paid Guards' Sergeants, and was very proud of this fact. If anyone was wanted for an important post, or if a new Battalion was to be formed, " C " Company invariably found the material. The writer remembers the Company's very successful night attack, the first of its kind in the Guard ; it took place on the darkest of pitch black nights, and everything was carried out according to plan ; unfortunately a visitor from another company broke his leg, he was carried off the field on a stretcher improvised with rifles and belts. One bright lad of 60 years, speaking about it afterwards, thought it was badly arranged, when by the simple process of consulting the calendar, a bright moon- light night could easily have been made available. With the sole object of keeping fit route marches were one of the Company's features. Thus the wonderful London environs were brought to the notice of many ; the work at the time was con- sidered strenuous, but looking back they were really very instructive and will revive many pleasant memories. 218 CAPTAIN F. VAUGHAN, "D" Company SIR ERNEST CLARKE [Milci 6- Kaye Hon. Co.-Commander of "D" Co., 5th Battalion, Member of Grand Committee of the National Guard. (( D" COMPANY, 5th BATTALION THE membership of this Company was formed, in the first instance, from Fellows and Associates of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and members of their office staffs. At a crowded meeting, on October 14, 1914, the " Chartered Secretaries' Drilling Corps " was formally inaugurated, and a large number of members enrolled. Drills commenced on November 9, and were held four times a week at Salisbury House, where several halls were patriotically placed at the disposal of the Corps. Recruits continued to pour in until the accommodation proving inadequate, advantage was taken of an offer of additional space for drilling in some large vacant rooms at 60, London Wall. Here was formed an excellent drum and bugle band, under Bandmaster W. E. Budd, which has since developed into the very fine drum and flute band of the 5th Battalion. Sir Ernest Clarke, a former President of the Institute of Secretaries, became Commandant, and he appointed Mr. W. J. Irving Scott as Sub-Commandant, and Mr. R. Stewart as Adjutant. Mr. A. F. Harrison became Commander of " A," Mr. R. J. Longcroft of " B," Mr. B. E. HoUoway of " C," and Mr. J. O. Byrne of " D " Company. At the first route march, on December 19, some 500 members, accompanied by the Band, proceeded from Finsbury Circus to the Botanic Gardens, where they were inspected by the Commandant and members of the Council of the Institute of Secretaries, who expressed appreciation of the results so quickly achieved from the training of the Corps. A similar number attended the first Church Parade, at St. Botolph's, Bishops- gate, on January 17 following. At a subsequent inspection the Lord Mayor, Sir Charles Johnston, expressed his satisfaction with the smart turn out and urged the Corps to live up to its motto, " Semper Vigilans," and be ever ready to repel invasion if the need arose. Several route marches followed, and on all occasions the members appeared in mufti, wearing the G.R. brassard which distinguished the Volunteers in those times. 221 The National Guard in the Great War ON the issue of the War Office memorandum dealing with men of military age, the membership fell off rapidly. Indeed, when an invitation came from the newly established National Guard to form a company of men above military age for inclusion in the 2nd Battalion, only 120, or thereabouts, were found eligible and willing to join. Of the remainder about 80 formed the nucleus of " P " Company of the Special Constabulary, City of London Police Reserve, and many of these original members are still carrying out their self-imposed and arduous duties. The remainder of the drilling corps were disbanded, and the 120 stal- warts became embodied as " D " Company of the 2nd Battalion, National Guard. The subsequent history of the Company is identified with this and the 5th Battalion of the Regiment, to which it was subsequently attached. Some details, however, of special interest to past and present members of the Company, may here be given. SIR Ernest Clarke remained Honorary Commandant, and the newly-formed Company was commanded by Mr. R. Stewart, with Mr. A. F. Harrison as Second in Command. Platoon Commanders were. No. 13, Mr. R. C. Longcroft ; No. 14, Mr. W. Watkins ; No. 15, Mr. A. E. Bennetts ; and No. 16, Mr. T. Aspling. Of these first officers Messrs. Stewart, Harrison and Watkins, in the year 1916, received commissions in the Royal Defence Corps. To fill the vacancies thus caused, Platoon Commander F. Vaughan (an ex-Guardsman who had won rapid promotion, and is a Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church of England), who had succeeded Mr. Aspling in the command of No. 16 Platoon, was appointed Commander of the Company, and was subsequently gazetted Captain. Mr. Harri- son's post was no longer necessary, when the National Guard became part of the reserve forces of the Crow'n. Sergeant E. V. Levick succeeded Mr. Watkins, and Sergeant C. H. Lambert took command of i6th Platoon. On the retirement through pressure of business engagements of Mr. Longcroft, he was succeeded by Mr. R. G. Bowyer, in the corhmand of No. 13 Platoon. These three and Lieut. Bennetts are, with Captain Vaughan, the present officers of the Company. A CONSIDERABLE number of men who passed through the ranks of the Drilling Corps and of " D " Company joined the army at various periods of the war. Among those who received commissions was a former Platoon Sergeant, Douglas E. Brodie (Secretary of the British South Africa Company), who was Acting Captain of his Company of the Cameron Highlanders when he was killed in France in 1916. A former Company-Sergeant-Major, S. O. Daly, also served with distinc- tion in France, where he had attained to Captain's rank when he was severely wounded in 1918. 222 The National Guard in the Great War " D " Company has usually mustered strongly in proportion to its numbers for all parades. It sent the largest contingents to camp at Tadworth both in 1917 and 191 8. It provided numerous working parties on the London Defences and strong guards for sentry duty. The training in ambulance work always attracted large parties to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and members of the Company con- tributed over ^46 to the Cigarette Fund for wounded soldiers in the Hospital. Many members of the Company have undertaken the excellent work of attending to the wants of soldiers on leave at Victoria and other London termini, and several are enrolled in the present Station Company. The various Sunday Parades used to be regularly attended by members up to their discontinuance on the signing of the Armistice. Four members of " D " Company, Messrs. Carver, Collinson, Levey and Ravenscroft, volunteered for garrison and coast patrol duty in the summer of 1 91 8, and served on the East Coast with the 2/ist Battalion Lovat Scouts. THE shooting record has not been so brilliant as some of the other companies of the National Guard, but " D " Company possesses some keen individual shots who have distinguished themselves on various occasions. Practice in minia- ture shooting, at the Cripplegate Institute range, was always well attended, and the greatest keenness was displayed in the various competitions. No. 16 Platoon succeeded in winning the Inter-Platoon Challenge Cup three times in succession, and it is now proudly held by 2nd Lieut. Lambert, to whom it was presented by the Lord Mayor. Many of the non-commissioned officers have attended courses of instruction in various subjects. Sergeant Withey holds the Chelsea certificate for Physical Instruction, Sergeant Collinson the Bisley School Certificate for musketry and the School of Machine Guns certificate for Lewis gunnery as well as certificates for other subjects. Lewis gunnery certificates are also held bv Corporals Goggs and Burcham, Lance-Corpl. McLeod and Private Robinson. NO sketch of the activities of " D " Company would be complete without a word of commendation of the work of its energetic Sergeant-Major, C. W. Wood, and of its Quartermaster-Sergeant F. C. Fry, who has been ably seconded in his multifarious duties by Lance-Corpl. Lambirth. In this connection mention must also be made of the self-sacrificing labours of Mr. Okey, whose regular week-end attendances at the Blake Hall Camp, his catering at Tadworth and his untiring devotion to the National Guard, have endeared him to all his comrades. 223 XXIV. 6th BATTALION Major W. McAllum Captain H. Barclay-Brown F. B. Eastwood Hugh White, Junr. OFFICERS OF THE 6th BATTALION [Pliolograp/is by Miles <£- Kaye, iJ, C/ieapsiile, E.C] T. J. Booth R. S. Clement L. G. Cook {Quartermaster) A. O. Devitt OFFICERS OF THE 6th BATTALION ^Photographs by Vatidyk] J. E. Duncan t Viouiyk A. C. Friedberger F. H. Morley J. T. E. Reed OFFICERS OF THE 6th BATTALION [Photographs, except where otherwise stated, by Miles &• Kaye, 54, Cheapside, E.C] E. J. Carroll S. Dyson Captain A. B. Irvine W. E. Shipton OFFICERS OF THE 6th BATTALION \_Photographs, except where otherwise stated, by ^'atidyk] THE SCOTTISH COMPANY, 6th BATTALION ALTHOUGH the Scottish Company was slow in taking shape as a self- contained unit of the National Guard, the germ quickened almost as soon as the Guard had come into being. The idea of a distinctively Scottish forma- tion in the Guard occurred simultaneously to several Scotsmen who were present at the memorable Boxing Day meeting and drill at the Guildhall, and as a result Colonel Cobbett invited Mr. Kenneth Barclay-Brown to take the necessary steps. An informal Committee was soon got together, and included Mr. Barclay- Brown, Mr. John Reed, the late Mr. J. C. Hamilton Greig, Sir John (then Mr.) Ferguson, of the National Bank of Scotland, Mr. J. P. Mclntyre, Mr. Robert Hedderwick, of the Stock Exchange, and Mr. Thomson Aikman. Mr. E. A. H. Haggart acted as secretary and liaison officer with Headquarters. This pro- visional body was soon transformed into a Management Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Ferguson. The handsome oifer by Mr. Francis Bannerman, of New York (a native of Dundee), of money and equipment for a City contingent of Scottish volunteers, and the subsequent authoritv given to the Lord Mayor by Mr. Bannerman to alter the terms of the gift and to use a certain latitude in apportioning it, only then came to the knowledge of the Committee. In the early days, when problems of finance and equipment were pressing and delicate, and when the Scottish Company was endeavouring to obtain what it considered its just share of Mr. Bannerman's donations, the Committee met very frequently. Its functions gradually diminished, so that between March and November, 1917, no meeting was held, and the Committee dissolved, handing over its financial cares to the Commanding Officer. ^& AIMING at being a full company if not to attain larger d^'mensions the Scottish unit at first modestly styled itself the " Scottish Detachment " of the Guard. It assembled for the first time on February 6, 191 5, in the London Scottish drill-hall, the use of which had been obtained by Mr. Barclay-Brown, an old officer of the London Scottish. Mr. Hamilton Greig had also held a commis- s'on in the London Scottish, and many of the rank and file had drawn their military experience from the same fount. On this, the first of many appearances 228 Al.leK.'?'.V^.^"XM^C ' CAPTAIN BARCLAY-BROWN The National Guard in the Great War at the Headquarters of the famous Territorial regiment, the Detachment was cordially welcomed on behalf of Col. Greig, C.B., M.P., by Captain Scott, who was authorised to confer on the newest Scottish volunteers honorary membership of the London Scottish canteen. So was inaugurated an association of which the Scottish Company has never ceased to be proud, and for which it in time sought to express its gratitude. The first drill of the Detachment was conducted by Sergeant-Major Heath, of the Grenadier Guards, who, when approached, was dubious about undertaking the duty, but accepted it with alacrity when he found that the men were all over military age and were in real earnest. Mr. Barclay-Brown had sought to get the best man available, and other units of the National Guard were not slow to profit by the felicity of his choice. Sergeant-Major Heath put the earnestness of the Scots to immediate test. His introductory observations on discipline were almost alarming in their severity, and the standard of alacrity he set was trying to amateur soldiers out of condition, but all present blessed his thorough- ness, and the steadiness he enforced bore good fruit. At one of the earliest drills the Detachment was informed on behalf of the Committee that it was not intended to lay a special claim to the Bannerman gift, that application for permission to adopt the kilt was considered inadvisable, as unlikely to be granted, and that the Scottish would conform as closely as possible to the uniform of the Guard, but would wear the Glengarry and mount thistles on the collar of the tunic. The tunic ultimately adopted was modelled on the pattern of the Lowland Scottish regiments. This uniform was first seen in public when the Detachment, in practically full strength, took part in the march before the King at Buckingham Palace in March. Probably because it was the junior unit of the Guard — though its members put more flattering constructions on the invitation— the Scottish Detachment was detailed to lead this march, but was compelled to decline the honour because the supply of Glengarries in London had given out and many men had to appear in civilian clothes ! Sergeant-Major Heath continued in charge of the Scottish Saturday drills until his well-earned promotion to a commission in the East Lancashires. In February the detachment made its first acquaintance with Wellington Barracks, in March it came under the redoubtable and popular Sergeant-Major (afterwards Major) Slattery for manual exercise at Salisbury House, and in the same month it inaugurated the use of the Tower Ditch for National Guard drills. To the Brighton manoeuvres of the Guard at Easter, 1915, the Scottish sent about 60 members, who enjoyed the experience in spite of the dismal weather. In April the Scottish joined " A " Company of the first battalion by invitation in extended order 230 The National Guard in the Great War practice at Kempton Park ; in later times the two companies were to be keen rivals in the competition for the " Magazine " Cup, in which the senior Company of the Guard always distanced what was assuredly the " senior " Company in point of average' age. IN April, 191 5, the Detachment resolved itself into two platoons under the command of Mr. Barclay-Brown and Mr. Hamilton Greig ; these platoons were allotted to " C " Company of the Second Battalion, and were numbered II and 12. This arrangement, always known to be provisional, had several practical drawbacks. The Scottish platoons entered the Company after its organisation had been completed ; though drilling at the London Scottish head- quarters in winter they adhered to the Tower in the months of long daylight, whereas the other two platoons centred at Westminster. " C " Company was liable to disruption as soon as the Scottish were strong enough to set up on their own. The lack of community between the two halves of the Company had perhaps fewer undesirable consequences than might have been expected ; fortunately both were equally zealous, and when the separation came it was mingled with regrets and mollified by mutual respect. The two halves once met as enemies — in the memorable clash by the White Lodge in Richmond Park in April, 191 7, when the umpire described the Scots and " C " Company as " sandwiched up in such an extraordinary manner that only the fact of an almost similar mix-up of German and British troops near Gavelle would warrant one believing such a thing possible." While the Scottish were still with " C " Company they had their first turn " in the trenches." Platoon-Sergeants Reed and Philip were initiated into the ways of the Ongar camp one hot day in June, 191 5, and took charge of the Scottish during their first trench week the following month. The Detachment's " baptism " was complete. The second night the Scottish undertook the camp guard duties was the night of the storm when marquees collapsed and sheets of corrugated iron emulated aeroplanes. Mr. Philip and Sergeant Courtney Walker are not likely to forget the occasion. That week laid the foundation of several reputations not confined to the Scottish. Mr. Reed's trench work is part of the history of the National Guard and of the London defences. Private McMillan and his work — unceasing, ingenious, conquering all difficulties, ignoring all obstacles and all weathers — surpass description. Private A. B. Irvine, who earned the sobriquet of "^ Donald Dinnie " for his mastery of the maul — McMillan used to swing two mauls in the lunch intervals as a relaxation from work — was ultimately to command the Scottish Company. Lachlan Maclean made his first mark in the company as 2ji The National Guard in the Great War a ganger in the trenches that week, and kept on making marks — on targets, in a " little red book " and in his comrades' hearts while the company lasted. Ongar, Blake Hall, Renkyns Wood — where a party staying a week saw the Billericay Zeppelin brought down — Bovinger, Harlow and again Bovinger bear traces of the combined efforts of the " picks and Scots " (as Colonel Cobbett put it). The last six Sundays of trench work, finishing with October, 191 8, were relieved by well-rewarded hunts for brambles — the Scottish do not speak of blackberries. IN November, 1915, the " Detachment '' blossomed out into the " Scottish Company " and figured as " E " Company of the Second Battalion at the Kitchener inspection of that month. On this occasion the company had a rare distinction. Passing down the ranks Lord Kitchener observed a veteran with an unusual group of medals. This was Private H. R. Stimson, who wore the China medal of i860, the Meritorious Service Medal, won in the same campaign, and the long-service medal. Private Stimson became famous at once, and hardly had the Field-Marshal passed than a dozen photographers concentrated their cameras on the modest gentleman who wore the guerdons of youthful service at Pekin in i860, and was shouldering a musket fift^•-five vears later in his verdant age. Another time General Sir Alfred Turner brought up sharply before Mr. Stimson with the words, " Why, you're an older soldier than myself," as he undoubtedly was. The Scottish has always had a fair share of decorated men, representing the Egyptian and South African campaigns, and latterly had one of the " old contemptibles " with the Mons Cross, but Mr. Stimson has always been its prize veteran. He lent the Company a pace-stick that was a survival of his regular service. After the Kitchener inspection. Lord Lincolnshire, who had accompanied the Field-Marshal, held a little informal inspection of the Scottish on his own account, being attracted to the Company by the number of palpably elderly men in its ranks and their steadiness notwithstanding. To go back a little, the pipe band of the Scottish was inaugurated in May, 1915, the pipers wearing kilts of Macdonald of the Isles tartan, a handsome sett. Its leader was Pipe-Major Peter McLean, a rubicund and sturdy veteran bearing a row of medals. His pipes were adorned with a handsome banner embroidered with the rampant lion in gold, w^orked and presented by Mrs. Barclay-Brown, mother of the captain. The principal drummer was Peter Paton, formerly of the Seaforths and later recalled to the colours in spite of h's twenty-one years' service, including the South African w^ar. Having got its pipers the Detachment was ripe to bourgeon into a Company. Its leaders had learned that the combina- tion of business and soldiering meant that nominal numbers were a poor index ■^32 CAPTAIN IRVINE The National Guard in the Great War to parade states. So though the roll was adequate (231 in all) the company decided to swell from two to three instead of to four platoons. By universal consent Mr. Barclay-Brown became Company Commander. As there could not be two Mr. Hamilton Greig became second-in-command. Mr. John Reed stepped from Platoon Sergeant to commander of No. i platoon. Mr. Leslie Couper took command of No. 2, and No. 3 was left for the time in charge of Mr. J. G. Campbell, who also undertook the duties of Company-Sergeant-Major. The third was formed almost exclusively from the second platoon, and showed pride of origin, but no filial tenderness, by setting out to make itself, at the instigation of Platoon-Sergeant Harrower (afterwards Sergeant-Major), the conqueror in nearly all inter-platoon competitions. This ambition was fostered when Mr. Andrew Bain Irvine was put in command. The first inspection of the Scottish as a full Company was held by Colonel Hepworth at the Tower on March 18, 1916, when the Battalion commander found few faults. After the inspection the Com- pany marched to the Mansion House, presented arms to the Lord Mayor, and was entertained to tea by Sir Charles Wakefield in the Egyptian Hall. SUBSEQUENT changes in the organisation and command of the Company may be briefly recorded. When the post of Company Second-in-Command was abolished in November, 1916, Mr. Hamilton Greig willingly undertook charge of the fourth platoon with the help of Mr. Leslie Couper, whom bus'ness reasons compelled to give up command of No. 2. Mr. Couper was succeeded by Mr. Gerald Stanley Philip, originally Platoon Sergeant of No. 2, who after a turn of service with his home corps, the Buckinghamshire Volunteers, had returned to the ranks of the Scottish. An irreparable loss was sufi^ered by the Company through the premature death of Mr. Hamilton Greig in February, 191 7, the consequence of overwork and of the death in action of his only son. As in business so as an officer Mr. Hamilton Greig was a man of supreme ability, but his lovable personality most endeared him to the Company, which attended the funeral service at St. Olave's, Hart Street, in numbers attesting the warmth of aifection felt towards the best of comrades and commanders. A fortunate chance gave the fourth platoon a worthy successor to Mr. Hamilton Greig. Mr. Robert Stewart, who had commanded " D " (the Chartered Secre- taries) Company of the Second Battalion of the National Guard, and afterwards joined the Royal Defence Corps, had to leave the latter, owing to business calls. A Scot by birth he accepted a lieutenancy in the Scottish, Mr. Reed voluntarily sinking his seniority in favour of Mr. Stewart. When, much against his desire, Captain Barclay-Brown was translated to be Second-in-Command of the Sixth 234 The National Guard in the Great War Battalion, Lieut. Stewart was promoted to command the Scottish in June, 191 7, and soon estabHshed himself in the regard of a Company that was not too easy to please. His selection of Platoon-Sergeant D. W. Drummond to succeed him in command of No. 4 platoon would in itself have been a passport to popularity. DURING Captain Stewart's period of command and largely through his diplomacy, the Company had the immense satisfaction of obtaining per- mission to adopt the kilt. The tartan of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was chosen, mainly because it could be readily obtained, and in addition to Atholl hose and a specially-designed sporran — which with the kilt the members bought for themselves — an issue of khaki aprons and hosetops for service purposes was made through the kindness of some anonymous well-wishers of the Company. The first public wearing of the kilt by the Company was on the occasion of the St. Andrew's Day service at St. Columba's Church in 191 7. The Company was at this time in full strength, as the gaps made by the falling out of the older men for whom the work proved too severe, by resignations on account of business, and by enlistments in the Army, had been made good by the accession to the ranks of practically all the men in the London offices of the Scottish banks, whom the exempting tribunal in Edinburgh had directed to join the Volunteers. That the Company secured this substantial contingent en bloc was due to a timely suggestion of Private (afterwards Sergeant) R. A. Rust, followed up by characteristically vigorous steps on the part of C.S.i\L Harrower. Believing that there were still unexplored reserves of potential Scottish Volunteers in London, Lieut. Irvine, in April, 1918, organised a recruiting campaign whose object was to enlarge the " London Kilties " to the strength of a battalion. Marches in uniform, with pipes and drums, were organised, and had the benison of Lord iMayor Hanson, always a strong friend of the Company, who inspected the men at the Mansion House on the occasion of the first recruiting march. The effort, as it happened, coincided with the raising of the military age, and the Army laid hold on the recruits between 40 and 50 which the Scottish had set out to capture ! This raising of the military age deprived the Scottish of its head, as Captain Stewart at once joined the Army, possessing every qualification and certificate open to an officer of his rank. He was succeeded in June, 1918, by Lieut. Irvine, and the selection of one who had served in the Company's ranks and had devoted himself unwearyingly to its interests was more than acceptable. Just before his promotion to command a platoon Mr. Irvine had represented the Company on a particularly interesting occasion. Having to visit New York Mr. Irvine was asked to convey to Mr. Bannerman the greetings and thanks of 2J5 The National Guard in the Great War the Scottish Company for his handsome gifts to the National Guard. Tlie message was engrossed with appropriate adornments, and Mr. Irvine was able to report that Mr. Bannerman greatly appreciated the substance and the form of the greeting, which he reciprocated heartily. In due course. Captain Irvine, who received his step in August, was succeeded as Commander of the third platoon by Mr. John McGregor Forbes. FROM the first the Scottish Company, basing on the tradition of the London Scottish, threw itself with especial ardour into route marching and shoot- ing. Marches over Box Hill, from Putney to Teddington, from the City to Richmond, remain among the pleasantest reminiscences of its members. Even after the Armistice several route marches were well attended. As an old shot who had in his younger days achieved a place in the " Queen's Sixty," Captain Barclay Brown was the mainspring of the Company's musketry organisation, and devoted himself to the work with the same zeal and discrimination which made him an ideal commander. He was well seconded by the other officers, of whom Captain Bain Irvine and Lieut. Drummond were successively in charge of the musketry practices, and by Sergeants John Currie, H. S. Morrison, John Ogilvie, H. B. Wooldridge and R. A. Rust as organisers or secretaries of the Musketry Committee, and by Sergeant A. S. Fraser, Corpl. Arthur Webster and the late Corpl. J. M. Beveridge, all of whom put their ripe knowledge and experi- ence freely at the service of those who were new to rifle shooting. Zeal in shooting was stimulated by the presentation of an extraordinary number of cups and trophies. First in the field, Sergeant Wooldridge presented a cup which became the chief inter-platoon prize and was contended for with a perferviduni ingenium Scotorum verging on ferocity. Sergeant Wooldridge's own platoon. No. 3, carried off the cup each year after keen and close competition. Sergeant Wooldridge added handsome souvenirs for individual members of the teams. Other donors quickh' followed Sergeant Wooldridge's lead. The Cattanach Cup adorned each year the sideboard of the best shot in the Company. The Martin Hall Cup was for monthly shoots and was speedily won outright. Each platoon had its own trophy, competed for on handicap terms : — the Grant bowl for No. i, the Alexander Cup for No. 2, Osborne Abbott Cup for No. 3, and in due course the Barthorpe Cup for No. 4. The India Cup, presented by a member who had to go East, was ultimately allotted to a competition based on service conditions, which Avere varied in different years. Captain Barclay- Brown's medals for non-commissioned officers, Mr. Hamilton Greig's silver cigarette cases, Captain Stewart's and Lieut. Reed's prizes all gave rise to the 236 SIR JOHN FERGUSON, K.B.E. Hon. Company Commander of the Scottish Company Sir John Ferguson has done much for the National Guard as a whole as well as for the Scottish Company in particular. He was amemberof the Grand Com- mittee and various sub-committees, and his help, especially in financial matters, has been invaluable. The National Guard in the Great War keenest rivalry. The N.C.O.'s put up prizes for the officers. The Leslie Couper Cup and several rifles, presented by members, were shot for throughout the winter months at miniature ranges. The other prizes were shot for at Bisley or Pirbright, and silver spoons, of an appropriate Scottish design, were shot for in supplement to the more ambitious prizes and during the progress of class firing. In connection with the musketry practice, the Company held four Camps, two at Bislev in the summer of 1916, when Army huts were occupied, and two at Brookwood in 191 7, when the school-house was hired for the purpose. After that, rationing difficulties prevented the continuance of these enjoyable outings. A treasured document in Scottish Company archives is a peremptory official request to explain the presence of " a flagstaff flying the Scotch flag and also various men in a sort of uniform congregated round some of the huts " at Bisley ! In the competitions for the National Guard Magazine Cup, the Scottish Company never had the fortune to carry off the prize, but was never headed by anv other Company than " A " of the Fourth Battalion. In the only formal shooting competition of the Sixth Battalion, the Scottish carried off the Company and platoon prizes and that for officers. ALTHOUGH specialising by choice in marching and shooting, the Scottish Company found that a good deal of ceremonial work came its way. In June, 1916, it appropriately provided a Guard of Honour at the opening of the Wounded Allies' Fair at the Caledonian Market. Officers and men aHke were agreeablv surprised to find that with a modicum of rehearsal the present arms was executed perfectly. Major-General Sir xA.lfred Turner, who inspected the Guard, put on record that he " was very much struck by the soldierly appearance and smart turn-out of the men. Their steadiness on parade could not have been surpassed." Tragic memories linger round that Guard. After saluting and being inspected bv the Lord Mayor, the Company was asked to reassemble to provide a Guard of Honour for Queen Alexandra, who intended to visit the Fair. Hardlv had the Guard been paraded for this purpose than the stupefying news of Lord Kitchener's death arrived and all desire for ceremonial and rejoicing ceased. The excellent turn-out of the Scottish at th.e Caledonian Market, coupled with the fact that the Company could, and did, provide its own music, led to its selection for other similar occasions. The Scottish formed a Guard of Honour for Lord Mayor Sir WiUiam Dunn at St. Paul's Cathedral in December, 1916, but the most memorable turn-out of the kind was that of November 2, 1917, when the Scottish Company furnished a Guard of Honour for F.M. the Duke of Con- naught at the Royal Exchange. The Duke was understood to have expressed 238 77ie National Guard in the Great War satisfaction with the appearance and steadiness of the Guard. Sir Francis Lloyd was also so well satisfied that in response to a judiciously timed enquiry he told Captain Stewart that, though he could not bind the War Office, he would not — - as G.O.C. London District — interfere with the wearing of the kilt by the Scottish Company. And that is how we won the kilt ! It had often been a cause of wonder that the Company made no effort to obtain this concession through Mr. Ian Macpherson, L'nder-Secretary for War, who had shown his interest in the Company by inspecting it at the London Scottish hall in June, 191 7, and had afterwards become Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Battalion. But it would obviously have been tactless to enlist the help of the principal civilian member of the Army Council without being certain of the sympathies of the military members, and the Company possessed its soul in patience. THE routine work of the Scottish was like that of other companies of the Guard, but with some differences. A feature in its internal economy was the weekly meeting of officers and N.C.O.'s in the Company Orderly Room. This room was in the basement of the Coal Exchange and was lent to the Companv bv Mr. Hamilton Greig. These Monday meetings began in September, 1915, and continued until the officers received formal commissions, after which they gradually fell into desuetude. In due course the Orderly Room was removed first to London House and later to 16, ]\Iark Lane, in both cases occupying vacant premises bv the kind permission of the City of London Freehold Propertv Companv. Finallv, after the Armistice the Company's headquarters were transferred to the office of Mr. John Weir, an original and ardent member, to whom not only the Scottish Company but the whole of the National Guard have been indebted for generous services in the provision of motor transport and otherwise. The proceedings of the Monday meetings \\ere carefully minuted bv Mr. James Weir, honorary secretary to the Company, afterwards Quartermaster-Sergeant and later still Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the Sixth Battalion, in which the Scottish had become " A " Company in September, 1916. IN December, 191 5, the Company took its first turn of duty at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, when 60 members put in an appearance. This high level of attend- ance was not maintained, but the turn-out at Bart.'s was generally respectable. Considering the repute popularly attaching to Scotsmen in one particular, it mav not be out of place to mention that the Warden of Bart.'s repeatedly declared that the collections to provide cigarettes for the wounded soldiers under treat- 239 The National Guard in the Great War ment at the hospital were invariably largest when the Scottish Company was on duty. Of guard and sentry duty the Scottish Company did its due share, sometimes more, as on several occasions it relieved the weaker companies of the Sixth Battalion. Tlie first turn at Rotherhithe was in July, 1916, and from August 25 onwards this duty was regularly performed. When at the beginning the Scottish turned up in the dusk at Rotherhithe the juvenile natives, associating the Glengarry with the regular Army, hailed the Scotsmen with the inspiriting welcome, " Here's the real soldiers back again ! " Like other companies the Scottish experienced difficulties in getting men to put in full turns of duty, even when the day was split into two periods of 12 hours each. On one occasion the Scottish were caught with a short guard by a visiting General and the lesson was never forgotten. The four-post guard at the Charing Cross and Waterloo stations of the Bakerloo Tube was always fully manned — despite the catering difficulties which the authorities, though glad enough to accept volunteer services, never attempted to remedy. Men on guard at Rotherhithe and Charing Cross have grateful recollections of the efforts of Lieuts. Reed and Philip to look after their creature com- forts. Quartermaster-Sergeant Mertens dis- tinguished himself as caterer and often as cook. That one relief consumed with relish an omelette peppered with Keating's is quite true ; that a guard turned out with a sausage spitted on a fixed bayonet is a gross exaggeration ! The guard at Charing Cross was becoming increasingly popular and easy to fill — it was being found possible to carry through for 24 hours with the same 15 men — when the other Companies of the Battalion found the strain too great and Charing Cross disappeared from the Scottish routine. After a spell of 240 Batt.-O-M-S. James Weir [I'aiuiyk SPOTTERS ALL SCOTCH The National Guard in the Great War occasional guards at the Post-Office Power Station at Blackfriars the Scottish found a regular place in the rota of the guards at the Central Telephone Exchange. To this duty was added that of manning the Lewis gun post at Blackwall as part of the barrage defence of London. As usual with the Volunteers the first batch to qualify as competent to work and to instruct in the use of the Lewis gun was composed chiefly of men whose records for attendance at drills, guards, and trench digging were conspicuously good. Their zeal was infectious, and as several of them displayed a special faculty for imparting knowledge, the stress of this duty, which from its frequency pressed at the beginning unduly heavily on the most competent and most willing, was lightened. The Armistice did not at once put an end to this duty, though it dispensed with the need for sleeping booted and in full uniform, and left without formal qualification the last class of a dozen eager students of the Lewis gun. Business calls prevented the Scottish from sending a large contingent to take part in the two months' special service which the Volunteers were invited to perform in the autumn of 1918. Only Corporal Arthur Webster and Privates A. B. Crichton, W. R. Lyon, and A. McKillican were able to give the requisite time. Apart from this special service these four gentlemen had high and distin- guished records of duty performed. Corporal Webster was constant in trench digging and in guard duty ; he was one of the best unofficial coaches in the shooting practices, he was leader of the Company's Hotchkiss section, and one of the first to qualify as a Lewis gunner. The other three did an immense amount of station, hospital, guard, and trench digging work. INTO the Station work of the National Guard the Scottish Company entered with zest, and for constancy of attendance at Waterloo and Euston and aptitude in dealing with the " thrawn deevils " that occasionally turned up among the leave men, the regular contingent of Scottish station men earned a good reputation. Staff-Sergeant Findlay became so enamoured of the work that he abandoned all other duties in its favour and was one of the founders of the special Station Company which took over the duties in the middle of 1917. The Scottish did not give up its interest in this service. At Waterloo, Messrs. A. B. Crichton, A. H. Farquharson, A. McKillican, and A. Shellshear ; at King's Cross and St. Pancras, Messrs. C. M. Robertson and J. Stocks ; and at Euston, Messrs. Bain Irvine, J. S. Bain, J. Brotherstone, R. W. Campbell-Davidson, F. Dury, W. R. Lyon, L. W. B. Maclean, H. Munro, and E. W. K. Thompson were among the more regular voluntary workers. 242 The National Guard in the Great War THE Scottish Company was not forgetful of other obligations towards the fighting forces besides those recognised by the hospital and station attend- ances. In July, 1916, the Company entertained a large number of convalescent soldiers at the Zoological Gardens, the treat being the outcome of Mr. John Weir's generosity supplemented by ready participation of many members under the guidance of Sergeant-Major Harrower and his wife. From April 3, 1916, onwards until the necessity ceased, the Company contributed ^(^5 monthly towards comforts for members of the London Scottish prisoners of war. When the London Scottish, towards the close of the war, organised a Regimental Fund to assist disabled men of the Corps, the Scottish Company decided to give all the help it could. In a few months ^^1,220 was collected in direct subscriptions and this was supple- mented by j(^59, the profit of a performance of " The Marriage of Kitty," at the Cripplegate Institute on January 22, 1919. Private Crawford Balcarras produced the piece and was supported by a more than capable cast of amateurs. The enjoyment given by the play was in keeping with the interest evinced by the Company and its friends, which may be measured by the handsome surplus. Subscriptions of £50 to the Kitchener Memorial and of a similar sum to the Erskine Hospital for disabled soldiers in Scotland also stand to the credit of the Company, and largely to that of Sergeant Lachlan Maclean, who was treasurer of all these funds and collections and never spared himself — nor a likely contributor — in making them successful. Space permits no more than brief reference to the social side of the Company's history. After participating in the annual dinner of " C " Company in November, 1915, and holding a very successful smoking concert of its own in the same month, when the Pipe-Major's banner was presented to the Company, the Scottish had its first anniversary dinner on January 22, 1916, a most successful function. Rationing requirements brought the second anniversary to the less ambitious form of a supper, and thereafter sociability was confined to Bohemian concerts. At the last of these the Company was honoured, by no means for the first time, by the presence of Lord Mayor Hanson, who presented the shooting prizes won during the 1918 season. WHEN the Armistice came, it brought to the Scottish Company less a presage of dissolution than of resurrection. The Company Orders of October, 191 8, contained the announcement of 40 discharges, including the names of a number of original members who were finally unable to extricate themselves from the " R " category. The project of an organisation which should keep the old members in touch 243 The National Guard in the Great War w ith the Company had never been lost sight of, and on October 9 a meeting of the Company appointed a representative Com- mittee to formulate a definite plan. The Committee got to work at once and sent circulars to past and present members in- viting adhesion to an Association embracing both. The response was immediate and favourable, and well before the end of 191 8 the " Comrades Association of the Scottish Company (National Guard) " was in being, with a simple code of rules in print and a substantial membership. In the Company route march on December 23, the " Com- rades " participated, the old green grey figuring once more. The inaugural meeting of the x\ssociation took the form of a supper at the " Falstaff," on March 5, 1919, when in spite of bad weather and influenza close on 100 members enjoyed a happy reunion Pte. F. \V. Blyth under the presidency of Captain Barclay- Brown, with whom Captain Irvine was associated as Vice-President. In due course the Association showed itself heir to the shooting traditions of the Company. Its first shoot was held at Bisley on May 25, 1919, when Captain Barclay-Brown presented medals, gold, silver, and silver-and-bronze, for competition. The meeting was so suc- cessful that it was followed by others at intervals of about a month, all enjoyable. Meantime the Scottish Company re- mained in being, turning out in respectable numbers, and with the full pipe and drum band, on such occasions as President Wilson's visit to the City, the triumphal marches of the Guards, the Overseas forces and the London troops, and the Peace Thanksgiving 244 Staff- Sergeant Arthur Findlay Who ill addition to his duties for the Scottish Company did much admirable work for the Station Company. The National Guard in the Great War at St. Paul's. As it happened a handful of the Company took part in the great Victory March through London. The Volunteers as a body were carefully excluded from the programme, but the authorities begged the services of the Scottish Company's Pipe Band, which thus was the sole representative of The Scottish Company CAPTAIN A. BAIN IRVINE AND N.C.O.'s OF PLATOON No. 3. This Platoon holds the Wooldridge Cup for shooting (shown on leftj and the Inter-Platoon Drill Competition Cup. the Volunteer Force in the official celebration of the Allied victory. There ended the active record of the Scottish Company. Its end was Peace, and its soul goes marching on enshrined in the happy memories of a veritable Band of Brothers. p_ q_ ^j^q__^L. 243 "E" COMPANY, C.L.V.R., VICTORIA STATION, 6th BATTALION MAJOR-GENERAL Sir Francis Lloyd, G.O.C. London District, issued on February 12, 1916, a circular, from which we give the following extract : — " Soldiers on Leave from Abroad passing through london." Instructions to Voluntary Workers, etc. " The arrangements for meeting of leave trains and conveyance of soldiers across London or to the various Rest Houses have been placed by the General Officer Commanding the Lon- don District in the hands of Colonel G. T. B. Cobbett, V.D., Commanding City of London National Guard, 99, Gresham Street, E.C." And this gave general satisfaction to both the soldiers and their friends. 1916 Lieut. H. Carr Gibbs The Lord Mayor, Sir Charles Wakefield, in addressing the National Guard at the Guildhall, said : — " God will bless you for looking after men returning from the Front. It will remain a fragrant memory for all time, and when the war is over you will have the consciousness of knowing that in the days of darkness and difficulty you responded to the call and did your best here, as our brave boys in khaki have done their best in other spheres." At this time there was only a small staff of regular workers at Victoria, under the command of Platoon Commander F. W. Shannon, and they were assisted by the different platoons of the National Guard Battalions, taking duty in rotation each week. At a later date, as the platoons were called upon to do other work, the attend- ances gradually became smaller and at last ceased altogether. 246 The National Guard in the Great War \Qk\ n In the Spring of 191 7 Colonel Cobbett applied to the Army Council ' ^ ' for permission to form a separate Company to carry out the work, but it was not till October, 1917, that the Authority was received, and the strength of the Company fixed at 4 Officers and 200 other ranks, and this was to supply the wants of Victoria, Waterloo, Charing Cross Underground, Paddington, Euston, King's Cross, and St. Pancras. The Officers appointed were : — Victoria .. .. .. F. W. Shannon, Capt., O.C. Station Co. Euston . . . . . . H.J. Grimwade, Lieut. King's Cross and St. Pancras Oswald Bell, Lieut. Waterloo . . . . . . Percy B. Tubbs, Lieut. It was soon found that 200 men was not sufficient, and a number of applicants were taken on as supernumeraries, but they could not be properly enrolled. Repeated applications were made to the Army Council for permission to increase the strength of the Company, and the applications were backed by the G.O.C. London District, but it was not until November 20, 1918, ten days after the Armistice had been signed, that an Authority was issued by the Army Council granting 2 more Officers and 200 other ranks, but it arrived too late to be of really any effective service, excepting that it allowed all the Supernumeraries who had been for months on the waiting list to be properly enrolled. The two Officers appointed were : H. Carr Gibbs, Temp. Lieut., and E. T. Malley, Temp. 2nd Lieut., and were attached to Victoria, as Capt. F. W. Shannon had been seconded to the Army Pay Department, Sergt. Lester being promoted to Co.- Sergt.-Major. No one but those who have been engaged on the work, day after day, week after week, have any idea of the strain that was thrown on the staff, many of them starting work at midday and frequently, owing to the short supply of men available doing the two shifts, did not finish till the early hours of the following morning. Night after night, whilst London slept, the Station Company was at work. To make matters worse there was no orderly room available at Victoria for men to wait in during the winter months, and they had to stand by for hours awaiting the arrival of the trains, which were at times delayed from various causes, bad weather, enemy activity in the Channel, Hospital trains, etc., and it was not till April 17, 191 8, that the National Guard Hut was erected and lent free of charge by Messrs. Humphreys, Ltd., of Knightsbridge, S.W. i, in the Station A^ard, on a piece of ground generously conceded by the S.E. & C. and the L.B. & S.C. Railway Companies. 247 The National Guard in the Great War IN June, 1918, a special time table arranged for the Victoria men, giving the times of trains to 81 of the principal stations in the United Kingdom, was compiled by Sergt. Nicholas, and edited and printed by Pte. Batten. It was issued monthly at a nominal charge of 6d. per copy. The work from time to time varied, and the number of men on leave rose and fell, following quietude or activity at the Front. In the Spring of 191 8 the number of men was daily increasing, when suddenly all leave was stopped and men who had passed through Victoria homeward bound one day were recalled by wire and were back in London the next day and as speedily as possible were sent back to France. The Station Company was fully employed in taking these men to billets, till the railways could despatch them for the Front. There was at all times work to be done. 'Bus strikes and Tube strikes always entailed extra work on the Company, as the men on leave had to be cleared as fast as they arrived at Victoria so as to make room for those who came in late at night from all parts of the United Kingdom and were returning to France in the morning. In the late Autumn of 1918 all the miners from the Front passed through Victoria, and one could not help noticing the splendid condition they were in, and notwithstanding all Mr. Smillie has said about them, they were quite able, had they so desired, to do a full day's work. The Labour Corps were next dealt with at the rate of 500 men each night, this was in addition to the men on leave. They had to be sorted into groups of from 10 to 20 men in a group and dispatched to Labour Camps all over the country. In all over 6,000,000 men on leave from overseas have passed through the hands of the Station Company at Victoria, to say nothing of the drafts met on arrival at other London termini and conducted late at night to billets near Victoria, or the men and drafts for home stations which were looked after when passing through. After the Armistice, repatriated prisoners of war and demobilised men were cared for, the latter being dispatched with all speed to their dispersal camps. NOTHING ever came amiss to the " G.R.'s," and if in doubt ask a " G.R.," was an hourly occurrence, and it has been said of one of the staff that he was a walking encyclopaedia. That the services of the Station Company have been fully appreciated by the men of the B.E.F. will be seen from the following letter :— 248 The National Guard in the Great War l8th Gloucestershire Regiment, B.E.F., France. March 6, 1919. To the Commandant, City of London National Guard. Sir, In consequence of the unanimous decision of the Canteen Committee of this Regiment, I have much pleasure in forwarding you the attached Cheque * as a donation to any charity you may decide to nominate, as a mark of appreciation for the invaluable services rendered to men of the expeditionary forces during the War by your organisation. I am, sir, your obedient servant, (Signed) G. C. Wetherall, Major. Requests to look out for friends were often made, one by an officer who had immediately on arrival to report at the War Office, was as follows, " Would you mind looking out for my wife, she is a little woman with red hair and will have a baby in her arms ? Please tell her to wait and I shall be back within the hour." Name and address given. There was always an unwritten law with the Station Company, no man, whether an officer or ranker, was to be left stranded, no matter what the hour of the night might be, and often the " G.R." on his way home after a late night's work has found officers and men unable to find accommodation, and has seen them safely housed before turning in himself. In going down the platform one night to see if all was clear, the Sergeant in charge found an elderly Italian lady, unable to speak English. She had an address on a piece of paper and her friends had not met her. He had finished his work, so took the lady and her luggage to the address given and safely handed her over to her husband, who in expressing his thanks, said he would write his CO. and " his General." In due course the letter as follows arrived : — Dear Sir, I congratulate the sergeant who was on duty last night at Victoria Station on the service he rendered my wife, by showing the way to my residence. Not being able to speak the language he had the kindness to render her a service of which I am much pleased. I hope you will excuse the kind sergeant for leaving his post. I am, yours sincerely, and at a later date the letter was shown to " his General." * Cheque value Five Guineas, which was handed to the Soldiers' Free Buffet, Victoria. 249 77ie National Guard in the Great War In 1916 the Army Pay Office was in Regent Street, and the men wanting pay had to be sent there in batches of 16-20 men by 'bus to Old Bond Street and then marched to Regent Street, each party in charge of a guide. Later, the pay office was removed to Buckingham Palace Hotel and then the men were conducted there, the Green Cross Guides assisting in this work. Towards the end of 191 7 it was decided to remove the pay office to Victoria Station, and the work was being pushed forward by the railway company so that it could be opened before Christmas, when suddenly it was stopped owing to objections raised by the Y.M.C.A. to giving up a large room which was to be used as the office, and it was not till the end of January, 191 8, that it was opened and in full working order. This was of immense assistance to the Station Company in dealing with the leave trains, to say nothing of saving the tired men three-quarters of a mile walk and an hour's delay to get their pay, and they could now be dealt with systemati- cally on arrival, refreshments at the free buffet, money exchanged at the boxes on the platform, over the bridge to the pay office, and thence to the underground railway, to be sent to their destinations. A train of 800 men could be dealt with and cleared in 20-25 minutes. A large staff was always necessary at Victoria, especially when " Full Leave " was on, as that meant 14 to 15 trains with about 8,000 men per day. One day in October, 191 8, we had 15 trains with 8,215 officers and men, and French money to the value of ^36,000 was exchanged on the platform. Occasionally trains would arrive with only a short interval between them, and one evening five trains with 3,200 men arrived within 35 minutes, and these were all successfully dealt with, without an accident. In this month 225,000 men on leave from France arrived at Victoria, in November 215,343, '^^^^ i^ December 250,280. One of the first air raids in September, 1917, started five minutes after the arrival of a train with 800 men, the station was rushed by outsiders and the lights were turned out and the men had to be cleared as best we could. There were some anxious moments during these raids. Steel helmets were purchased by the Victoria section for the use of their men. 1 Q 1 Q brought increased demands on the Station Company. Drafts for ' France had to be met at night and conducted to the various hostels near Victoria, ready for departure in the morning. During the summer months, American convalescents were met at Victoria and conducted to the other stations. Clothing. — Men arriving from France, unable to obtain fresh clothing prior to embarkation at Boulogne, were told to apply to the National Guard at Victoria (July, 1918). Arrangements were made and the work undertaken for the R.T.O. ^50 The National Guard in the Great War by the National Guard. Over 5,000 orders for clothing were issued before the W.O. discovered in July, 1919, that the Station Company had been doing the work. Sometimes for two to three weeks no clothing was available as the depot at had run out of stock and the orders had to be made out to the nearest depot that the men were going to. Transport of Men across London. — In 1916 the trains arrived very late at night, and motor 'buses were then used to convey the men to Euston, King's Cross, St. Pancras, and Paddington. Later the motor transport volunteers did the work. Time after time men could have been quickly cleared from Victoria if the National Guard had been allowed to use the empty W. & D. Post Office lorries for this purpose. These lorries came from Regent's Park loaded with mails for the troops in France and returned there empty. Less than half a pint of petrol and not more than twenty minutes' delay would have sufficed to load them with forty men on their return journey and deliver them at Euston, etc., and thence to Regent's Park empty, — but the powers that be said No. Supernumeraries. — Victoria has always been fortunate in having a fairly large number of old members who used to work at the station during 1916 and the early days of 191 7 when the platoons of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Battalions supplied men. Having signed on as " A " men they were unable to join or to be transferred to the Station Company, but they have always taken every oppor- tunity available to help the work forward, and they have been of very great assistance in " carrying on " during the spring and summer of 1919. Paddington came under the control of Victoria, and only a small staff, under Sergt. A. Clifford Smith, was available at this station, the night work, after 8 p.m., being undertaken by another organisation called " Station Guides." Charing Cross Underground was worked from Victoria, and during 191 8 and onwards Liverpool Street was looked after by the Victorian section. For administrative purposes the Station Company was attached to the 6th Battalion. For similar work there should be two full Companies, each of 225 officers and other ranks, one Company taking Victoria, Charing Cross Underground and Waterloo, and the other Company taking Paddington, Euston, King's Cross and St. Pancras. The Captain O.C. Station Company should make his headquarters at Victoria ; two Lieuts. and Co.-Sergt.-Major should be at Victoria, one Lieut. -in- charge at Waterloo and one Lieut, as a spare for Victoria Waterloo. 251 R The National Guard in the Great War ECRUITING. — The following conditions of Service were given to applicants at Victoria in 1918 : — 1. Men buy their own uniforms, pay their own expenses and also ids. per annum to the Company fund. 2. Men over military age must give a minimum of two attendances per week, afternoons or evenings, and also a Saturday and Sunday- attendance once in three weeks. 3. The hours of attendance at Victoria are 1.15 to 6 p.m. and from 6 p.m. till we finish. (Frequently midnight and after.) 4. Men of military age, 40 to 51, are only accepted after they have been medically graded, and they must produce a written authority from the tribunals giving them permission to join the Station Company. 5. The service has to be maintained the seven days of the week. 6. Men can be enrolled at Victoria for Waterloo, Paddington, Liverpool Street, Euston, King's Cross, and St. Pancras; the hours of service vary at each station. 7. Men who are Special Constables will not be accepted unless they can put in the full number of attendances. 8. Men of miUtary age (tribunal men) must put in at least 12 hours' duty each week, this means 3 attendances per week at Victoria. 9. Men must be British born of British parents. The above conditions were drawn up as some of the earlier applicants came with the idea that they were conferring a favour in offering themselves, and when asked what time they were prepared to give to the work, would reply, " Well, I might be able to do a couple of hours once a week," and were much surprised when told what was expected of them. It was always pointed out to a man that it was not a condescension on his part to join, but a duty to help the fighting men who were keeping the roofs over our heads, and unless he could take up the work with that idea ever before him he would not be of any use to the Station Company. The work could never have been carried on except for the loyal support the men gave to their officers and N.C.O.'s. Recognition by His Majesty the King. The following verbal message was delivered by His Majesty the King to the General Officer Commanding, London District : — " Will you please inform Colonel Cobbett that I am very pleased to see the National Guard on Parade to-day, as it gives me an opportunity of thank- ing them for the excellent work which they have done at railway stations during the War." 25^ The National Guard in the Great War The above message was given on the occasion of the National Guard lining the road opposite Buckingham Palace when the Dominion Troops marched past His Majesty on Saturday, May 3, 1919. Victoria Free Buffet for Soldiers and Sailors. — In October, 1917, the funds for carrying on this splendid work were almost depleted, and a special appeal was made through the Press by Lieut. -General Sir Francis Lloyd for help, with the magnificent result that over ^^25,000 was collected, and towards this amount over £300 was given by members of the National Guard, Victoria section. In acknowledging the receipt of the first cheque for ^256 i6s. 6d. Sir Francis Lloyd wrote : — Headquarters, London District, Horse Guards, S.W. October 29, 1917. Please express mv warmest thanks to the members of the Victoria Station Section of the National Guard for the generous and substantial donation they have sent in aid of the Victoria Free Buffet. The fund has gone beyond all expectations, and in the ordinary way I should have asked you to allow me to devote your subscriptions to the other buffets, but I am not doing so as I understand that the interest of all the members of the Victoria Section National Guard is centred at Victoria. Yours faithfully, (Signed) Francis Lloyd, Lieutenant-General, Commanding London District. November, Captain and O.C. Co. -Sergt. -Major Sergeant Lee. -Sergeant Corporal Lee. -Corporal 1917. Victoria . Shannon, F. W. . Gibbs, H. Carr. . Nicholas, C. .. Mller, D. R. . Hall, A. . ^^'oolland, A. . Bald, C. . Barclay, E. W. . Higgs,"H. G. . Clifford Smith, A. . Astbury, H. G. . Mead, E. K. . Franklin, C. E. .. Carnes, W. Section. January, Lieutenant, O i c ... 2nd Lieut. ... Co. -Sergt. -Major ... Sergeant Lee.-Sergeant Corporal Strength : — i Officer. 121 Other Ranks. Lee. -Corporal Strength :^2 Officers. 1919. .. Gibbs, H. Carr. .. Malley, E. T. - .. Lester, W. .. Nicholas, C. .. Miller, D. R. .. Higgs, H. G. .. Barclay, E. W. .. Mumford, E. C. .. Clifford Smith, A. .. Woolland, A. .. Astbury, H. G. .. Smith, Cowper. .. Bald, C. .. Dyer, C. M. .. Shepherd, F. L. Rawlings, J. .. Griffin, A. E. .. Patten, A. ... Carnes, W. 141 Other Ranks. 253 The National Guard in the Great War "E" STATION COMPANY, VICTORIA SECTION, NATIONAL GUARD, V.R Attendances from September i, 1917, to June 30, 1919. List 150 and over. No. Rank. Name. Attendances Temp. Lieut. Gibbs, H. Carr 848 Captain Shannon, F. W. 518* V. 287560 Sergeant Smith, H. T. Cooper 511 596 ,, Hall, A 443 569 Lee. -Corporal Games, W 416 570 C.-S. -Major Lester, W 407 203 Private Davis, F 388 473 ,, Joseph, B 387 515 Sergeant Smith, A. Chfford ... 329 498 Corporal Temp. 2-Lieut Dyer, C Malley, E. T. 309 300 546 Private Klaftenberger, W. ... 299 527 Sergeant Nicholas, C 295 501 ,, Higgs, H. G 270 560 Lee. -Corporal Stephenson, T. S. L. 268 503 Corpora! Rawlings, J 264 470 Sergeant Barclay, E. W. 260 552 )» Astbury, G. H. 243 882 Private Anderson, G. M. 242 685 Sergeant Mumford, E. C. 230 601 Lee. -Sergeant Bald, C 225 587 Private Housden, J. B. 216 708 ,, Stannard, R. J. 215 579 Sergeant Ratcliff, G. F. 211 519 »i Miller, E. D 204 201 Private Leon, A. 202 752 >f Watts, E 194 492 >» Belfour, P. G. 188 717 ,, Hutchings, H. 187 474 Lee. -Corporal Holt, A. G 186 489 Corporal Shepherd, F. L. 182 497 Private Batten, H. R. 177 490 ,, Westbury, C. F. 176 467 ,, Legg, H. A 173 518 Lce.-Corporal Mead, E. K 168 874 Private Rhodes, C. K. 167 790 ,, Wagstaff, F. H. 161 745 ,, Green, W. C 158 514 i» Legg, A. R 158 598 t> White, G. J 157 465 tt Gibson, C. L. 157 914 tt Jones, A. J. Lawford- 153 466 tt Jonas, M. J 152 577 tt Marcus, J. F. 150 * Seconded to Army Pay. Note. — The earlier attendances of some of the above members of the Station Company were registered with their platoons. Captain Shannon's attendances in September, 1917, were not registered at Victoria. The average time of each attendance was about 4J hours. 254 The National Guard in the Great War E" STATION COMPANY, MCTORIA SECTION, NATIONAL GUARD, V.R. Attendances from September i, 1917, to June 30, 1919. List 100-149. No. Rank. Name. V. 287426 Private Dell, L. 471 ,, King, G. W. ... 692 ,, Rogers, L. S. ... 463 , Causer, J. W. 580 Richter, H. D. 576 Fenn, C. R. ... 869 Ross, J. K. M. 720 Steward, E. A. 715 Wrigley, J. W. 877 Elmer, E. A. ... 512 Jarvis, W. J. 744 Berry, W. J. ... 584 White, A. 761 Lee. -Corporal Griffin, A. E. 462 Private Blake, W. A. 868 ,, Porter, C. 556 Sergeant Woolland, A. W. 696 Private Monument, J. 750 ,, Tompkins, E.... 866 »» Moore, H. E. 884 Sergeant Patten, A. ... 469 Private Hart, H. L. ... 698 >} Clark, F. 460 II Bros, J. 575 >t Thompson, G. H. 561 i> Eaton, C. W. 791 fi Da\ds, G. S. ... 578 II Mitham, F. R. 455 »» Pawson, M. ... 722 ,, Smith, H. Burden 740 ,, Parker, W. H. 880 ,, Betts, W. B. C. 900 ,, Hobbs, W. J.... 738 ,, Medhurst, W. 456 ,, Tanner, F. G. 504 II Allen, W. R. ... 480 ,, Adams, F. E.... 488 ,, Devey, A. C. ... 910 ,, Fox. A. E. ... 897 t* Neal, A. W. ... Attendances. 148 147 144 144 140 139 139 139 139 138 138 135 133 133 129 129 129 128 127 125 125 124 124 123 122 121 118 117 116 "5 "3 . in 109 109 106 103 102 102 102 102 255 The National Guard in the Great War SOCIAL AND OTHER EVENTS 1918. May 14— Dinner in the Pillar Hall, Victoria Station. Tuesday, May 14, will rank as a red letter day in the history of the Station Company of the National Guard. On that day, under the chairmanship of Captain F. W. Shannon, the Victoria Section gave a dinner which will long be remembered on account of the number of interesting people there. It was a unique gather- ing in that there were assembled in addition to numerous represen- tatives of our Home Forces, distinguished guests representing the United States of America, naval and military, and representatives of Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand. Amongst the principal guests were : — Captain Twining, of the U.S.A. navy ; Edgar Thompson, Esq., U.S.A. navy (medical) ; Major J. Pierce, Adjutant, U.S. Army Headquarters ; Major J. B. White, Judge Advocate, U.S.A. ; Lieut.-Col. S. Bruggy, D.S.O., Australia ; Lieut.-Col. H. J. Wright, C.M.G., Australia ; Lieut. Chard, Canada ; Lieut. W. J. Campbell, South Africa ; Lieut. White, New Zealand ; Lieut. Denman, R.F.A. ; Sir Imber Terry, Canadian Reception Committee ; Admiral Inglefield ; General Sir John Carter, K.C.M.G. ; Colonel Valentine Matthews, V.D. ; Captain De Bathe, R.T.O. ; Captain Gunnis, A.P.M. ; Colonel G. B. T. Cobbett, V.D. ; Lieuts. Grimwade, Bell, Tubbs, and others. Captain Twining, in replying to the toast of " The Fighting Forces," referred to the National Guard as " This unique organisa- tion," and Lieut.-Col. Wright emphasised the appreciation of the lads of Australia for the National Guard Station workers. June 21 — Smoking Concert in the Pillar Hall. July 22 — Inspection of the Station Company by Major-General Sir Francis Lloyd, G.O.C. London District, at the Wellington Barracks. Luncheon given by Colonel G. B. T. Cobbett at Hotel Rubens to Sir Francis Lloyd and others. Dec. 9— Field-Marshal H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught visited Victoria Station and witnessed the work of the National Guard, and expressed himself as highly satisfied. 256 The National Guard in the Great War 1919. April 9 — Concert in the Pillar Hall, given by the N.C.O.'s. Major-General Sir G. P. J. Fielding, G.O.C. London District. Co.-Sergt.-Major Lester in the chair. May 9 — Presentation of Silver Challenge Shield, given by the National Guard, Victoria Section, to No. I District, St. John Ambulance Corps, South-Eastern and Chatham Railway Centre. June 20 — Inspection of the Station Company by the G.O.C. London District, Major-General Sir G. P. J. Fielding, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., at Carlton House Terrace. He thanked the members for their services and hoped some of them would be able to carry on for a few more months, but that those who from business engagements were unable to do so might take leave from June 30 until such times as the Company was disbanded. Oct. 5 — The 6th Battalion disbanded, and Discharge Certificates dated the 5th and issued to members on the loth. ,, 1 1 — The service at Victoria Station finished, as the men have been discharged. ,, 20^National Guard hut in the station yard sold to and removed by Sergt. G. F. Ratcliff. Dec. 16. — Farewell Dinner of the " E " Station Coy., Victoria Section, at the Royal Palace Hotel, Kensington. Lieut. H. Carr Gibbs, Ofhcer-in- command, in the Chair, and Co.-Sergt.-Major W. Lester, Vice-Chair. The Company was honoured with the presence of Major- General Sir Geoffrey P. J. Fielding, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., G.O.C. London District, Col. C. Wyndham-Quin, D.A.D.R.T., Col. Valen- tine Matthews, V.D. (late Inspector of Rest Houses), Col. G. B. T. Cobbett, V.D., Group Commandant, Capt. Higgins, Group Adjt. During the evening the Committee asked Major-General Sir G. Fielding to present to the Chairman a Crocodile Leather Dispatch Case, and to Co.-Sergt.-Major Lester a Blotting Case, as tokens of their esteem and as mementos of the time they had served under them at Victoria. In responding to the toast of " His Majesty's Forces," General Fielding thanked the members of the Station Company for the great work they had done during the war. As a soldier of over 30 years' s ^57 The National Guard in the Great War service, no one knew better than he did what it was to have someone to meet you and welcome you on your return home, and he could not thank them sufficiently for all they had done for the men, especially those coming home on leave. A " Roll of Honour " (with a short account of the work done at Victoria printed on the back), which had been prepared by one of the members as a " Souvenir," was exhibited and a copy pre- sented to each member who had 75 (and over) attendances registered to him. Before the members dispersed, it was agreed to make the Dinner an annual one, the Committee, with Co. -Sergt. -Major W. Lester, of 50, Norbury Crescent, Norbury, S.W. 16, as Hon. Secretary, kindly consenting to continue their services. On Sunday, October 5, 1919, the Station Company was disbanded, and the Discharge Certificates issued, and on Saturday, October 11, the service at Victoria Station was terminated. Intense dissatisfaction was felt by all members at the way in which the work ended, no final parade, no recognition at the finish of their work, which had been carried on for eleven months after the Armistice had been signed. No section of the Volunteer Force had continued their work day after day as the Station Company had done. Monday, October 20, 1919, the hut in the station yard was taken to pieces, and on Tuesday morning, loaded on a steam lorry, it started for its new home in Buckinghamshire, having been purchased by Sergt. RatcliflF. R.I.P. 258 Victoria Station Section National 6uart>. •lljSlU ||B p3>[JOM S13l[ UOU33g UOUUlg UtJOlDT^ aqi SIIOIS13330 |m3A3S iiQ •[BssRusip \nun JO 'c I 03 'LU'd 9 .10 •m'd 9 01 6 I UIOJJ SBM 3,lUUpiI311l3 uy *-r> •3inOJ UlELU Xui5 UA\Op UOUUJS UI13m Xui3 UIOJJ UIBJl 1X3U SIlj 1U3UIOUI i(ut3 IB J3Tp|Og 13 UIJOJUI XjOLUaUI tUOJJ ppiOO Xu^dmoQ 3qi jo sj3qui3ui 6 isesj iiy *Tk •31UAUJ •§uu{iXj3A9^ — sasuadxg 'iujojiUjQ *S3ApSUI3L|l §UIipXj3A3 JO^ pil^d pUB Xji33un|OA Xpinjosqu sum sdjOQ aqj^ "r* •J3ip|OS AuB lUOJ^ lUI13|dlUO0 3[§ins u p pjBsq J3A3U 9ABi[ ^aqx "]> uaipios jod spuo39s 1 1 p aSmaAB ub 'jnoi[ UB UT 01 papuaiiB uaaq 3ABq puus -noqi ()A\ J uaipjos jad spuo33s ^ ;o 3JBj IDictoria Station Section IFlational Ouarb. 6tb aSattahoii "E" Co?. C.X.(1Fl.(5.)l^.1R. iitut. ^. Carr 61bf)0, i/c. 2nd-£ieut. €. S. VdaUti; Co.-dergt.-tllafDr VO. iteta Setgeantfl : C. nicbolaa D. It. mfller R. 6. n. Biicn 0. m. Bndec0i>n to. (f. Attcidflc 6. n. Qatten €. tt- 6cagfev p. ©. 6clfour t». 3. 8ccry tt>. e. C. 6c(te W. n. 81atte E^. ID. eoeton n. S. dtooke 3. ecos 5. 3. 6utrldoc 3. to. Caueec e. Clarhe $. Clatlie XO. 6. Daniels $. DODtfl ®. 6. Darlo Xt>. t>. Dapis £. DcK fl. C. Dgpcv J. P Dkkeon C. XO. tCaton t. B. timer . Pachet A- Palon m. Paoiapn If. Poct^r f). nandall C. %. nhodes £>. D. nicbter Q. Uobineon £. 9. nouers 3. fi. m. noflB 6. eurden-Smttb B. 3. Slalnee n. 3. dtannacd (E. a. 9 ten? aid 5. 4$. Zannec R. 1 ffate ^. 6. Ibompson €. itompKine $. 6. tOaastaff «. tOatte C. S. tOeetbutv n. tOblt; ©. 3. tDMte C. D. tOiUis 6. tnillson Cbe obope-mentiMttd hoDc put in from 75 it 648 otfendonccff betvecn (Dctobtr, 1917/ ond 3unCf 1 <> 1 '9 ; other membere t)Ot>K oseisteft feom time to time. niesece. n. Allen, 3. 6. Jeaaco, 3. £• £ondon, t. C. IVdrcen & 10. 10. young, thoush not entelled in the Oicloila Station Section mere for praclkal + + putposee mcmbcto and put in more tijan 75 otttndancce. + + .^.-0tc0t.-niaf6r. 'Bnd, Sbomas here's our beet rrepecte to v^u.' k be IMctovia Station Section of tbe IRational <5uavC» IDolunteers . . met the Leave Trains to help the Soldiers indi\idiiallv in any and e\'ery way they Lould, primarily to get to their destina- tions — directing them to the Buffets, Money Changing Boxes, Army Pay Office, Rest House Volunteers; informing them their trains and stations of departure for all over the British Isles — performing innumerable other services as opportunity offered or occasion required. They also met and guided "drafts"; helped, advised and directed those returning from leave; and all Soldiers, Sailors and Mem- bers of any of the Services passing through or across London at any of the Victoria Stations. They were " The Servants of Tommy." d Ojunting only Leave Men direct from France, Official Records show they had thus directed more than 6,000,000 Officers and Men. C Including all the others mentioned above, they helped and directed more than 10,000,000. C. Soldiers were met, attended to and seen on their way from Victoria at an average rate of 3 seconds per soldier. Two thou- sand have been attended to in an hour, an average of i ,' seconds per soldier. C. I'hey have never heard of a single complaint from any soldier. 33 36 29 II 36 20 36 19 15 II 34 19 36 32 36 25 19 18 36 3f) 28 28 15 19 31 18 20 16 14 3(' 36 26 34 8 17 8 10 . 12 26 22 7 8 20 Attend- ances. 427 509 405 325 362 122 198 199 273 169 172 194 165 132 247 254 210 157 132 249 181 123 120 98 127 198 116 107 I3S 109 IIO 129 99 no 89 71 65 67 100 118 75 71 71 161 Hours' duty. 3.436 2,765 2,646 I.510 1,233 1,176 932 927 915 907 886 871 823 821 711 661 658 652 644 625 578 558 550 521 505 502 483 481 475 451 441 402 397 386 355 348 347 345 343 342 339 339 324 302 296 Months' .ittend- Hours' Name. duty. ances. duty. Simon, F 10 74 294 Gribbell, C. H 9 67 292 Page, G 34 93 284 French, W. H., Capt. 10 54 283 Sargant, H 14 93 258 Tayler, H. A 10 76 257 Cluer, A. J 9 69 250 Speaight, R. N 15 68 238 Hartopp, G 15 78 222 Makepeace, R 6 50 220 Palmer, C 11 55 213 Walton, A. J 15 64 211 Brown, A. P 7 45 205 Holdom, R 10 52 195 Smith, W. H. (712) 16 57 194 Cape, A. W 19 107 190 Harvey, J. J 19 59 181 Jackson, W. S 10 48 175 Crane, A. C 18 51 155 Adshead, C. W 15 33 147 Watson, C. B 7 32 I34 Tiplady, S. N 5 39 130 Palmer, H. C 8 34 118 Nightingale, A. G. 8 28 116 Smith-Cooper, H. ... 5 28 112 Wheatley, D 5 33 99 Scudden, J 10 46 97 Woodcock, H 6 25 94 Gill, L. B 6 34 91 Napier, W 5 30 88 Mitchell, C. F II 25 87 Denning, J. Dc 5 24 83 Farrow, F. R 8 17 79 Blake, A 9 30 79 Hare, Marcus, L.-Cpl. 4 20 72 Cromwell, G. W., Sgt. 6 23 71 Marshall, W 5 19 69 Cook, E. H 8 25 65 Fryer, H 6 16 63 Hazell, H. A 9 30 61 Williams, W. R 10 12 58 Roeber, A 5 12 58 Watkins, F 4 9 55 Dellow, J. H 6 12 51 Gee, S 5 16 50 270 TAe National Guard in the Great War The above list only includes those with totals of 50 and upwards, and it should be mentioned that a number of our workers do not belong to the Station Company. Their assistance, however, has been most welcome, their attendance most constant, and several will he found high up in the averages. The Last of the Station Workers (Photo, taken in February, 1920) Standing left to right. — Corp. Rawlings, Ptes. G. H. Young, A. Bentley, G. Lodge, H. Moore, F. D. Williams. Sltting-Ptes. J. K. Ross, H. A. Hanson, A. Corum, Serg. J. L. London, Pte. W. H. Davis, a-Serg. G. H. Young, Pte. G. Heath. THE LAST OF THE STATION WORKERS WHEN the Station Company was disbanded in October, 1919, Sergeant Lon- don saw the R.T.O. at Victoria, who expressed regret that he was to lose the services of the N.G., as a great deal more work was to be done. The Sergeant told him he would find sufficient men to carry on, provided permission was forth- coming to wear uniform and brassards — this was readily given by IMajor-General Fielding, K.C.B., who wrote as follows : — ■ 271 The National Guard in the Great War " The Major-General approves of those members of the National Guard who have volunteered to continue this good work at Victoria Station, wearing uniform and their brassards, and wishes, at the same time, to thank them for carrying on their good work." Since which this small party have daily attended to thousands of demobilised and leave men and have often received the thanks of the R.T.O. and those officers under him for the very efficient manner in which they handled the troops, the whole of the work being left to them under instructions of the R.T.O. The men forming the Company have had extensive military training as well as this station work, with their ordinary civil business work brought in somehow. Like all other voluntary work for the benefit of one's fellow-men, the tendency has been to work until the faculties fail through very exhaustion. The work entailed forming men into parties according to the camps they were to go to. When the R.T.O. has inspected the papers carried by each party commander and passed the party as " all correct " came the work of entraining each party on the different railways for its proper demobilisation centre, or if they arrived too late at night, they had to be marched to a rest house. The National Guard Hut in the station yard no longer exists, though notices referring to it catch the eye about the station. Money exchange business at the station has long ceased, but the indispensable pay office pursues its active life, along with the R.T.O. and Red Caps. The party at Victoria is in charge of Sergeant London, a most painstaking and indefatigable worker, who installs by his worthy example a good spirit among the men, who are very proud to know that they are the last workers of the National Guard and the Great Volunteer Army. 272 1 he Quartermaster's Sunday Parade Photograph by A. E. Morton XXV. SUNDAY PARADES A NOTABLE feature of the National Guard's first year was the estabUsh- ment of several special Sunday parades in various districts of London. These were open to any members of the Guard to attend irrespective of what Company the)- belonged to. The instruction given in drill and the theory of musketry at these special parades were most valuable in the preliminar}- training. Keen men, anxious to get on, availed themselves of the opportunity of this extra training on Sunday mornings given under the pleasantest conditions. The Southgate Sunday Parade was instituted by the then Regimental Quarter- master, George Hughes. Southgate is a little village situated on the old main northern road. The drills were held in a large meadow at the back of the famous old " Cherry Tree " Inn, and were well attended. Mr. Hughes was also assisted by Battahon Quartermaster Perc)- H. Bradford. The result was success from the first, and some months later the services of Sergt. Dobson, of the Grenadier Guards, were procured. By this time the parade had been licked into shape. They were ready for advanced work, and every member was unanimous that no T 273 The National Guard in the Great War other drill attended bv them in connection with their respective platoons and companies was so instructive and popular. Eventuallv Sergt. Dobson had to return to the Front, and Sergt.-Major Slattery was invited to fill the vacancy, which he did for some months with great credit to himself and distinct advantage to the members. Finally the services of Sergt.-Major Higgins were secured, and he continued in such a manner that progress in sfficiency was very marked, and the South- gate parade never forfeited its reputation for smartness in whatever it was called upon to do. Sergt.-Major Higgins, a Coldstream Guardsman, is an excellent, painstaking officer who took a great interest in all that he did. His knowledge of detail was wonderful, and it is not surprising that there were many marksmen amongst the members at Southgate. From time to time route marches took place by the parade separately and also in conjunction with other parades. Another very successful Sunday parade was held at Highgate under Platoon Com- mander Watkins, with the assistance of Sergt.-Major Goodman, of the Grenadier Guards. The parades started in a very small wav through some seven or eight members of the Highgate Golf Club who had joined the National Guard in the very early da^■s of 1915 attending the golf links for the purpose of doing some very elementary drill. A little later an opinion was expressed that other mem- bers of the N.G. would be very pleased to have the facility extended of drilling on Sunday mornings under such excellent conditions, and the matter was taken up by Mr. Oswald Bell, who was able to obtain the courteous consent of the com- mittee of the golf club for drill purposes. These arrangements were brought to a head early in March, 191 5, and since that time, with very few intermissions, the parades continued. It may be said that the instruction was the best possible, for it was given by Sergeant-Major Instructors of the Grenadier Guards, and none of those who have attended the parades will forget the keen teaching of Sergeant-Majors Copping, Goodman and Littlewood. As one member said, speaking over an experience of three years, he had never heard an order " given 274 »:/.s .- Kay, Platoon-Commander Watkins The National Guard in the Great War Lieut. Oswald Bell Who in addition to his arduous duties as Secretary of the National Guard took charge of the Highgate Sui}diiv P'lrinlr on the wrong foot," and this criticism is a very trite criterion of the efficiency of the instruction. In the early days, fifty, sixty and even more members attended, but for various reasons, good, bad and very indiff'erent, the attendances dwindled, but a faithful few carried on to the end. The instruction was always interesting and included bombing practice. The opportunities for extended order drill were perfect. Successful Sundayparades were also carried out for some time at Ealing under Platoon Commander W. Ward Higgs, and at Golder's Green under Captain and Adjutant I. Watt. It is difHcuIt to speak too highly of the good work accomplished by these Sunday parades. They did much to promote the efiiciency of the Guard, and the keenness of all those who attended made the work of instruction a pleasure. „.^J^ IS *? ?3r r^ • fl^JjHP»s^j# gj^MPlJIg wBe^Off^^^r ^^^^^^^v-^J^^Hfe y^'^^^^^VS ^j^Ktk S^ m Mil rii U.'li.-^^l;.U^ J^A_j I ■ .w- .,- ■• . -^-^.^^m ^M^^^i^w At Highgate Parade ^75 [Mtlis ciiid K'ivt XXVI. OUR SERGEANTS-MAJOR SERGEANT-MAJOR GULLAND was posted to the 5th Battalion on May 27, 1917, and from that date till he was demobilised at the end of November, 1919, he never relaxed for a moment in his energies and duties as Regimental Sergt. -Major. He was a first rate Drill Instructor, a disciplinarian of the highest order without any tendency to harshness and a very capable ofHce man. The very high standard of drill, discipline and general efficiency which the 5th Battalion attained was in a large measure due to the hard and careful work of Regimental Sergeant-Major Gulland. He was always most painstaking in his instruction and general training of the N.C. officers. The N.C. officers are the backbone of a good Battalion, and our N.C. officers were second to none in the Volunteer Force. I have frequently noticed, with pride, these N.C. officers drilling squads on Hampstead Heath, the Lower Ditch and elsewhere ; they looked more like Regulars than Volunteers. Battalion, of which he is now Hon. Secretary. When we have met in Hyde Park Or else- where for Battalion drill or other work, we never felt nervous when under the keen eye of a London District Staff Officer, which was frequently the case. Our N.C. Officers knew their work thoroughly and could always act without hesitation. At one of our Inspections, Lieut. -General Sir Francis Lloyd said we drilled too well. This very satisfactory state was very largely due to the ability and care of Regi- mental Sergeant-Major Gulland, and I would also like to make special mention of the very capable assistance he has always given me in the office, — he never neglected anything, nothing was overlooked, and work always up to date and correct. I. WATT, Captain, Adjutant ^th Battalion. 276 Sergt .-Major Gulland "A real live man." Mainly responsible jor the foundation of the Old Comrades' Association, 5th The National Guard in the Great War SERGEANT-MAJOR HIGGINS, late of the Coldstream Guards, has had twenty-seven years' sei-vice in the Army since he enlisted in January, 1889. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, where he was present at numerous famous engagements. He was awarded the Queen's South African medal \\ith clasps for work at Belmont, IVIodder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill and Belfast. He was also a^varded the King's South African medal with clasps for services in South Africa, 1901-1902. He also has the medal for long service and good conduct. On the outbreak of the present war he was employed as Regimental Sergt.- Major to the i/ioth Batt. (County of London) Regiment, and after a period of training embarked for services in the East. He served in the Gallipoli Peninsula, and was through the evacuation. He was mentioned in Sir Charles Munro's despatches, and awarded the Serbian Cross of Kara-George with Swords, 2nd Class. Sergt.-MajorHiggins came to the National Guard in March, 1916, and his sterling qualities and his skill as an instructor commended him to every member of the Guard who received his instruction. Every one realised his keenness, energy and profound knowledge. He was always ready to place himself to instruct any member of the Guard — officer or private — and he had the gift of lucid explanation, while his Sergt. Major Iliggins 7-.Ql-iVnrp and fart" were natent to all who came "'as subsequently granted a commission as patience ana tact were paieni lo an unu eainc j^-^^^,^^j^„t^i„ the 5th Baltalion. and afterwards in contact with him. appointed Group Adjutant unth rank of Captain. The following appreciation of him from Captain Burder Dunning, the Group Adjutant, will be of interest to our readers : — " From my intimate association with Sergt.-Major Higgins, I am able to bear witness to his great abilities and profound knowledge of King's Regulations, and all service matters, as also to his unfailing courtesy and the invaluable assistance that he has rendered to Colonel Cobbett and myself, and has served his country well. " He is a thorough soldier, but he possesses the somewhat rare quality of modesty, which I think has prevented his services from being more fully recognised." 277 The National Guard in the Great War SERGT.-MAJOR A. J. JENNINGS, who joined the National Guard on its formation, is in private Hfe Hall Keeper and Steward of the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers. He is an old Guardsman, having joined the Grenadiers as far back as 1883. He was present with the 3rd Battalion (under General Sir Reginald T. Thynne, C.B.) during their expedition to Egypt in 1885 to end old Osman Digna's Career at Suakin. He holds the Egyptian medal with Khedive's Bronze Star and also the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Sergt.-Major Jennings was promoted to Coy.-Sergt. -Major in 1889, and is proud to claim that amongst his Company Commanders he has served under such distinguished officers as General Lord Charlesmore, General Sir Francis Lloyd and General Sir Harold Ruggles Brise. In 1896 he transferred to the 7th Royal Fusiliers at Finsbury Barracks, and it was from there that he first became acquainted with the Guildhall, having been appointed Listructor to the K.R.R. Cadets who were allowed its use for drill. It was in 1900 that Jennings and Slattery first met, the former having been deputed to show Slattery and a party of his Regiment, the Ki)!g's Ctnitral African Rrgimcnt (who were on a visit to this country to receive their medal after having fought for us in Somaliland), the sights of London. Sergt.-Major Jennings is now serving on the committees of the Grenadier Past and Present Club and the Employment Section of the Royal Fusilier Association, of which he is a founder. In 1904 he took his discharge, having completed 21 years and 3 months with the Colours. He joined the National Guard on January 7, 1915, and began teaching drill as an unpaid Instructor — February 22, 1915. Appointed Sergt.-Major of " A " Co., 1st Battalion. May 14, 1915. Appointed Sergt.-Major of ist Battalion, C.S.-M. December 14, 1915. Undertook the work of drilling and training Derby Recruits, also Tribunal men at the Guildhall in addition to other work as Regt.- Sergt. -Major. 278 Sergt.-Major Jennings The National Guard in the Great War May, 1916. Enrolled as a Volunteer (in accordance with War Office Letter 1024 Vol. Force No. i of May 19, 1916) and appointed Regt.-Sergt.-Major under the New Order. Formed N.C.O.'s Classes at Girdlers' Hall. April 10, 1917. He attended Hotchkiss Gun Instruction Class for N.C.O.'s at Regent's Park Barracks for 14 days and obtained his Certificate. May, 1917. Appointed Battalion Machine Gun Instructor and under Lieut. Ward Higgs undertook the work of teaching the Battalion. In the course of his duties he had the misfortune to severely rupture himself, which compelled him to retire from the Corps, and his injury is still causing him suffering. His 2\ years' Service in the National Guard zvas rendered voluntarilv for his country. SERGEANT-MAJOR (now Major) Slattery, M.C., D.C.M., is a soldier to his finger- tips, and has a distinguished record of active service abroad. He enlisted as a boy of fourteen in the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), and continued serving in this Presentation of the D.C.M. by His IVIajesty King Edward VII. to Sergt -Major Slallery at Marlborougli House, June 25, 1901. On the left of the King is General Trotter, while in command of the troops is General Sir James Willcocks. 279 The National Guard in the Great War battalion until 1899, \\'hcn on the recommendation of IMajor-General Lomax he was transferred to the British Central African Rifles as local Sergeant-Major. From that date until February, 1910, Sergt.-Major Slattery served continuously abroad with the Central African and King's African Rifles in Mauritius, Somaliland, Gold Coast, Ashanti, Nyassaland, East Africa and Zanzibar. He was three times mentioned in despatches. He was wounded in the Ashanti Expedition under Colonel Sir James Willcocks (1900-1901). He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and Special West African Medal, which were presented to him personally by His Majesty King Edward VH. at Marlborough House on June 25, 1901. The Sergt.-Major also took part in the Somaliland Campaign, 1902-1904, and the Nandi Expedition, 1905-1906. In addition to the decorations mentioned he holds the African General Service Medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and the Ashanti 1900 Medal. He also holds first class certificates for proficiency in Hindustani, for musketry (including Maxim gun), gymnastics and swordsmanship. During the whole of his service he has gained the warm approval of all officers under whom he has served, as the numerous testimonials in his possession prove, while in the National Guard he has won for himself a unique position on account of his un- failing courtesy, tact and patience, which render him an ideal instructor. It was in 1901 that Sergt.-Major Slattery and Sergt.-Major Jennings first met. Slattery was in London in charge of a detachment of men of the I2th Central African Rifles from the Gold Coast and Gambia. It was quite a coincidence that Slattery and Jennings should become con- nected with the Guard, for they never met from 1901 until they came across each other drilling National Guardsmen at Sun Street. Amongst other things Sergt.-Major Slattery won the Boxing Championship of India. He is also an expert in club swinging, and learnt a great deal from Colonel Cobbett's book on the subject. It was Mr. T. Aspling (then Platoon Commander of No. 16 Platoon, 2nd Battalion) who advised Slattery to apply for a post as Instructor to the National Guard. Mr. Aspling had known the Sergeant-Major for many years and had secured for him the post of Agent to the Nyassa Consolidated Company when he was in East Africa. Sergt.-Major Slattery's work for the 5th Battalion was much appreciated by all members. His unfailing courtesy, tact and willingness endeared him to everybody. It was a great blow to the Battalion when he left to resume active service. His good work in East Africa was soon rewarded by a commission, and later he became Major. 280 The National Guard in the Great War SERGEANT-MAJOR LITTLEWOOD joined the Grenadier Guards in 1903 and was posted to 2nd Battalion. He was promoted Lance-Corporal in 1904, Corporal in 1905, and Lance-Sergeant in 1906. In June, 191 1, he was transferred to Army Reserve and then joined the Kent Constabulary. On the outbreak of war he rejoined the Colours, was promoted Sergeant and posted to the 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards. He went out to Belgium with the original 7th Division, landing at Zeebrugge on October 4, 1914. He fought in the first battle of Ypres and remained in France until he was invalided home in December. In March, 1915, he was posted to London District School of In- struction, and in Jul\-, 1916, was appointed Company Sergeant-Major. As Instructor to the Sunday Highgate Parade to which he was appointed in November, 1 9 16, his work is well-known to manv National Guardsmen. xj- • ' J 1 • 1 • Sergt. -Major Littlewood rlis energy, patience and enthusiasm, his unfailing tact and courtesy endeared him to all who have received the benefit of his instruction. Everv inch a soldier himself he has the capacitv for making the best out of even the most unpromising material, and in all he inspires the true soldierly spirit and ideal. 281 [Milis & Kayc MR. HENRY CART DE LAFONTAINE First Master of the National Guard Lodge XXVII. THE NATIONAL GUARD LODGE AMONGST the wonderful developments which the Wsr has produced in this country, nothing is more remarkable than the tendency towards fraternisa- tion which is so evident in almost every phase of social life. It might almost be said that men have come to recognise, as never before, the fact that " man is a social creature." The City of London National Guard was an evidence of the oneness of sentiment existing amongst older men in their desire to unite with their more agile and younger brethren in " doing their bit " for the com- mon good. It is, therefore, not altogether surprising that the City of London National Guard Lodge has achieved wonders. Foun- ded in 1 91 5 with an unprecedented number of founders, its opponents — and it had many — prophesied for it a year or two of ephemeral success, and then that it would break up into cliques, or fail to obtain new members. All these gloomy prophecies have been stultified. It is true that it commenced with a brilliancy that might have been ex- pected to put into the shade any possibihty of future success, for its first officers were all Grand Oflicers, and at the consecration of the Lodge nearly every Mason of universal repute was present'. Now that its fifth Master occupies the '^ Chair " and rules over the Lodge— greater, stronger and more united than ever— it can proudly boast of being one of the most important, if not the largest, under the British Constitu- tion. It is interesting to glance back for a few moments over the events that have taken place. Part of the policy of the Lodge has been to bind together in a wonderful fraternity all its members by regularly selecting for the '• Chair " 283 £/,(.• r„rlta!l Cn . LIJ. Sir Edward Letchworth Grand Secretary, who consecrated the National Guard Lodge ■I^^^^^F^H^^I ^^Vk , k 1 1 ..^^St^ 1 m^m 1 1 ^ /^^^^: ^^K^Br ff M ^HiH^tt. ^^^^HH^^^^H SIR RICHARD VASSAR-SMITH, BART. Fourth Master of the National Guard Lodge The National Guard in the Great War some great dominating and outstanding personality who could by his personal position draw to himself the appreciation and devotion of all the members. The first Master was the late Sheriff of the City of London, for it was deemed suitable that the Lodge founded from the very heart of civic organisation should have for its first Master the highest civic official amongst the founders. Worship- ful Brother H. Cart de Lafontaine, M.A., F.R.S.L., at the head of so unique a band of officers, carried out his work to the satisfaction of all, and then proceeded to instr.l as his successor no less prominent a Mason than the then Officer Com- manding the London District, Lieut. -General Sir Francis Llox'd — of many distinctions and many honours. Sir Francis was something of a martinet. He insisted on having things done in his own way, but none the less he was deeply appreciated, and carried out his work with an amount of self-sacrifice which was admirable. Even where he may have differed from any member of the Lodge, that member always felt, not only willing, but glad to fall in with his wishes. Following Sir Francis Lloyd, came no less striking a personalit\- than the Lord Mayor of London — Sir Charles Hanson, Bart., M.P. During this distinguished Chief Magi- strate's term as Master of the Lodge, like his predecessor. Sir Francis Lloyd, he was appointed Junior Grand Warden of England. Few of the members of the T-odge will forget the stirring speeches and inspiring sentiments Naiintiai Guard Lodge. to which Sir Charlcs gavc Utterance. It was indeed felt that it would be difficult to find so excellent a W.M. to follow him, but as so often happens, the fears were groundless. In the fourth year no less important a Mason than the Provincial Grand Master of Gloucestershire, Sir Richard V. Vassar Smith, Bart., certainly the most distinguished Mason amongst the founders, a great and shining light in the world of Finance and a still more agreeable and gracious personality in social inter- course, consented to accept the " Chair," and, at his Installation, there were present four Provincial Grand Masters, all of whom took part in the ceremony. Sir Richard was indeed a difficult man to follow, but it was the good fortune 285 /iHM,// 0- ions The Rev. Walter Besley J itsl A .G. Chaplain ]]'lio look pari in the Coiisecralion of Ihc M/t/is & Ka\c SIR EDWARD E. COOPER Lord Mayor of London 1920 Fiflh Master of the National Guard Lodge Sir Edward Cooper was an enthusiastic National Guardsman. He joined the Corps on Boxing Day, 1914, at the inaugural meeting, served for some months as a private and later became Hon. Commander of "A" Company, 1st Battalion. He was a member of the Grand Committee, whose meetings he regularly attended. He has done much for the Guard, and, being a keen musician himself, has particularly interested himself in the Bands. The National Guard in the Great War of the Lodge to have amongst its members an Alderman whose personal charm and natural sociability made him at all times a persona grata to the members of the Lodge. As it happened Sir Edward Cooper was not only the obvious candidate for so important a position as that of Master of the Lodge, but such a choice became markedly desirable when in November, 1919, he assumed the Mayoralty of the City of London, and at the November meeting of the Lodge Sir Edward Cooper, Lord Mayor of London, one of the earliest members of the National Guard, the faithful friend and upholder of all its principles, was installed in the Chair of King Solomon by RAV. Bro. Sir Richard V. Vassar Smith, Bart., P.G.M., Glos., who was once more elected by the Lodge to the office of Treasurer, which had been held by Sir Edward Cooper during Sir Richard's mastership. The occasion was one of great enthusiasm. Owing to the fact that the National Guard had been demobilised a new resolution was then unanimously carried by the members, opening the doors of the Lodge in the future to all those who had served in any of H.M. Forces. The practice inaugurated in the time of the iirst Master of presenting a piece of engraved plate to the outgoing W.M. in lieu of a Past Master's Jewel has been maintained throughout and seems to add materially to the dignity of that httle ceremony. Li spite, therefore, of all the obstacles which usually beset a young Lodge, the National Guard Lodge has survived and become strong. Its numbers are very great. Its spirit is both mihtary and masonic. The amount contributed by the Lodge to the various charities has been in accordance with its character — large. All the charities have benefited, including the Masonic War Hospital, of which the Lodge has constituted itself a " foundhng Lodge." Perhaps it might interest the casual reader, versed in masonic procedure, to know that the officers in this Lodge are changed every year with the express purpose of enabling a large number of brethren to take office. The process of selecting officers has been evolved after great consideration, and is devoid of any personal influ- ence, depending entirely on the achievements in Masonry of the brother con- cerned, and this produces a sense of equality and just opportunity. For many long years to come the National Guard Lodge will, we believe, exist as one of the great proofs of that loyalty and patriotism which permeated the City of London National Guard, and while its battles will no longer be prepared against the foes in Central Europe, in the person of the National Guard Lodge it will continue to struggle against the evils with which mankind is threatened and carry on its glorious work for the happiness of posterity and the welfare of humanity. 287 The National Guard in the Great War CITY OF LONDON NATIONAL GUARD CHAPTER SUCH was the measure of success achieved by the Lodge attached to the National Guard, that certain keen and active Masons determined to go a step further and complete the Masonic structure by the establishment of a Royal Arch Chapter. After careful consideration it was decided to invite those members of the Lodge who were already Royal Arch Masons to signify their intention of taking part in such a movement. No fewer than 72 companions were found able to claim the right of becoming founders, and amongst this number not a few of considerable masonic eminence. During the earlier part of 1919 meetings were held with a view to founding what has sinced prove to be probably the largest Royal Arch Chapter in the country. Ex-Comp. Sir Richard V. Vassar Smith, Bart., G. Supt., Gloucestershire and Hereford, then W.M. of the Lodge, was elected first M.E.Z., Ex-Comp. H. Cart de Lafontaine, M.A., P.A.G.S., F.R.S.L., and Comp. Sir Chas. A. Hanson, Bart., M.P., both Past Masters of the Lodge, were selected for the posts of H. and J., and in imitation of the glories of the Lodge itself, when in the first year the officials were all Grand Officers, the following list was produced : — ■ Ex. Comp. Sir Richard V. Vassar Smith, Bart., G. Supt. Glos H. T. Cart de Lafontaine, M.A., E.R.S.L., P.A.G Soj. Col. Sir Chas. A. Hanson, Bart., M.P. H.C. Knowles,P.G.,Std.B Rev. H. G. Rosedale, D.D., F.R.S.L., P.G. So Sir Edward Ernest Cooper, G. Std. Br. Dr. W. Hammond, P.A.G. Soj. R. S. Chandler, P.A.G.D.C Sir Louis A. Newton, P.G. Soj. F. Harold Hankins, P.Z., P.G.O. ... H. 7- Treas. Scribe E. Scribe N . D.C. Pri/i. Soj. Asst. Soj. Ommiist. an event which we doubt not has never been achieved in the history of that Degree. The consecration of the Chapter took place on June 16, 1919, when the Con- secrating Officers were : — M. Ex. Comp. The Right Hon. Lord Ampthill, G.C.S.I., G.C.I. E., Pro. First Grand Prin. as Z. 288 The National Guard in the Great War Ex. Comp. The Right Hon. Lord Aldenham, P.G.S.X. as H. : The Rev. Walter P. Besley, P.G.S.N., as J. P. Colville Smith, M.A., G.S.E., as S.N. J. S. Granville Grenfell, P.G.S.N., as D.C. A. R. CoUett, Dep. G.D.C., as A.D.C. None of those who were present will soon forget the solemnitv and beauty of that ceremony. Lord Ampthill in his address to the Companions pointed out the curious coincidence that the number of founders, namely 72, corresponded exactly with the statutory number of which the Jewish Sanhedrin was composed. Amongst the interesting characteristics of this Chapter was the rule laid down by the founders that the officers, as in the case of the Lodge, should hold office for one year only, except in the cases of the Three Principals, Treasurer and Scribe E., who alone were eligible for re-election. A resolution has been passed extending the membership to all who have been admitted as members of the Lodge or who have been at any time members of the National Guard, a resolution which will enable a member of any of H.M. Forces to join the Lodge and from the Lodge to become a Companion of the Order. It is difficult to express in print much that might be said on the beauty and value of this degree, but there should be little doubt that it will tend still further to cement the affection and regard existing between the most prominent Masons directly or indirectly associated with the great movement which this volume com- memorates, and which was the product of the splendid patriotism evoked by the declaration of war on August 4, 1914. 289 XXVIII. THE NATIONAL GUARD AND THE "GUARDS" HON. S. A. S. MONTAGU was gazetted Sec-Lieut, in the 6th Battalion of the National Guard. He is a very keen young officer, and eagerly availed himself of the training offered by the National Guard, prior to taking up the commission which he later held in the Grenadier Guards. Mr. Montagu was one of the most brilliant pupils of his year at the Group Machine Gun School of Instruction, and gained his certificate both for the Vickers and Lewis Guns. He is the eldest son of Lord Swaythling, who was one of the first — I believe actually the first, to join the Grand Committee when the National Guard was first formed. Lieutenant Hugh White, Grena- dier Guards, was killed in August, 191 B, in his forty-third year. Lieut. White was an Officer of the Baltic, Mincing and Mark Lane Volunteer Training Corps, which in July, 1916, amalgamated with the National Guard. He was in fact the chief mover in bringing about the amalgamation. He was gazetted Captain in the 6th Battalion, where he showed himself a most capable, keen and energetic Volunteer and soldier. His exceptionally charming personality and grace of manner won him the affection of all who met him. It was a great loss to the National Guard when early in 191 7 he left us to take up a commission in the Grenadier Guards. It is told of him that without any introduction he approached the Command- ing Officer of the Grenadier Guards, who was so impressed by him that almost immediately he accepted Captain White, as a subaltern in the Grenadier Guards, 290 [" Vajlih-k Lieut. Hon. S. A. S. Montagu XXIX. THE NATIONAL GUARD AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE SEVERAL members of the National Guard, whose names will be found in the pages of our Roll of Honour, have joined the Royal Air Force. Of these the two who have risen to greatest distinction are Lieut.-Colonel Halford and Captain H. R. Oldfield, whose photographs are given. Lieut.-Colonel E. S. Halford joined the National Guard at its inception, and remained in its ranks until September, 1916, when he became a 2nd Lieutenant on probation in the R.F.C. In April, 191 7, he was appointed a Staff-Captain in the R.F.C. at the Air Ministry. On the creation of the new Royal Air Force, April I, 1918, he was appointed Major. He was promoted to Lieut.-Colonel on December 13, 1918, and retired on September 30, 1919, with permission to retain the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. Colonel Halford was twice mentioned in Dispatches while at the Air Ministry, and was awarded the O.B.E. (Military division) in the New Year Honours List of January I, 1919. Captain Herbert R. Oldfield, who was born in 1859, is an old Volunteer. He held a commission as Sub-Lieutenant and Lieutenant in the ist Essex Artillery Volunteers from February, 1881, to April, 1884, when he resigned in consequence of ill-health. At the outbreak of war he joined the Old Boys' Corps as a private 2QI Lt. -Colonel E. S. Halford, O.B.E. The National Guard in the Great War and he was also a special constable until January, 1916. He was an original member of the National Guard, joining on December 26, 1914, and took part in all the early drills and assisted in organisation. He was put in charge of No. 2 Platoon, and continued in charge till appointed second in command of " A " fCo. (4th Battalion). When in September, 1916, the Volunteer Force was recognised, he became again the O.C, No. 2 Platoon, with rank of Lieutenant. Captain Oldfield was in charge of the Signalling Classes of " A " Co., and ^^^^^ attended the classes of the Central Asso- ^^jI^H^^^ elation Volunteer Training Corps, and M ^^Bl "^^^ granted a Special Certificate. He also attended the course of the London District Staff School in 1917. He was present at the various meetings at Brighton and the Camps in 191 5 and 1916. In April, 191 8, he resigned his com- mission in the Volunteers on appointment as 2nd Lieutenant in R.A.F. (Administration Department), from which he resigned in December, 1918, after the Armistice, and was granted the rank of Hon. Captain. Captain H. R. Oldfield 292 XXX. NOTABLE NATIONAL GUARDSMEN H ON. PLATOON-COMMANDER W. S. HITCHINS was one of the stalwarts of the old Guard. Joining up at the start he placed himself, his motor-car and his chauffeur, at the disposal of the Corps. In March, 191 5, he was transferred to the Staff as Colonel Cobbett's orderly. In /\pril, 191 5, he did much valuable work at Brighton mancEuvres, and in May, 191 5, he was given a .commission by the Lord Mayor, and appointed Assistant Staff Officer of the Corps. He acted in this capacity throughout the Whitsuntide manceitvres at Brighton in June, 1915. When in the spring of 191 5 the first camp at Ongar was formed, Mr. Hitchins was in attendance on the Colonel with his car. On November 3, 1915, he acted as Assistant Staff Officer at the inspection of the Guard by Lord Kitchener at Wellington Barracks. During 19 16 he continued his work of driving Colonel Cobbett in his car on all occasions where required. In 1917 he enrolled under the new Act, and assisted at the Guildhall in the swearing of all the Volunteers to the new Regiment. He from time to time assisted Colonel Cobbett on certain important correspondence. Generally he drove the Colonel and his nominees on Sundays and most Saturdays for over two years in ever)' kind of weather, starting usually at 8 in the morning and often not arriving home until 10 at night. On many da)-s in the week Mr. Hitchins' car was in use also on Sundays ; the usual programme was for the Colonel to be driven to inspect sections of his Volunteers (i) at Hampstead, (2) at Highgate, (3) Southgate, and finally (4) at Chingford, then to be driven on to Ongar and Blake Hall, there to spend the rest of the day ; then in the evening be driven back to Victoria and 293 Hon. Platoon Commander W. S. Hitchins Assistant Staff Officer oj the National Guard The National Guard in the Great War Euston Stations to inspect the Station Companies working, etc., ending up at St. Bartholomew's Hospital to inspect the sections on duty there. As a variation on Sundays he attended the Colonel at Parades at Ealing, Purley, Kempton Park, and later at the trenches at Wickford in Essex. Besides the Colonel man\- others connected with the Guard have had the use of the car, including three Lord Mayors, (i) Sir Charles Johnson, (2) Sir Charles Wakefield, (3) and Sir Cliarles Hanson, also Colonel Ridgeway, V.C, Sir Charles Fergusson Leigh Wood, C.M.G., and Mr. Hansford, C.B. Mr. Hitchins remained in the Corps until August, 1917, when he retired, and was allowed the rank of Hon. Platoon Com- mander, and to be an Honorary Member of the Force by the Colonel. He then joined the H.Q. Staff Special Constabulary for special duty at Bucking- ham Palace. Private Robert Bagster, like Private Nalt}-, is another Grand Old l\Ian of the National Guard. He joined up in 1914, and was Number 397 on the register of the Corps. When the Ambulance Section was started he joined it, and remained with it as Wagon Orderly until he was discharged on account of age on August 19, 1918. Lieut. H. G. Lynn was an old member of the London Rifle Brigade, and one of their " crack " shots. He joined " A " Co., 5th Battalion, at its formation in the early months of 1915. Mr. Lynn was promoted to " Section Commander," May, 1915, and later Company-Sergt.-Major, Septem- ber, 1915. Li 1916 he became Platoon Commander of No. 3 Platoon, and was gazetted as 2nd Lieut., September i, 1916. He left, to take up a commission in R.A.F., May, 1917. Mr. Lynn is an enthusiast on musketry, a marksman, and a fine shot both in the open and miniature ranges. Mr. J. C. MiDDLETON was Commander of " C " Co., old ist Battalion, National Guard. He was once H.B.B. Vice-Consul at Monterey, Mexico, and was a most popular and efficient officer in the Guard. Lieut. A. C. Driver joined "A" Co., 5th Battalion, on its formation, and early made his mark in the Guard as a capable and energetic member. He was 294 Private Robert Bagster Age 72. Ambulance Scclioii, Nalioual Guard NOTABLE NATIONAL GUARDSMEN Lieut. H. G. Lynn Platoon Com. A. Turquand Young Lieut. A. C. Driver Private H. S. Sanders Clark The National Guard in the Great War enabled to turn his practical knowledge of surveying to good account, and he did much useful work in this respect. He became a Platoon Commander in the Pioneers, and afterwards was gazetted Lieutenant in "A" Co., 4th Battalion. Mr. H. S. Sanders Clark, a well-known ship-owner, was a member of " A " Co., 5th Battalion in the early days, and put up in some excellent work at drill, trench-digging and musketry. Mr. W. H. p. Conyers was one of the first members of the National Guard to receive a commission in the Army Service Corps. He joined the N.G. on its inception. Mr. Conyers was attached to the publicity departments of various ^m^ ^^- ^ Lieut. W. H. P. Conyers Lieut. W. E. Lincoln railway companies, and was Editor of /« the Patch of the Sun, issued by the L. & S.W. Rly. Lieut. W. E. Lincoln (6th Battalion) joined the National Guard in March, 1915, and was attached to "C" Co., 4th BattaHon. Promoted Corporal Nov- ember, 1915, and Acting Staff Sergeant-Major, May, 1916. He was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant, July, 1916, to "D" Company, No. 13 Platoon, 6th Battalion. Afterwards gazetted ist Lieutenant. He held the position of Musketry Officer and also Physical Training and Bayonet Officer to the Battalion. He passed various Officers' Training Examinations and did much useful work at Waterloo Station. Mr. Algernon Prout, who started shooting at the age of 50, and who is the winner of the " Bell " medal, 1916, has a fine record, having won amongst other 296 TTie National Guard in the Great War things the Bronze Cross, "Grand" Aggregate, Bisley, 1913 and 1914 ; Bronze Medal "All Comers" Aggregate, Bisley, 1913 ; N.R.A. Skilled Shots Bronze Badge ; Astor Bronze Medal, Bisley, 1914 ; Middlesex County Revolver, Bisley, 1912, and 22 other medals. Mr. p. M. Pittar was one of the earliest and busiest members of the N.G. In over three years he hardly ever missed a Platoon or Company drill. He was a member of No. I Platoon, " A " Co., 4th BattaHon. Mr. Pittar also worked at Vic- toria Station, and at the time of his death in 1918 was learning machine-gunnery. Platoon Commander F. W. D. G\\ynne was in command of No. 14 Platoon, " D " Co., 1st Battalion, in early days. Later Mr. Gwynne became Adjutant of 4th Battalion. Captain H. ^1. Phillips (Durham Light Infantry), who was Adjutant to the 4th Battalion, saw active service in South Africa and during the present war. He was " gassed " at Ypres. Mr. a. J. Davis was Commander of Platoon No. 15, "C" Co., ist Battalion, in the early days. Mr. Morton joined the N.G. at its inception, and was the first member to wear its grey-green uniform. Later he decided to devote himself to Cadet work, and received a commission in the 7th Battalion, City of London Regiment Cadets. Private W. R. Lyon was one of the stalwarts of the National Guard. A member of the Scottish Co., and over 60 years of age, he was very regular in his duties on parade at camp and in trench digging work. He also turned up regu- larly two nights a week at St. Bart's Hospital. He participated as energetically as anybody in physical drill, bayonet fighting and company drill. Mr. Lyon is a member of Lloyd's, and he was a private of whom the Guard had reason to be proud. Private William Carnes was a familiar figure at Charing Cross Underground Station, where he proved himself Tommy's guide, philosopher and friend. Over 80 years of age (he was born in 1839) he loved his Station duties. " It is not work," he said, " it is a pleasure, and has been the most interesting feature of my life. Tommy is a dear good fellow, the most grateful and warm-hearted man in the world." Private Carnes made thousands of friends amongst the soldiers, and was known h\ them affectionately as " Dad." Mr. Peter Cable, Co. Commander of " C " Co., ist Battalion of N.G. in the early days, served in the Soudan under Lord Kitchener, and also went through the Boer War in the Grenadier Guards. Mr. Craig was Platoon Commander of No. 9 Platoon, " C " Co., 1st Battalion, National Guard in first vear. ^1r. Cruickshank Smith was Platoon Commander in " C" Co., ist BattaHon, 297 The National Guard in the Great War of N.G. in early days. He was in 191 5 gazetted First Lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders. Mr. a. Turquand Young, of the famous firm of Chartered Accountants, was Platoon Commander of No. 10 Platoon, " C" Co., 1st Battalion, and a generous subscriber to the Guard. Mr. G. H. Musgrave, an energetic member of the Guard from its early days, was responsible for the printing and publication of the song, " We are here, Mother- land," which was rendered at so many N.G. concerts. Mr. Musgrave was a most generous supporter of the Bands, and gave a handsome donation to their funds in order that the Guard might have their services on Saturday route marches. Mr. J. W. Williams was an energetic member of "A" Co., 5th Battalion. An enthusiastic authority on and also inventor of " Physical Exercises," he has done much useful work in this connection. Mr. Williams was sent out by the Y.M.C.A. to lecture to soldiers in France. Mr. R. C. Russell, a member of Platoon 9, " C " Co., 5th Battalion, was born in Durham in 1867, and educated at Merton College, Oxford. He was for some years Agent-General for Natal, and later was on the staff of the High Com- missioner for South Africa in London. During all the time of his busy work he has written poetry for the press. A volume of his under the title, The Old and Touiig Lads, has been published. Several poems from his pen appeared in the N.G. magazine, and the poem entitled, "C.L.N.G.," published in this volume, is his work. Mr. W. W. Robinson is one of many examples of National Guardsmen all of whose sons served their country. Mr. Robinson did much useful work in the Guard as a member of the Motor Car and Ambulance Sections. Private J. S. M. Rennie, of the Scottish Co., who in the first eighteen months of the war was presented by his wife with two bonny boys and a girl. Mr. Rennie served three years in the old Warwickshire Volunteers and twelve years in the Singapore Royal Engineers V. He holds the Coronation medal. Staff-Sergeant Arthur was a valued worker in the Group Machine Gun School. Mr. Richard Speaight was an ardent Station worker. He had the honour of being decorated by H.M. King Albert with the Chevaher's Cross of the Order of Leopold 2nd, and has received permission to wear the Order from H.M. King George V. SPECIAL NOTE. — The Author is fully aware that this list of notable National Guardsmen is incomplete and inadequate. The names of many members who hat e done good work for the Corps are not recorded in it as they should be. The omissions are due to the fact that it has not been found possible to obtain particulars. Had the good work of every member been recorded the book would have been indefinitely delayed and run into an unwieldy volume. The Author trusts that all those whose names ought to have been and are not recorded here will accept his assurance that the omission is not intentional. 298 . 1 1) VKRTISEMKNTS THE Assets £15,000,000 '* *. Established '^ 4^ I Union Terrace, ABERDEEN. ce British Government Securities £5,000,000 1836. X^^ COMP I Moorgfate St., LONDON- UNDERTAKES EVERY CLASS OF RISK ASSETS EXCEED £17,000,000. LIVERPOOL LONDON ^_ AN* Globe LIMITED. CLAIMS PAID OVER £93,500,000. FIRE. LI MARINE. MOTOR CAR. ACCIDENT. (ALL GLASSES.) Head Office : 1, DALE STREET, LIVERPOOL. London (Chief Office) : 1, CORNHILL, E.C. 3. London Branch Offices: Admiralty Arch Approach. Chiring Cross, S.W.1. 41, Mincing Lane, E.C. 3. BRANCHES IN ALL THE CHIEF COMMERCIAL CENTRES. A D VERTISEMENTS London and Manchester Assurance Company, Ltd. ESTABLISHED 1869. Allied with National Amalgamated Approved Society for National (Health) Insurance. Chief Office: 50, FINSBIRY SQUARE, lONDON, EC. 2. Yearly Premium Income exceeds = = = £1,000,000 Funds exceed = = £2,000,000 ATTRACTIVE ORDINARY AND INDUSTRIAL TABLES, LIFE & ENDOWMENT ASSURANCES AND ANNUITY BUSINESS TRANSACTED. Claims Paid exceed £5,000,000 THE NATIONAL MUTUAL LIFE ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALASIA, Ltd. l-:sl,iblislu\l 186a. Head Office for the United Kingrdom : 5, CHEAPSIDE, LONDON, E.G. Accumulated Funds over - - £12,000,000 Annual Income over - . - £2,000,000 III RECTORS. Robert Cm.^ncellor Nesbitt, Esq., Chainiuiii. The Right Hon. Major-Gen. Lord Cheylesmore, K.C.V.O. Right Hon. Lord Sydenham, G.C.S.I., G.C.^LC;., G.C.LE. Manai^cr : H. \V. Meyers. SPECIAL FEATURES. Premium Rates. — lo^o below the average of ICnglish and Foreign Offices. The 20- Payment Life Policy is cheaper than the 25-Payment Policies of most Offices, thus saving five years' premiums. rpj^p Return generally \ per cent, per Best Office (or Annuities. as great as 2 per cent, per annum. THE BEST CHILDREN'S ENDOWMENT POLICY IN THE WORLD. Should Father and Child live. A remarkable in\"cstment is secured. Should Father die. All further payments cease, but Child will inherit the Capital just as if his Father had survived. Should Child die. All Premiums are returned witli 4 per cent, interest. annum more than most Oltices. In some instances the difference is An Insurance premium should be regarded as an investment, not an outlay ; it gives protection from worry, and enables a business man to devote his whole energies to his business. GEORGE HUGHES, Insurance Broker, 1, BIRD-IN-HAND COURT, CHEAPSIDE, E.C. telephone: central 6820. Representing all the leading Insurance Companies. AppUcalions for rales will receive prompt citlenlion. ORIGINAL SUBSCRIBERS TO "THE NATIONAL GUARD' IN THE GREAT WAR Hugh Anderson, Esq. Claude H. W. Anderson, Esq. J. P. Anderson, Esq. A. G. Andrews, Esq. C. J. Andrews, Esq. H. P. Anscombe, Esq. Capt. R. G. Aslet. E. H. Atkins, Esq. L. P. Bacon, Esq. R. Bagster, Esq. Charles Baker, Esq. Francis Bannerman, Esq. A. Barclay, Esq. A. Barker, Esq. Walter Bartlett, Esq. H. R. Batten, Esq. W. L. Bayley, Esq. A. C. Beck, Esq. Rev. C. O. Becker. H. G. Beckett, Esq. E. W. Bell, Esq. Oswald Bell, Esq. Douglas Bennett, Esq. F. T. Bisley, Esq. H. Blain, Esq. F. M. Bl^'the, Esq. A. Borges, Esq. C. P. Booth, Esq. Horace Booth, Esq. H. E. Bouch, Esq. R. G. A. Boulton, Esq. I. Bourdas, Esq. H. Bulford, Esq. C. Johnston Burt, Esq. S. H. Butcher, Esq. J. F. Bowden, Esq. C. G. Bowyer, Esq. Captain F. G. Bristow. G. Brooke, Esq. F. Brown, Esq. Arthur Brown, Esq. W. S. Brown, Esq. B. I. Brown, Esq. J. Mackillop Brown, Esq. Lt.-Col. S. C. Byrne, T.D. F. H. Callingham, Esq. H. G. Campion, Esq. R. D. G. DuCane, Esq. Capt. A. J. Cardell. Capt. C. Cary-Elwes. T. J. Cartland, Esq. C. E. Casteblain, Esq. L. Carter, Esq. E. T. McCarthy, Esq. B. Catmur, Esq. R. S. Chandler, Esq. Thomas Chatto, Esq. F. W. Chipps, Esq. Henry Clarke, Esq. Raymond Clarke, Esq. H. S. Clarke, Esq. W. E. Chffe, Esq. Col. Cobbett. S. A. Cobbett, Esq. Moncrieff Cockburn, Esq. G. Cockburn, Esq. H. Cocks, Esq. George Coleman, Esq. W. R. Collinson, Esq. W. McComish, Esq. Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Cooper. J. H. Cooper, Esq. Charles Cowan, Esq. W. P. Coyle, Esq. G. R. Cran, Esq. G. J. Creasy, Esq. F. A. Cromwell, Esq. Thomas Courtney, Esq. W. Custance, Esq. D. J. H. Cunnick, Esq. W. B. Daniels, Esq. R. E. A. Durrington, Esq. R. W. Campbell Davidson, Esq. Henry Dawkes, Esq. Claud A. Day, Esq. J. E. de W. Denning, Esq. 301 H. I. Dormer, Esq. John Downey, Esq. A. C. Driver, Esq. George Drummond, Esq. W. F. Dunsterville, Esq. A. W. Fades, Esq. W. J. Easton, Esq. H. D. Ebbutt, Esq. W. T. Edwardes, Esq. F. W. Edwardes, Esq. Robert Eldridge, Esq. H. W. Ellis, Esq. L. A. Engel, Esq. W. H. Eyre, Esq. W. Fairweather, Esq. A. M. Fawcett, Esq. P. H. Fearon, Esq. J. Ferguson, Esq. W. Fletcher, Esq. W. C. Flood, Esq. Sir Gregory Foster. .\rthur Findlay, Esq. J. E. Francis, Esq. Captain S. R. F. Freed, George Gamens, Esq. A. H. Garner, Esq. R. Gedye, Esq. H. Carr Gibbs, Esq. F. Gilbert, Esq. E. R. Gillspur, Esq. A. Lister Glass, Esq. Henry Gledhill, Esq. W. T. Gore, Esq. H. Gould, Esq. Capt. Gough. H. C. Gooseman, Esq. G. H. Green, Esq. T. H. Green, Esq. Edgar Greenwood, Esq. Wm. Grieve, Esq. H. J. Griggs, Esq. ADVERTISEMENTS ESTABLISHED 18(12. LONDON & SCOTTISH Assurance Corporation, Limited, rORMERLY LONDON AND LANCASHIRE LIFE AND GENERAL ASSURANCE ASSOCIATION. LIMITED. LIFE, k^^y.^ ACCIDENT. FIRE. rMLl^fcl MARINE, TOTAL INCOME x||/\p^ exceeds £900,000 TOTAL FUNDS and ASSETS exc eed £5,000.000 Head Office: 66 & 67, CORNHILL, LONDON, E.G. 3. J3ranches throughout the Country. General Manager: WiM. /ENEAS MACKAY. Prospectuses and all information may be had on application. PH (EN I X ASSURANCE COMPANY, LIMITED, Ilcdd Of/ices : Phoenix House, King William Street, London, E.C. 4. Total Assets Nearly >^^^^^^^^ ) Claims Paid Exceed £20,000,000 ^l^^Sii £100,000.000 ■ QeSIABUSHED 1782 f^ Chairman - Rt. Hon. LORD GEORGE HAMILTON, P.C, G.C.S.I. FIRE^LIFE^ACCIDENT^MARINE Loss of Profits following Fire, Workmen's Compensation, Fidelity Guarantee, Burglary, Trustee and Executor, Etc. ANNUITIES GRANTED ON FAVOURABLE TERMS. General Manager = ■ SIR GERALD H. RYAN. The National Guard in the Great War Harry Griffiths, Esq. G. H. Ground, Esq. Frank R. Gulland, Esq. A. Haes, Esq. Lieut. -Col. Halford. E. C. J. Hall, Esq. Fred Halsey, Esq. Major Dr. William Hammond. F. B. Hannam, Esq. Sir Charles Hanson, Bart. H. Hannaford, Esq. Percy Harmcr, Esq. A. G. Harrison, Esq. J. B. Hartley, Esq. G. Hatton, Esq. G. B. Houghton, Esq. J. H. Hebblethwaiie, Esq. Lieut. -Col. Sheldon Hepworth, V.D. R. H. Hill, Esq. W. Stanley Hitchins, Esq. Ernest Hodgson, Esq. Arthur Holland, Esq. F. E. Holmes, Esq. William R. Honey, Esq. Walter Howard, Esq. E. M. Howey, Esq. George Hughes, Esq. Alfred Humphreys, Esq. Francis Huskinson, Esq. Captain Bain-Irvine. J. H. Isaacs, Esq. J. A. Jack, Esq. P. W. Jarrell, Esq. William J. Jarvis, Esq. W. H. Jeffries, Esq. Alfred J. Jenning, Esq. G. Cromwell Jones, Esq. Alderman Sir Charles Johnston, Bart. F. L. Jones, Esq. Alfred Kahn, Esq. Vernon Keeble, Esq. L. K. Kent, Esq. Ernest A. Kent, Esq. George A. Kidner, Esq. H. M. Killik, Esq. H. King, Esq. H. Klaftenberger, Esq. A. E. Knight, Esq. T. T. Knight, Esq. Capt. Henry M. Knight. Hugh Knowles, Esq. A. H. Kohler, Esq. E. B. Lack, Esq. H. Cart de Lafontaine, Esq. W. Vesey Lang, Esq. Stewart Lane, Esq. C. F. Lankester, Esq. Charles Russell Lee, Esq. F. W. Leigh, Esq. W. E. Lincoln, Esq. A. H. Lobban, Esq. H. London, Esq. Bellerby Lowerison, Esq. H. Gibson Lynn, Esq. W. R. Lyon, Esq. E. T. Macarthy, Esq. Robert Mackenzie, Esq. G. Macleod, Esq. G. Macleod, Esq. Lachlan Maclean, Esq. J. C. McMarte, Esq. H. A. Mandall, Esq. Fred A. Manning, Esq. George Mansfield, Esq. E. T. Malley, Esq. R. P. Marcus, Esq. H. Marks, Esq. J, H. Martin, Esq. Frank W. Marrian, Esq. Percy Le May, Esq. N. G. Middlcton, Esq. Captain Heptinstall Millar. Miss Florence MUlar. J. McMillar, Esq. D. R. MiUcr, Esq. I. L. Miller, Esq. E. A. Mitchell, Esq. H. Beaufort Mitchell, Esq. Hon. Stuart Montagu. Captain Ernest Monro. E. P. Moorhouse, Esq. J. E. Mould, Esq. I. Edward Myers, Esq. T. E. Nalty, Esq. Percival Newman, Esq. W. Nicholson, Esq. Ernest Nicks, Esq. Walter Norfolk, Esq. Frederick O'Brian, Esq. W. Okey, Esq. H. R. Oldfield, Esq. C. L. Parker, Esq. Clive Parsons, Esq. F. D. Parsons, Esq. George Page, Esq. 303 S. H. Pearce, Esq. A. F. Pearce, Esq. Donald W. H. Penrose, Esq. W. A. Phillips, Esq. C. R. S. Philp, Esq. E. Phillips, Esq. Francis Phillips, Esq. G. Stanley Philip, Esq. T. Pilditch, Esq. E. D. Ponsford, Esq. R. J. Potts, Esq. A. M. de Pothonier, Esq. W. W. Potts, Esq. James F. Poynton, Esq. James C. Poynton, Esq. Harry Price, Esq. J. M. G. Prophit, Esq. Henry Ramsay, Esq. H. A. H. Ramsey, Esq. D. F. De I'Hoste Ranking, Esq. W. Rayson, Esq. A. L. P. Reavil, Esq. J. P. Rice, Esq. C. H. Rhodes, Esq. T. H. Richnell, Esq. Col. R. K. Ridgcwav,V.C.,C.B. R. W. Riggs, Esq. ' F. Roberts, Esq. J. A. Robertson, Esq. F. J. Robinson, Esq. F. W. Robinson, Esq. Guy Robins, Esq. A. O. Roeber, Esq. John Roebuck, Esq. A. G. Rose, Esq. W. H. Roseheim, Esq. A. W. Ross, Esq. Rev. Dr. H. G. Rosedale. F. Rowland, Esq. Alfred E. Royle, Esq. F. C. Roy, Esq. E. E. Rudd, Esq. John A. Russell, Esq. R. de Salis, Esq. Captain Salmon. H. R. Savory, Esq. G. De Lang Scott, Esq. W. Scotts, Esq. J. B. Seymour, Esq. H. L. Shaw, Esq. Major T. Slattery. J. S. Smart, Esq. David Smith, Esq. Alfred Stern, Esq. R. Stewart, Esq. The National Guard in the Great War E. W. Stiggs, Esq. H. R. Stimson, Esq. Percy Stokes, Esq. Irving Stuttaford, Esq. F. C. O. Smart, Esq. J. S. Smart, Esq. R. G. Snow, Esq. A. Clifford Smith, Esq. H. Cooper Smith, Esq. Major E. S. Shrapnell Smith. Richard \V. Speaight, Esq. C. F. Speer, Esq. W. Swan Stallybrass, Esq. Harr}' A. Tanger, Esq. Alfred R. Tattersall, Esq. Carmichael Thomas, Esq. E. W. Kerr Thompson, Esq. .Arthur Timmis, Esq. G. Elliot Tombs, Esq. Charles A. Tottle, Esq. W. T. Trcvenen, Esq. Percy B. Tubbs, Esq. F. Twyford, Esq. C. N'incenl, Esq. G. Waldron, Esq. H. E. \\'alker, Esq. W. R. M. Walker, Esq. A. J. Wall, Esq. Capt. I. Watt H. Watt, Esq. George Lang Watt, Esq. W. W^itkins, Esq. R. W. Campbell Warden, Esq Edmond Warner, Esq. W. A. Waterlow, Esq. Arthur Charles Weaver, Esq. Major Hugh Webb. Robert Webster, Esq. F. H. A. Wedekind, Esq. W. ^^'edlake, Esq. John Weir, Esq. Claude Westbury, Esq. Z. \Miceler, Esq. — Whish, Esq. Thomas A. R. Whistler, Esq. S. Widdowson, Esq. J. W. Williams, Esq. J. Williams, Esq. Tom Wilkins, Esq. Sir Guy Fleetwood Wilson. J. L. Wilson, Esq. Walter Wilson, Esq. W. Winfield, Esq. T. G. Winskill, Esq. Herbert Winkworth, Esq. Dr. Claud Woakes, E. R. Wodley, Esq. George Worley, Esq. C. F. W^ood, Esq. F. B. Wood, Esq. Sir John Leigh Wood, C.M.G. F. A. Wynn, Esq. T. H. Wrensted, Esq. E. C. Young, Esq. A. T. Young, Esq. George F. Young, Esq. G. W. Younger, Esq. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS THE Author wishes to express his thanks to Colonel Cobbett, V.D., for reading through the proofs of the book and making several valuable suggestions, also to Mr. Oswald Bell. He desires to acknowledge the assistance of various members in writing or compiling some of the chapters, especially Mr. Ernest Nicks, Rev. Dr. Rosedale, Mr. W. R. Collinson, Mr. Carr Gibbs, Mr. S. G. Coram, Captain Heptinstall Millar, and several other officers and members, and to the contributor of the chapter on " Britain's Volunteer Armies " which appeared in part in the National Guard Magazine. Thanks are especially due to Messrs. Miles and Kaye, of 34, Cheapside, E.C., official photographers to the National Guard, for the assistance given in providing photographs and for permission to reproduce many copyright pictures without fee. Also to Messrs. Vandyk, of Buckingham Palace Road. C/^ Printed by The London & Norwich Press Ltd., London and Norwich, England. THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS Dl E ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BEI OVV. lOOM II '86 Series 9482 3 1205 00947 1804 „,c«KRroww.t;5 **^ 000 8^ 5 362