Читать книгу The Seventeenth Highland Light Infantry (Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Battalion) (WWI Centenary Series) - John W. Arthur - Страница 14

A BATTALION IN BEING.

No time was lost in bridging the gap between “Resolution” and “Action.” By September 12th, 1914, the work of enrolling recruits had begun, and Medical Examination and Attestation were commenced under the supervision of Colonel J. Stanley Paterson, Officer in Charge, No. 2 District, Scottish Command. Colonel Paterson did much for the Battalion in many directions, and in a recent letter says:—”I have never lost, and never will lose, the deep interest I took in the 17th H.L.I. from the moment of its initiation, and the full story of its doings will give me the greatest pleasure to read.”

The Lesser Hall of the Merchants’ House was for many days the Headquarters of busy recruiting, and those associated with these stirring times will long remember the enthusiasm with which the enrolment was conducted. With the help of Dr. Beilby and Mr. Stockdale of the Royal Technical College, “A” Company was speedily recruited, and was composed mainly of the College Students. Colonel R.C. Mackenzie, C.B., did much for “B” Company, enlisting in its ranks former pupils of the City Schools, the High School, Glasgow Academy and others. “C” and “D” Companies were composed principally of men from the business houses and different trades in the city and district. For a few weeks the men, living in their own homes, were instructed and drilled in four of the Territorial Force Association Halls. During the recruiting and the early weeks of the training, Major Rounsfell Brown acted as Adjutant, and rendered excellent service.

Kit was issued to the four original Companies, “A,” “B,” “C,” and “D,” on 19th and 20th September.

It was at first expected that Colonel Fred. J. Smith, late of the 8th Scottish Rifles, might be chosen as Officer in Command, but for reasons of health he was unable to undertake the duty. The choice eventually fell upon Lieut.-Colonel David S. Morton, V.D., who had seen much service, and was well fitted to fill the post. His volunteer experience included service in the 1st L.R.V., the Engineers, and various Commissioned ranks in the 5th H.L.I., ending, on his retiral, with the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. In 1900 he served with the 71st in South Africa as Captain of the H.L.I. Service Company. He was mentioned in despatches, and received the “South Africa” Medal with three clasps.

Major W.J. Paul was appointed second in Command. His service had been with the Scottish Rifles (the 4th V.B.S.R.), in which unit he rose to the rank of Major, second in Command. He retired in 1907 with the Honorary rank of Major.

The original Officers in Command of Companies were:—

“A” Major W.J. Paul.

“B” Major J.R. Young.

“C” Major W. Auld, V.D.

“D” Major E. Hutchison.

The Regimental Staff included Captain D.R. Kilpatrick, R.A.M.C., as Surgeon attached; Lieut. and Quarter-Master Slade; Regimental Sergt.-Major Kelly; Regimental Quarter-Master Sergt. T. Keith; and Orderly Room Quarter-Master-Sergt. J. Copland.

Up to this point the drill and training were being well pushed on. It will be remembered that the extraordinary demands made on khaki cloth, by the sudden institution of a national army, made it practically unobtainable in these early months. A navy blue serge cloth was substituted for making tunics, trousers and greatcoats, and these made a neat and serviceable uniform. This uniform was issued at Gailes and was exchanged for khaki in the following summer at Troon. The Battalion was now ready to set out for its war training station, and on 23rd September assembled in the Examination Hall of the Royal Technical College, and had a good send-off by the Directors and Members of the Chamber of Commerce, Colonel Stanley Paterson, and other friends. At this meeting, Colours for the Regiment were promised by Mr. Montagu M.W. Baird, the President of the Chamber; Bugles, by Dr. and Mrs. Beilby, of the Technical College; and Pipes and Drums as a joint gift by the Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and Merchants’ House. After the Meeting, the Battalion entrained for the Camp at Gailes.

Major W.J. Paul.

Major John R. Young.

Major W. Auld, V.D.

Major E. Hutchison.

The Farewell Meeting in the Technical College.

A member of the Battalion, giving a general impression of these memorable “first days,” writes:—

“We all assembled in our various drill halls. We watched and whispered. Some asked, who is that man with the loud voice shouting at us, giving us papers and getting us into what he called Companies. We knew soon. Then they selected N.C.O.’s (acting) from amongst those who had some previous training. After that we went away. The N.C.O.’s stayed and took the bundles of papers, our pledged word to our king, and wearily for hours sorted them and listed the names.

“Days followed when we marched and when we got to know our officers by sight and to call ourselves by our Company name. Then came the day we drew our kit and carried off strange bundles to our homes. We got the magic words ‘To camp at Gailes.’ Then we were soldiers now. We paraded by Companies and assembled in the Square and marched to the train. A motley crowd carrying on our shoulders all manner of weird shaped bundles. The crowd laughed and cheered us. Thus we left the City that held us very peculiarly her own, her citizens and sons for the last time. Henceforth her soldiers.”

The Chamber of Commerce Battalion was now an accomplished fact, and the following authoritative acceptance by the Government and the War Office, linked it as an integral part of the Service Regiments of the British Army.

“War Office,

“London, S.W., 2nd November, 1914.

To The President,

“Chamber of Commerce,

“7 West George Street,

“Glasgow.

“Sir,

“I am commanded by the Army Council to offer you, and those associated with you, their sincere thanks for having raised the 17th (Service) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry (3rd Glasgow) of which the administration has now been taken over by the Military Authorities.

“The Council much appreciated the spirit which prompted your offer of assistance, and they are gratified at the successful results of the time and labour devoted to this object, which has added to the armed forces of the Crown the services of a fine body of men.

“The Council will watch the future career of the Battalion with interest, and they feel assured that when sent to the front it will maintain the high reputation of the distinguished Regiment of which it forms part.

“I am to add that its success on active service will largely depend on the result of your efforts to keep the depot Companies constantly up to establishment with men in every way fit for service in the field.

“I am, Sir,

“Your obedient Servant,

“(Signed) B.B. Cubitt.”

On 7th November, the Battalion paid a return visit to the City of Glasgow. The Battalion arrived and formed up on the station platform. A word of command and away they marched into the streets, crowded to the uttermost by friends and relatives. Hardly a cheer was heard. The men marched between banks of faces, in a deep silence. What a strange reception, surely the most impressive men ever had, proving what was in the hearts of those that watched the men and how they felt for them. Only when they entered the Square did cheers and the buzzing of an awaking crowd break out. “We felt,” says an officer, “rather disappointed; but we knew what it meant.” The unit was then inspected in front of the Municipal Buildings by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce.

Early Days.

A Rest by the Way.

H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught,

Colonel-in-Chief of the H.L.I.

Colonel J. Stanley Paterson.