The Great War News from
Lancaster in 1914
9th October 1914
These pages include reports from the local press in Lancaster and
district from October 1914.
Recruits Wanted
Major Bates’ Fine Appeal
Major Bates and Captain Seward attended at the water polo match on
Saturday evening at the Corporation baths, and the former made an appeal
for recruits. He said he wanted young men from 18 to 35 years of age to
join Kitcherners’ army or the Territorials. They were about to engage in
or witness a competition at the baths that would be very strenuous, but
the competition for supremacy that was going on in Europe would have far
more serious consequences. It was for the liberty of the world, and no
merely of England. It was up to the young men of the age he had
mentioned whether they would play their part in the game. He,
personally, was past the time of life when he could do much real or
effective work. When a man reached the half century he could not do much
hard work for the army. There were men between 17 and 35 years of age
who were fit, and could do the work. It was up to them to do it. “If
chaps like you,” said Major Bates surveying the young men at the baths,
“don’t do it, then chaps like me must. If you don’t prepare to fight the
enemy, then God help this country. I am afraid Germany would never give
us a chance of becoming a first class nation again.” He appealed to
Englishmen. Now was their chance, and they must not say in future they
had never had the opportunity given them. If men were married, they
ought to enlist. The time was coming when the best part of the nation
might be out of work, and in that event, instead of the men being out of
employment they would be serving their country for wages, and their
wives and children would be kept from suffering. It was the bounden duty
of the men who were not married to take their share in the defence of
the country or in fighting against the enemy. If they did not join the
Kitchener army, they should join the Territorial Forces. “Now men, play
up,” concluded Major Bates. “It’s your last chance. If you miss it, and
Germany comes out on top, God help, you!” (Applause).
New King’s Own Commandant
Major Antoine Dominique Thorne, who has been promoted to the command of
the 8th Battalion, Royal Lancaster, received his first commission in the
regiment exactly 34 years ago. He saw service in the South African war,
first during operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, and
later in Natal, including the action at Laing’s Nek. He received the
Queen’s medal with three clasps. In January 1900, he was promoted to
field rank, and retired on retired pay in August, 1906. For a time he
was in command of the depot at Bowerham Barracks. His appointment has
given general satisfaction.
Internment of Local Territorials
The remains of Privates James Walton and Ernest Halton, the two members
of the Garstang detachment of the 5th Battalion Royal Lancaster
Regiment, who lost their lives with such tragic suddenness on Wednesday
of last week as the result of being knocked down by a train on a length
of line which they were guarding close to Steventon level crossing, were
interred with military honours on Saturday afternoon in the graveyard
attached to the Calder Vale Parish Church.
The unfortunate young men were well known and held in high regard in the
village and surrounding districts. The bodies were brought by rail to
Garstang and Catterall station the previous night, and were afterwards
conveyed to the church, where they lay overnight in readiness for the
solemn committal the following day. The village had undergone quite a
change from its customary gay appearance, for, from the arrival of the
firing party and bearers until their departure almost immediately after
the last sad rites, practically every blind was drawn in tribute to the
deceased. The church, during a short service held prior to the
internment, was crowded, many people desirous of gaining admission
having to be turned away disappointed. The coffins, each covered with
the Union Jack and several beautiful wreaths, were interred one after
the other. Whilst the service was in progress, and during the committal,
the firing party was lined up along the path leading to the church
porch, afterwards taking up position behind the graves, and firing over
them the usual three volleys. The “Last Post” having been sounded on the
bugle, the local band, of which Walton was a member, played “St.
Cuthbert,” “Lead, kindly Light,” and “Nearer my God to Thee.” Returning
to the village, “The Fallen Heroes” was rendered.
The last rites were conducted by the Vicar, Rev G H Wilson.
Amongst those in attendance as representing the army authorities were
Major Bates, (present on behalf of the commanding officer, Colonel Lord
Richard Cavendish), Captain Wright, (commander of E Company, 5th
Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, in which deceased were
privates); and Captain Hogarth, Captain Seward, and Lieutenant
Quartermaster Singleton, of the 5th Reserve Battalion of the same
regiment. There was a large number of floral tributes.
Four Kitchener Battalions
Recruiting is proceeding somewhat slowly, but it is expected that in the
course of the next few days a draft of about 400 men will be despatched
to the 8th (Kitchener) Battalion at Codford. The 9th Battalion has been
completed, and when the 8th is full the regiment will have raised four
Kitchener battalions. The men will leave Lancaster under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel A D Thorne, who has just been appointed to the
command of the 8th Battalion. In view of the approach of winter and an
expected influx of recruits, tenders has been invited for the erection
of hutments in a field adjoining the barracks for the accommodation of
the men.
Territorial Developments
Important developments have taken place this week at the Phoenix Street
Drill Hall, headquarters of the reserve Territorial battalion of the
King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. The men of the Fleetwood company,
numbering between 100 and 200, have been drafted into the town, and the
Morecambe company, numbering about 160, is due to arrive on Monday, the
total number thus being over 300. In order to provide sleeping quarters
for them, arrangements have been made to occupy the whole of the
premises between Phoenix Street and Messrs. Waring and Gillows’ works,
except the Yorkshire House Hotel. The Centenary Congregational
schoolroom, Phoenix Rooms and a large shed at the rear are being fit up
as barrack rooms. The cottage adjoining the Phoenix Rooms will be used
as guard room and hospital, and the Drill Hall will be used as a dining
room etc. The men, however, whose homes are in Lancaster will sleep at
home as heretofore. The total strength of the battalion is now between
690 and 700. Twenty men were sent to Didcot on Monday to join the 5th
Battalion, which has now struck camp and is being billeted in the town
in view of the approach of winter. Recruiting in the district is
proceeding slowly, but further additions are hoped for from meetings to
be held at Dolphinholme tomorrow, at Blackpool on Tuesday, and at other
places in the battalion’s recruiting area yet to be arranged. Phoenix
Street has been closed to the public from 6 am to Midnight, and is being
protected by armed guards at each end.
Mrs Wigley has this week presented each man with a silk ribbon shoulder
knot in royal blue and gold, the regimental colours.
Mr Aldous’ choir gave a concert in the Drill Hall on Wednesday evening
before a crowded and enthusiastic “house”. Sir N W Helme, MP, gave a
stirring patriotic address.
Only a proportion of our collections
are on display at anyone time. Certain items are on loan for display
in other institutions. An appointment is required to consult any of
our collections which are held in store.
