Blackhall Camp - Formation and training: Difference between revisions
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==Supplying the men==
[[File:11th Border Regiment cap badge (silver).jpg|thumb|right|250px|The silver Lonsdale cap badge]]
With war Office approval [[Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale|Lord Lonsdale]] was the powerhouse behind the formation of the [[Lonsdale Battalion]]; a unit in his own name funded with his own money. He brought the battalion together by appointing officers and ordering the weapons and munitions needed to arm his men, all at personal expense. The supply of uniforms did cause some issue. Not everyone had their own uniforms and those that didn't had to train in their own civilian clothing until a time uniforms could be supplied. Lord Lonsdale designed the uniforms himself, his preferred choice being khaki. However, "as khaki was then unprocurable, the uniform was at first of dark grey cloth, similar to that of the old Cumberland Volunteers; but some two or three months later a proper [[khaki]]-coloured uniform was supplied." <ref name="lons-england">[[Record of the XIth (Service) Battalion (Lonsdale) - In England]]</ref> As the harsher northern border weather closed in "neither blanket nor greatcoats could be obtained, Lord Lonsdale sent down a thousand of each from London." <ref name="lons-england" /> In addition, he also supplied "an ambulance waggon, a water-cart, with two pairs of black horses, and later on obtained thirty chestnut mules for the transport." <ref name="lons-england" /> When it came to [[insignia]], the cap badge had to be distinctive and immediately identifiable. Lord Lonsdale's own crest was authorised for use, personally presenting a silver cap badge to every enlistee in his battalion. He wanted the best for his men and he wanted them to look the part.
==Commanding the Battalion==
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==The Battalion reaches full strength==
[[File:Parade of recruits 01.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Parade of new recruits on the racecourse]]
One week after the Battalion had been formed, Battalion HQ saw a meagre population of just 75 recruits. Just over two months later and the site had been transformed into something entirely different, supporting A, B and D Companies.
:{{quote-left}}There are many good men – and quite as loyal as Lord Lonsdale – who, for various reasons – cowardice not being one of them – cannot see their way to joining the Colours just now; but that is no reason they should be called mice. No doubt the poster was issued with a good intention; but – well – we are told that a certain main road is paved with good intentions. My own opinion is that the poster ought to be looked upon as a specimen of zeal over-running discretion; but I know a good many men who don’t take that view of it.{{quote-right}} <ref name="editorial" />
The Lonsdales were transferred to the [[Glossary:Brigade, 112th|112th Brigade]] on [[16 March]] 1915, under Brigadier-General Mackenzie. The work the officers and men had put into creating a disciplined and well-trained unit did not go unnoticed when those who inspected Blackhall<ref>The inspector of Recruiting from the War Office, the Musketry Staff Officer from Headquarters (Western Command), and a Staff Officer for Physical Drill (Inspector of Gymnasia).</ref> during March 1915, reported to Lt-Col. Machell that his Battalion was "far ahead of other service battalions."<ref name="lons-england" /> The Lonsdales were starting to turn heads in the upper echelons of the Brigade. This was a good sign. On [[8 May]] the early group of recruits that formed the initial strength of the Battalion would finally leave Blackhall for training grounds beyond their familiar home counties. Their first port of call was [[Glossary:Prees Heath Camp|Prees Heath Camp]] in Salop (present-day Shropshire) where the Lonsdales joined the proud Glasgow men of the 15th, 16th and 17th Battalions of the [[Glossary:Highland Light Infantry|Highland Light Infantry]], forming the [[Glossary:Brigade, 97th|97th Brigade]] under the command Brigadier-General Hacket Thompson.<ref name="lons-england" /> The Borders and Highlanders, however, moved on again to Wensleydale in Yorkshire on the [[22 June]] owing to the unsuitability of the ground for Brigade Training. There they remained under canvas until the beginning of August, forming part of the [[Glossary:Division, 32nd|32nd Division]] under Major-General Rycroft.▼
However the "insult" was worded, it didn't have a disparaging effect as the fallout of it's print might have suggested. The recruit rolled in, joining the ranks of the newly-formed Lonsdales with fervour, the need to "do one's duty" and, for many, the hope of a regular meal, warm clothes and one shilling a day<ref>Chris Baker. [http://www.1914-1918.net/pay_1914.html British Army rates of pay] The Long, Long Trail. Accessed 26 February, 2017.</ref>for the trouble. On [[3 December]], the same day Captain Diggle was appointed the role of Adjutant, the War Office conveyed that the Lonsdale Battalion was officially to become known as the 11th (Service) Battalion, Border Regiment (Lonsdale).<ref name="lons-england" /> During December the hutments were being built as to accommodate the increasing number of recruits. One month later on [[3 January]] 1915, the Lonsdale Battalion had reached a total strength of 1,152 non-commissioned officers and men<ref name="lons-booklet" /> and on [[5 January]] all four Companies were now stationed at Blackhall and the Battalion was, on paper, attached to the 124th Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General Collings. Training would continue in much the same manner until the men, some just boys, were deemed ready for battle. They were not ready just yet. The various skill-sets included scouts, [[stretcher bearer|stretcher bearers]] and [[signaller|signallers]]. Digging entrenchments and [[bayonet]] fighting had to be second nature, as would firing a [[Lee-Enfield rifle]] and being able to handle the water-cooled [[Vickers machine gun]], which would in late 1915 be replaced with the lighter Lewis machine gun.
At 1am on [[23 November]] 1915, the Lonsdale Battalion left for France with the rest of the 97th Brigade, now under the command of Brigadier-General Jardine, on board the steamer, the ''[[Glossary:Princess Victoria (ship)|Princess Victoria]]''. Their time at [[Blackhall]], Prees Heath, Wensleydale and Salisbury Plain had come to and end. The previous months' training would now have to be addressed in real combat situations, putting into practice the skills and tactics they had developed over the previous year. To stay alive and come back home to [[Glossary:Blighty|Blighty]] would have been the first, and last, thing on their minds as they sailed towards the unknown in a war that was to last another three bitter, long years.▼
▲The Lonsdales were transferred to the [[
▲At 1am on [[23 November]] 1915, the Lonsdale Battalion left for France with the rest of the 97th Brigade, now under the command of Brigadier-General Jardine, on board the steamer, the ''[[
==See also==
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<references />
[[Category:Battalion history|02]]
[[Category:Military training camps]]
[[Category:Blackhall Camp]]
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