Blackhall Camp - Formation and training: Difference between revisions
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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" />
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 bearers and signallers. Digging entrenchments and bayonet fighting had to be second nature, as would firing a [[Glossary:Lee-Enfield|Lee-Enfield rifle]] and being able to handle the water-cooled [[Glossary:Vickers machine gun|Vickers machine gun]], which would in late 1915 be replaced with the lighter Lewis machine gun.
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.
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