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Blackhall Racecourse was the location of the 11th Border Regiment (Lonsdale) Battalion Headquarters in Carlisle, Cumberland. It was the primary site used as a base of operations during the initial formation, recruitment drive and training of new soldiers before they were shipped overseas to fight in France and Belgium from 1916–1918. The Lonsdales at Blackhall was a decision based on several qualifying points, ultimately sanctioned by the Territorial Association. The site was required to have enough space for training in drill, manoeuvres and parading, and there had to be allowances for accommodation and office space.[1] Blackhall was able to fulfil every requirement for a suitable military training ground.
Battalion HQ - The heart of the Lonsdales
On 17 September 1914, approval of the Army Council was given (War Office letter No. 20/Gen. No./3162 (A.G.1) and an Executive Committee was formed.[2] Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale and the Executive Committee[3] decided to raise the "Lonsdale Battalion" in three detachments: Carlisle, Kendal and Workington.[2] There were four companies in the three detachments: A and B Companies from East and North Cumberland were based at Blackhall Racecourse, C Company from Westmorland was based at Kendal, and D Company from West Cumberland was based at Workington.
On 25 September the camp at Blackhall was officially started with 75 recruits under the command of Major Binning and Captain Sale. On 15 October 1914, the West Cumberland recruits were transferred from Workington to Blackhall. Hutments to house all the men continued to be built and whilst there was ample space for the accommodation, the Westmorland men remained at Kendal until 5 January 1915, when the hutments were completed. The Westmorland men moved to Headquarters under the command of Colonel Haworth. He handed over C Company, 280 strong[2] and at this point, with all four companies situated on site, Blackhall really was the epicentre of the Battalion.
Supplying the men
With war Office approval 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." [4] 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." [4] 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." [4] 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
See also
References / notes
- ↑ David Carter (2014). Carlisle in the Great War (Your Towns & Cities/Great War). Pen and sword Military. pp.34–35. ISBN 978-1783376131
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Lonsdale Battalion Border Regiment, September 1914 to June 1915.
- ↑ The Earl of Lonsdale was appointed Chairman, with Colonel Weston, M.P., as Vice-Chairman, Major Binning, Mr. F. R. Hodgson, and Captain Wakefield were appointed Goveners of Local Committees, at Carlisle, Workington, and Kendal, respectively, and Mr. Gerald Spring-Rice became Hon. Secretary of the Executive Committee.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Record of the XIth (Service) Battalion (Lonsdale) - In England