11th (Service) Battalion Border Regiment in the First World War
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The LonsdalesThe 11th (Service) Battalion Border Regiment, also known as the Lonsdale Battalion was a 'Pals' battalion formed of three detachments at Carlisle, Kendal and Workington by the Earl of Lonsdale and an Executive Committee. The Battalion became a well-trained, disciplined unit of volunteers that answered Field Marshal Earl Kitchener's call to arms - to fight for King and Country. Men that had grown up together enlisted together and “during these formative days of the Battalion’s earliest history it became clear to everyone in the Border Counties that this really was a Battalion of 'Pals,' of comrades, and of Border men.” - The Lonsdale Battalion Border Regiment, September 1914 to June 1915
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Battalion HistoryThe Lonsdale Battalion was formed by Hugh Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale, and an Executive Committee with the approval of the War Office on 17 September, 1914. The Executive Committee raised four companies, all financed by the Earl of Lonsdale himself from his personal funds. Discover almost four years of the Battalion's history through formation, training and front line action.
The Battalion History
The Lonsdale Battalion – On This DayOn this day is a listing of historical daily events associated with the movements actions of the Lonsdale Battalion between 1914–1918. An event is a term used to describe a particular action or set of actions such as: a reference to bayonet training, digging entrenchments, receiving orders, front line fighting and a variety of simple reports including casualty figures, among many others. → Please note this information refreshes every day.
On this day in history (19 April)
1915 (Monday)
- Telegram from Lt-Col. Machell to Lord Lonsdale: "can you entreat General Mackinnon push us forward with present Brigadier and Brigade Major [Montgomery] if possible disastrous leave us here." [1]
1916 (Wednesday)
- Contay Wood: Battalion in isolation camp (measles) involved in training and small working parties.
1917 (Thursday)
- Germaine: Battalion moves out at 1pm and makes way to Hombleux via Douilly, Toule and Offoy. Arrives at 4.30pm.
1918 (Friday)
- Brigade Reserve: Companies are at the disposal of the Officers Commanding for training. Rain largely interferes.
- Bathing continues.
- Deaths: Alfred Charles Brown (29013 Pte.) / Charles Johnston (13279 Sgt.)
Document LibraryThere were a wide range of documents recorded and compiled between the Lonsdale's formation and eventual disbandment in 1918. The documents offer detailed information on the actions and day-to-day running of the Battalion at a time of war. These include, but are not limited to: orders, reports, notes, instructions, messages, honours, awards and press appreciations.
The document library
Lonsdale Battalion War DiarySome regimental war diaries are sparse in detail, whilst others are descriptive. Today, they are pivotal to learning about the daily lives of the men and the bitter fighting they endured. The Lonsdale's war diary offers a complexity of daily reports on operations, intelligence summaries, casualties, maps and various other appendices covering their time in France and Flanders.
The battalion war diary
Roll of HonourThe 11th Battalion Roll of Honour has been transcribed as it was printed in HMSO’s Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-19, Volume 39, The Border Regiment. This is a complete list of men killed whilst serving in the Lonsdale Battalion during the war. Many of the soldiers that served in the Lonsdale Battalion also served in other battalions of the Border Regiment, some even transferring from entirely different regiments, the most common of these being the Herefordshire, Essex and Liverpool Regiments.
The roll of honour
QuotesAll will be more comfortable when our division takes over. The Commanding Officer's are well enough off always, apparently, having pretty good dug-outs and a chance of drying up, but I feel very bad about the men, and one can’t do enough for them.
Read a selection of quotes from various source materials. The words offer a glimpse into the lives of the men and the sights they bore witness to first-hand. Quotes from the Battalion War Diary give a unique insight to the mundane duties of trench warfare, the horrors of battle and the praising of fellow brothers in the course of their duties.The Lonsdale quotesFor the first six months there was never a night that the C.O. did not go round the trenches. Not a casual walk round, but four or fives hours out…We had the name of being the best Infantry Battalion in France, among any of those who had to do with us.
Image GalleriesPeruse over a collection of images of the Lonsdales during their initial training period at Blackhall Camp, Carlisle, before being shipped over to France. See the men in their civvies lining up for roll call, engaged in bayonet training and aiming drills, digging entrenchments and physical exercise. Plus, see photos of officers, individuals, groups, obituaries, cap badges and other insignia.
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The grandstand at Blackhall Racecourse
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Digging entrenchments
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Physical drill
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Aiming drill
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Inspection by Lord Lonsdale
Newspaper ArticlesSeveral Cumberland and Westmorland newspapers reported on the Lonsdales between 1914 – 1918. Reports on the war, notes of the week, the terrible conditions at the front, casualties and obituaries, to name a few provide the reader with a glimpse into a world where hardships were a fact of life, and the horrors of war and losing your friends were a daily routine. Here's one fine example of a chap writing home about his experience of being wounded.
Lonsdales Wounded On Way To Trenches
Corporal J. Smith, 11th Borders in a letter to his parents on December 19th, says: -
Just a few lines to let you know that I have been wounded, but I am going on champion.
—Workington Star and Harrington Guardian, Published 24 December, 1915.
Living day to day surrounded by death and the fear of never seeing loved ones again made the propaganda drive all the more effective as those at home learned about their sons and fathers fighting for the freedoms that many of us today take for granted. The press in recent times, however, enlighten us with stark reminders of bygone times and more often than not, heartwarming tributes of those who served over 100 years ago.Lonsdales in the press
Helping out with our projectsInterested in helping out around here? There is always something to write, discover and learn about the Lonsdale Battalion and the Border Regiment. As you can see from the menu on the left there are several projects that are a work-in-progress. Take a look at the recent changes made to the site to see what has been happening lately.
Our largest on-going project is the Lonsdale Battalion on this day... project. This is a listing of historical events associated with the actions of the Lonsdales, from formation in 1914 through to its disbandment in 1918. Whenever we learn something new and interesting about the Lonsdales we like to include what we can in the interest of free and accessible knowledge. Every project, however, no matter how large or small is just as important as the next, which is why they are of equal value and interest. Currently there are many other site projects either on the go or waiting to be started, and this is where we need your help in making these available for everyone.
If you are interested in helping out you can contact us with any questions you may have about any of the projects. Alternatively, if you have spotted any errors and omissions, would like to create news pages or simply edit some existing ones, you can do so by creating a new account and off you go. We look forward to seeing you around.
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