Post date: Mar 16, 2021 9:43:4 PM

Extract from Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser - Tuesday 02 June 1891

ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE 1ST WATERINGBURY COMPANY BOY’S BRIGADE.

On Wednesday the picturesque grounds of Wateringbury Place, the residence of Lieut. Col. H. D. Davies, J.P., were the scene of a most interesting event, namely, the first annual inspection of the 1st Wateringbury Company Boy’s Brigade. This flourishing company, of which the above gentleman is patron, only came into existence in the beginning of the present year, but it has made capital headway, thanks to indefatigable exertions of Miss E. Login, the lady secietary, who has been unceasing in her efforts, aided by the liberal assistance of the ladies and gentlemen in the neighbourhood of Wateringbury, to bring the company to perfection. Miss Login may almost be proud of the fact that through her efforts every boy, who is eligible in Wateringbury, has had his name enlisted on the rolls of the company. Too much praise cannot be accorded the drill-instructor of the company, Sergt -Major Brown, Royal West Kent Regiment at Maidstone, who is to be congratulated upon the complete and admirable manner in which has turned them out in their drill.

About four o’clock, the company, headed by their band, under the conductorship of Mr W. Galpin marched to the lawn of Wateringbury Place, and among the large number who assembled on the terrace to witness the inspection we noticed Lieut. Colonel Davies,  Mrs and the Misses Whatman,  Col. and Mrs Urmston,  Mrs Alexander, Colonel Kingston, Lady Alexandra Cunliffe, Lady Login and the Misses Login, Lady Torrington. General and Mrs Schneider, the Rev. T. W. Carr (Barming),  the Rev. B. Jones, the Rev. and Mrs Julian Guise (Addington), Dr. Henry and Mrs Monckton, Major and Mrs Grove, Mr and Mrs White Mr and Mrs Jude, Mr and Mrs Reeve, Dr. and Mrs Loundes, Mr and Mrs Blest, Miss Horne, Mrs Lamplugh, Dr. and Mrs Fry, Mrs Tootell, Mr and Mrs Goodwin, Miss Boucher, Mrs C. Whitehead and party, and several others.

Colonel Safford, Commandant of the Royal West Kent Depot Maidstone, was the inspecting officer. After a general salute, the gallant Colonel examined the uniforms and rifles of the company, who were then put through the various drills by their captain. The march past was well done, the boys being very smart in obeying orders. After the usual marching drill, they went through volley firing. The next order was for physical drill, which was accompanied by suitable songs, sung by the boys. Battalion drill was then proceeded with, which put to the test the knowledge of the non-commissioned officers and corporals. Subsequently the boys were then drawn up into double file, and the Colonel addressed them, remarking that it was the first time had had the pleasure inspecting a boys brigade. They had done their various drills exceedingly well, the marching past and firing being particularly good. Their captain was an old friend of his, and it was their own fault if they did not learn to drill well. He congratulated them on having such an excellent captain. They had also a kind lady who worked hard for them. If any of them into ths Army, they would carry with them some valuable knowledge of the drill they had learnt in that brigade. Drill was excellent discipline and that was the first thing they taught in the army. They must also remember to keep their temper. He warned them against becoming acquainted with bad companions. Duty was their word in the regiment. Colonel Safford then gave some personal reminiscences faithfulness to duty on the battle field, and in conclusion, said he was extremely pleased with the brigade. They must always carry their heads well. He was told once by a certain gentleman that he could always tell a good regiment by their figure. He once more congratulated them on having such a good lady to look after them, and such excellent captain.

General SCHNEIDER then read the annual report, which was to the following effect.

"This Company was formed connection with the Boys Brigade, whose head quartets are at 68, Bath-street, Glasgow. The movement is esentially a religious one, but totally undenominational in character. Its object, according the words of the constitution, being the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys, and the promotion of habits of reverence, discipline, self-respect, and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness."

"For this purpose military organization is employed, and all boys applying for admission must sign a form of application, promising to conform to the rules of the Company, and set example of good conduct to their comrades and other boys. The boys are all between the ages of 12 and 17 inclusive."

"A meeting having been held in the Schools at Wateringbury, when the names of candidates were taken down, preliminary drills were started on the November, 1890, and held twice a week in the Schoolroom, but it was not until the January, 1891, that the Company was formally enrolled. 

"A subscription fund was then started to which the ladies and gentlemen of Wateringbury contributed to the extent of £24 19s 8d, of which sum £9 10s 2d was given Lieut.-Colonel Davies.

"Strength of Company when first enrolled, 29; number joined since formation, 7; number withdrawn and cause : On obtaining employment elsewhere, 3; ill-health, 1; no reason given, I—total, 5; number dismissed, 0. Present strength of Company, 31. Number of drills held, 53; average attendance, 23 1/5th. Number of Bible Classes held. 27 average attendance, 213/4.

"The rifles were received in the begining of April last. The Company have only eleven drills with them.

"The following hoys have never missed parade, either drill or Bible Class: Richard Heath, Lance- Corporal, 80 marks: William Weller, Private, 80 marks. The next highest in number of marks for attendance are Private James Smith, 78 marks; Sergeant Alfred Latter and Private Charles Ashby, 77; Private Charles Smith, 75; and Corporal Geo. Stevens, 74.

"The following boys have never missed Bible class : Private James Smith, Private Charles Ashby, Private William Weller, Lance-Corporal Richard Heath, and Private Charles Smith.

"On the 27th of February a formation parade was held before Lieut-Colonel Davies, and other ladies and gentlemen, when accoutrements were presented to the boys. The first promotions to the rank of non-commissioned officers were made on February 20th. 

"On the 29th April the Company made its first route march to Cheveney Institute, where they were entertained the patron of the 1st Yalding Company, and went through their physical drill. Conduct and drill there and on line of march very good.

"May 10th: The Company held its annual church parade at Wateringbury Church, being joined by the Yalding Company and band, when was met at the foot of Bow Hill, and escorted back as far Wateringbury Station, after the parade service.

"Two boys are under instruction for buglers. General conduct and bearing of the Company good.

"The prizes were than distributed by Mrs Davis and Miss E. Login, the following:

Attendance.-First prize, silver medals, Lance-Corporal Richard Heath and Private William Weller, 80 marks (highest possible) ; second prize, two-bladed knife and 1s. from Mrs H. Harris, Private James Smith, 78 marks ; third prize, 2s. each from Mr French and Mr Edward Smith, Sergeant A. Latter and Private C. Ashby, 77 marks; fourth prize, knife from Mr Pearson, Private Charles Smith, 75 marks; fifth prize, knife from Mr Pearson, Corporal George Stevens, 74 marks.

Good Conduct.—First prize, silver medal, Sergt. Alfred Latter ; second prize, Mr and Mrs William, Dray’s combined prize; third prize, 2s. 6d. from Mr James Dray, Private Harry Shepherd; fourth prize, 2s. 6d. from Mr A. Baker, Robert Huggett.

Squad Challenge Medal.—Sergeant Ker.

Squad Attendance Prize.—Photograph album, from Mr Taylor, 1st Squad, average, 58 ; 3rd squad, 48—lnkstand from Mr Taylor, desk from Mrs Harris, Sergeant A. Latter.

Answering Class.—Money-box from Mr Taylor, purse from Mrs Harris, Sergeant Latter, and Lance-Corporal Heath, 68 marks.

The Rev. T. W. Cam afterwards addressed the lads. He said it had given him great pleasure to hear that Colonel Safford had a good opinion of their drill. He wondered if any of  them knew of that text in the book of Proverbs which was "The fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold, so is a  man to his praise." It was very gratifying to be praised, and he supposed some idle boys, who had looked on that afternoon, might have envied them, but assured them that those boys did not know the trouble they had had to endure in order to arrive at the stage they had. Praise tested and tried a man as what he really was. It was encouraging to be praised. He reminded them that the praise they had received that afternoon was to test them in order to see whether it was for better or for worse. They must show self-respect for their fellow-creatures, and drill taught them that they must work together or it would not be a sucess. They were all to be soldiers of the kingdom of Christ, and to carry out this they must stick to one another and never afraid of the enemy. In conclusion remarked how much they were indebted to Lieut.-Colonel Davies for allowing them to come there that afternoon and hold their annual inspection.

Lieut.-Colonel Davies, in responding, said behaved they would not like to go away without  according a hearty vote of thanks to Colonel Safford for his kindness in coming there and inspecting them. The objects of that brigade were religious teaching and moral intercourse, and those things could better enjoyed when coupled with physical strength.

The resolution haring been accorded.

Colonel SAFFORD, in reply, said hoped he should have the pleasure of inspecting the boys another year.

Two verses of the hymn, "Onward, Christian soldiers" were then sang, and the Rev. R. Jones offered prayer, which terminated the proceedings.

Lieut.-Colonel Davies then entertained the general company to light refreshments, during which the band played some selections of music. The brigade were also entertained to an excellent tea.